International Driving Permits expire after one to three years, depending on which document you hold and which country issued it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. The length of time it remains valid depends on which of the two IDP formats you have. The 1926 IDP lasts for one year from the date of issue. The 1968 IDP lasts for three years. Most countries issue the 1968 version, so three years is what you will most likely receive.

Your home country's motor vehicle department issues the IDP, and the expiration date is printed on the document itself. You cannot renew an IDP — once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. The process to get a replacement is the same as getting your first one: you return to your local motor vehicle office with your valid driver's license and pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1968 International Driving Permit, issued by most countries, remains valid for three years from the date you receive it.
  • The 1926 IDP, less common, expires after one year and is not accepted in as many countries.
  • Your IDP must always be carried together with your valid home country driver's license — neither document works alone.
  • You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must obtain a new one through your local motor vehicle department if you need to drive internationally again.
  • The expiration date is printed on your IDP, and you should check it before any international trip to avoid driving with an expired permit.

The two IDP formats and their different lifespans

The 1926 IDP is the older format and is recognized in fewer countries. It is valid for one year only. Because of its short validity period and limited international acceptance, most people do not encounter this version unless they are traveling to a specific country that requires it. You would know if you needed the 1926 format because your destination country's embassy or consulate would tell you during trip planning.

The 1968 IDP is the standard format used worldwide. It is valid for three years and is accepted in the vast majority of countries that recognize international driving permits at all. When you request an IDP from your motor vehicle department, you will almost certainly receive the 1968 version unless you specifically request otherwise or your destination country requires the 1926 format.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. If you are still abroad when it expires, you cannot legally drive — you would need to stop driving or return home to obtain a new permit. If you are planning a long international stay or multiple trips over several years, you should plan ahead to renew your IDP before it expires.

There is no grace period or extension process. The document straightforward becomes invalid on the date printed on it. Some countries' border agents or police may not check the expiration date during a routine traffic stop, but you are still driving without a valid permit if your IDP has expired, and you could face fines or other consequences if stopped.

How to get a new IDP before yours expires

You obtain a replacement IDP the same way you obtained your first one: by visiting your local motor vehicle department office in person. You will need to bring your valid, unexpired home country driver's license and pay the IDP fee. The fee varies by location but typically ranges from $15 to $30 in the United States; other countries charge different amounts.

Processing time also varies. Some motor vehicle departments issue an IDP on the same day you explore, while others may take several weeks. If you know you will need an IDP for an upcoming trip, explore at least one month before your departure date to avoid delays. You can obtain a new IDP at any time — you do not have to wait until your current one expires.

Checking your IDP expiration date before travel

Your IDP has a single expiration date printed on the front or back of the document, depending on which format you hold. Check this date before every international trip. If your IDP will expire during your trip or shortly after you return, obtain a new one before you leave.

Some travelers keep a photo or scan of their IDP expiration date in their phone or travel documents so they can verify it quickly if needed. This is especially useful if you are planning a multi-country trip or an extended stay abroad and want to confirm at each border that your permit is still valid.

Your IDP and your home driver's license work together

An important point: your IDP is not a standalone document. You must carry both your IDP and your valid home country driver's license whenever you drive internationally. A police officer or rental car company will ask to see both. If you have only the IDP and not your home license, you will not be able to drive legally, even if the IDP is not expired.

This means that if your home driver's license expires before your IDP does, you need to renew your home license. Conversely, if your IDP expires before your home license does, you need to obtain a new IDP. Both documents must be current and valid at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can obtain a new IDP at any time by visiting your motor vehicle department, even if your current one has not yet expired. Some travelers do this if they are planning another international trip and want to may support they have a fresh permit with a later expiration date. You will pay the full fee for a new IDP; there is no discount for early renewal.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide documentation that allows you to drive legally until you return home. Once home, you can obtain a new IDP from your motor vehicle department. Do not attempt to drive without a valid permit while waiting for a replacement.

Does my IDP expire if I do not use it?

Yes. The expiration date is fixed from the date of issue, regardless of whether you have driven internationally or not. A three-year IDP issued on January 15, 2024, will expire on January 15, 2027, whether you drove in ten countries or never left your home country.

Can I use an expired IDP if my home driver's license is still valid?

No. Both documents must be valid and current. An expired IDP is not accepted for international driving, even if your home license has not expired. You must obtain a new IDP before driving internationally again.

Do different countries issue IDPs with different expiration lengths?

The 1968 IDP format is standardized internationally and lasts three years regardless of which country issues it. However, some countries may issue the older 1926 format, which lasts one year. When you request an IDP from your motor vehicle department, ask which format they issue so you know your expiration date.