An International Driving Permit lasts one year from the date of issue, or until your domestic driver's license expires — whichever comes first

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not extend your driving rights. If your U.S. driver's license expires in six months, your IDP expires in six months too, even if you received it today. If your license is valid for five more years, your IDP lasts one year, and you will need to renew it annually if you continue to travel internationally.

The one-year limit is set by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which governs IDP validity worldwide. No country can issue an IDP valid longer than one year, and no country recognizes an expired IDP — even if your domestic license is still active.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it, or until your domestic driver's license expires, whichever happens first.
  • You must renew your IDP every year if you travel internationally, even if your domestic license does not expire.
  • An expired IDP is not recognized by any country, and driving with one can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.

Why the one-year limit exists

The one-year validity period is not a U.S. rule — it is an international standard. The United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which the United States and most countries have signed, sets one year as the maximum validity for any IDP. This ensures that every IDP holder has a current domestic license on file and that the translation remains accurate.

Because an IDP is a translation of your domestic license, not a separate document, it cannot outlast the license it translates. If your domestic license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the one-year period has not ended. This is why some travelers receive an IDP valid for only a few months — their domestic license expires soon.

How to check your IDP expiration date

Your IDP expiration date is printed on the front of the permit, usually near the bottom. It shows both the month and year. Compare this date to your domestic driver's license expiration date — your IDP is valid only until whichever date comes first.

If you received your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA), you can also call your local AAA office or check your receipt. If you received it from the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), contact them directly. Both organizations keep records of issue and expiration dates.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

An expired IDP is not recognized by any country. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, an expired IDP will not satisfy the requirement to carry an international driving document. You may face fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal complications depending on the country's laws.

If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot renew it while abroad. You must return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. This is why it is important to check your expiration date before you leave and plan your travel accordingly.

Renewing your International Driving Permit

To renew your IDP, you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your valid domestic driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment (fees vary by organization, typically between $15 and $20). Processing usually takes a few minutes to a few hours if you explore in person.

If you are renewing because your domestic license is expiring soon, renew your domestic license first. Then explore for a new IDP. Your new IDP will be valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your new domestic license expires, whichever comes first.

International Driving Permit vs. domestic license validity

Your domestic driver's license and your IDP have separate expiration dates, and they do not affect each other — except that your IDP cannot outlast your domestic license. A domestic license valid for eight years does not make your IDP valid for eight years. Your IDP is always one year or less.

Some countries require you to carry both documents together. Your IDP is a translation; it is not a replacement for your domestic license. Many rental car companies and police officers will ask to see both. If either one is expired, you may not be permitted to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one is still valid. The new IDP will be valid for one year from the date you receive it. Some travelers renew early if they travel frequently or if their domestic license is expiring soon.

What if my domestic license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your domestic license expires. You cannot use it to drive, even if the one-year period has not ended. Renew your domestic license first, then explore for a new IDP.

Do I need a new IDP every time I travel internationally?

No. One IDP is valid for all international trips during its one-year validity period. You do not need a new one for each trip. However, if a year passes or your domestic license expires, you must renew it before traveling again.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in every country?

An IDP is recognized by most countries that have signed the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which includes most nations. However, a few countries do not recognize it. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel, as some may require an additional document or a certified translation of your domestic license.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my domestic license is suspended?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended domestic driver's license to receive an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot explore. Once your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated, you can explore for an IDP.