International driving permits are valid for one or three years, depending on which form you get and which country issued it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. driver's license. The length of time it stays valid depends on which of the two IDP formats you hold.

The 1926 format IDP, issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), is valid for three years from the date of issue. The 1968 format IDP, also issued by AAA and AATA, is valid for one year from the date of issue. Most travelers receive the three-year version unless they specifically request the one-year form.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document itself. You do not need to renew it through your state's DMV — you obtain a new one directly from AAA or AATA when the current one runs out. If you are planning a trip and your IDP will expire before you return, you should obtain a new one before you leave.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard three-year IDP from AAA or AATA is valid for exactly three years from the date printed on it.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your current U.S. driver's license — an expired license makes the IDP useless.
  • You renew an IDP by ordering a new one from AAA or AATA, not through your state DMV.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Your U.S. license must also be valid for the IDP to work

An IDP is only a translation document. It has no independent validity. If your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired, your IDP becomes worthless — you cannot drive on an IDP alone, even if the IDP itself has not expired.

This matters most when you are planning a long trip. If your U.S. license will expire during your travels, renew it before you leave. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in any country, and an IDP will not change that.

How to check the expiration date on your IDP

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, usually in the bottom right corner or on the back cover. It will show a specific month and year. Write this date down or take a photo of it before you travel, so you know whether you need a replacement before your next trip.

If you have lost your IDP or cannot find it, you can order a replacement from AAA or AATA. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo. The replacement will have a new three-year validity period from the date you order it.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You can order a new IDP up to six months before your current one expires. This gives you time to receive it before you travel. AAA and AATA both offer in-person and mail-in options.

If you order in person at an AAA office, you can usually receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. If you order by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Some AAA locations also offer expedited service for an additional fee.

You do not need to wait until your current IDP expires to order a new one. Many travelers order a replacement several months early to avoid the risk of traveling without one.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Your U.S. driver's license alone is not recognized as valid in most places outside the United States. You will need to stop driving and arrange other transportation, or return home.

Some car rental companies may refuse to rent to you if your IDP has expired, even if your U.S. license is still valid. Before you book a rental car, check the rental company's policy on IDP expiration.

Different countries have different rules about IDPs

Not every country recognizes the IDP. Some nations require an official translation of your license from a certified translator, or they require you to obtain a local driving permit. A few countries do not recognize either the IDP or a translated U.S. license and will not let you drive at all as a visitor.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit and ask what documents you need to drive there. Do not assume that an IDP will work everywhere. Some countries accept it; others do not. Checking ahead prevents you from arriving with the wrong paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired IDP if my U.S. license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid, even if your U.S. license has not expired. You must have both a current U.S. license and a current IDP to drive legally in countries that recognize the IDP. If your IDP has expired, you cannot drive in those countries.

Do I need to renew my IDP through my state DMV?

No. You renew your IDP by ordering a new one directly from AAA or AATA. Your state DMV does not issue or renew IDPs. You can order online, by mail, or in person at an AAA office.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA to report it lost. You can order a replacement by mail, but it will take time to arrive. In the meantime, you may not be able to drive legally. Some car rental companies may accept a police report of the loss plus your U.S. license, but this varies by company and country.

Is a three-year IDP better than a one-year IDP?

The three-year IDP is more practical for most travelers because it lasts longer and costs less per year. The one-year version is rarely needed unless you are traveling for only a short time and want the lowest upfront cost. Most people order the three-year version.

Can I use my IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize the U.S. driver's license without an IDP. You do not need an IDP to drive in either country. However, carrying one does not hurt, and some car rental companies may ask for it. Check with your rental company before you book.