International Driving Permits expire after one or three years, depending on which form you hold

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The length depends on which of the two IDP forms the issuing authority gives you. The one-year permit (Form 126) and the three-year permit (Form 127) are both recognized under the 1926 Convention on Road Signs and Signals, but they carry different expiration dates.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. Both issue the three-year form as standard. If you receive a one-year permit, it is usually because you requested it specifically or because your underlying driver's license will expire within one year.

Your IDP is only valid while you also hold a valid driver's license from your home country. If your state or country driver's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not yet reached its expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The three-year IDP (Form 127) is the standard permit issued by AAA and AATA in the United States and is valid for three years from the date printed on the document.
  • The one-year IDP (Form 126) is less common in the U.S. but may be issued if you request it or if your underlying driver's license expires within twelve months.
  • Your IDP becomes invalid when ready if your state driver's license expires, regardless of how much time remains on the permit itself.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one by reapplying through AAA or AATA once the current permit expires.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit and is calculated from the date of issue, not from the date you receive it in the mail.

The three-year permit is what you will receive from AAA or AATA

When you order an IDP through AAA or AATA, you receive the three-year form unless you specifically request the one-year version. The three-year permit (Form 127 under the 1926 Convention) is printed with an expiration date exactly three years after the date of issue shown on the document.

The date of issue is the date the permit is created and signed by the issuing authority, not the date you receive it. If you order by mail, there may be a gap of several days or weeks between the issue date and the date the permit arrives at your address. The three-year clock starts on the issue date, so you do not gain extra time by receiving it late.

AAA and AATA both print the expiration date directly on the front of the permit in a clear field. You should verify this date before you travel, because some countries will refuse to recognize an IDP that is within a certain number of months of expiration—typically three to six months—even though the permit is technically still valid.

The one-year permit is less common but available if you request it

The one-year IDP (Form 126) is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. You may request this form if your underlying driver's license will expire within the next year, or if you only need the permit for a short trip and do not want to pay for a three-year permit.

The one-year form costs less than the three-year form at both AAA and AATA, though the price difference is modest. If you know you will be traveling internationally more than once in the next three years, the three-year permit is usually the better value. If you are uncertain about future travel or your license status may change, the one-year permit lets you avoid waste.

To request the one-year form, you must specify it when you place your order. AAA and AATA do not automatically offer it as an option on their websites; you may need to call or visit in person to request Form 126 instead of the standard Form 127.

Your IDP is invalid if your driver's license expires first

The most common reason an IDP becomes unusable before its printed expiration date is that your state driver's license expires. An IDP is only a supplement to your home country driver's license—it is not a standalone document. When you drive in a foreign country, you must carry both documents together.

If your state driver's license expires while your IDP still has time remaining, the IDP is no longer valid for driving. You cannot use the IDP alone, and you cannot use an expired driver's license with a valid IDP. You must renew your state driver's license before you can drive internationally again.

This is a common source of confusion because the IDP and the driver's license have different renewal cycles. Plan ahead: if your driver's license will expire before your IDP does, renew the license before you travel, or obtain a new IDP after you renew your license.

You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one

Unlike a driver's license, an IDP cannot be renewed. Once it expires, you must explore for a completely new permit through AAA or AATA. There is no renewal process, no reduced fee for existing holders, and no way to extend an expired permit.

If you need an IDP after yours expires, you follow the same process as a first-time applicant: you provide your valid driver's license, proof of residency, a passport-style photograph, and the process fee. The entire process takes the same amount of time as the original process.

If you are planning international travel and your IDP is expiring soon, order a new one well before your trip. AAA and AATA both offer expedited processing for an additional fee, but standard processing typically takes one to two weeks.

Different countries have different rules about IDP age and validity

While your IDP is technically valid for its full three-year term, some countries impose their own restrictions on how old an IDP can be or how close to expiration it must be. A few countries will not accept an IDP that is more than one year old, even if it has not yet expired. Others require that the permit have at least three to six months of validity remaining.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate, or check the country's official driving regulations online. If your IDP is too old or too close to expiration for your destination, you will need to obtain a new one before you leave.

This is especially important if you are planning a long trip that spans multiple countries, because different nations have different age and expiration thresholds. A permit that is valid in one country may not be accepted in another.

How to check your IDP expiration date and plan ahead

Your IDP expiration date is printed on the front of the permit in a field labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until." The date is in the format MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on the issuing authority. Check this date as soon as you receive your permit, and note it in your calendar or phone.

If you plan to travel internationally more than once, calculate when you will need to order a new IDP. Remember that standard processing takes one to two weeks, and expedited processing takes three to five business days. If your IDP expires during a planned trip, order a replacement at least three weeks before you leave.

Keep your IDP in a safe place with your passport and driver's license. If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot get a replacement for the same permit—you must order a new one, which will have a new issue date and a new three-year expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after it expires?

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving in any country. You must obtain a new permit before you travel. Some countries will not even accept an IDP that is within three to six months of expiration, so check your destination's rules before your trip.

What if my driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date. You must renew your driver's license before you can drive internationally again. If you need an IDP after renewing your license, you must order a new permit.

How long does it take to get a new IDP after mine expires?

Standard processing through AAA or AATA takes one to two weeks. Expedited processing takes three to five business days for an additional fee. Plan ahead if you have a trip coming up; do not wait until the last minute to order.

Is the one-year IDP cheaper than the three-year IDP?

Yes, the one-year permit costs less, but the difference is small. If you think you might travel internationally again within three years, the three-year permit is usually better value. You must request the one-year form specifically; it is not the default option.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot get a replacement IDP while abroad. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on how to proceed. When you return home, you can order a new IDP through AAA or AATA, which will have a new expiration date three years from the issue date.