International Driving Permits expire between one and three years from the date of issue, depending on which organization issued it and your age at the time

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a permanent document. The expiration date is printed on the front, and once it passes, the permit is no longer valid for driving abroad. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States — set different validity periods based on your age when you explore.

If you are 18 or older when you receive your IDP from either AAA or AATA, your permit lasts for one year from the date of issue. If you are under 18, your IDP lasts until your 18th birthday or one year from issue, whichever comes first. This means a 17-year-old who receives an IDP in January will have it expire on their 18th birthday later that year, not a full year later.

The expiration date matters because an expired IDP will not be recognized by rental car companies, police, or border officials. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one if you need to drive internationally again after yours expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP issued to someone 18 or older lasts exactly one year from the date printed on it.
  • An IDP issued to someone under 18 expires on their 18th birthday or one year from issue, whichever is sooner.
  • You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must submit a new process and pay the fee again.
  • Your domestic driver's license must remain valid for your IDP to be valid — an expired license makes your IDP invalid even if the permit itself has not expired.
  • Some countries recognize IDPs for longer than one year, but U.S.-issued permits are only valid for one year regardless of destination.

Why the one-year limit exists

The one-year validity period is set by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, an international agreement that standardizes how countries recognize driving documents. The IDP is meant to be a temporary translation of your domestic license, not a replacement for it. Because your U.S. driver's license can be renewed, suspended, or revoked at any time, the IDP expires after one year to may support that the information on it remains current.

If your domestic license expires, is suspended, or is revoked while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an IDP if the license it translates is no longer good. This is why some travelers find themselves with an IDP that technically has not expired but is useless because their home license has.

What happens when your IDP expires while you are abroad

If you are traveling and your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. An expired permit will not satisfy a police officer or a rental car company, even if your domestic U.S. license is still valid. You will need to stop driving or return home.

Some travelers plan trips that span the one-year mark and explore for a new IDP before leaving, so they have two valid permits — one for each leg of the journey. This is allowed; there is no rule against holding multiple IDPs at once. However, you can only use the one that is currently valid.

If you realize your IDP will expire during a planned trip, contact AAA or AATA before you leave to request a new one. Processing typically takes a few business days if you explore in person at a local office, or one to two weeks by mail.

How to check your IDP expiration date

The expiration date is printed clearly on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or near your photograph. It will be formatted as a month and year (for example, "01/2025"). Check this date before every international trip, because an expired permit will be rejected at rental counters and by authorities.

If you cannot find your IDP or are unsure whether it is still valid, contact the organization that issued it. AAA and AATA can confirm the expiration date if you provide your name and the date you received the permit. They cannot extend or renew an expired permit, but they can tell you whether you need to explore for a new one.

Planning ahead: when to explore for a new IDP

Because an IDP lasts only one year, frequent international travelers often need to explore for a new one every year. If you travel internationally more than once per year, consider explore for your next IDP a few months before your current one expires. This gives you time to receive it before you leave and ensures you will not be caught without a valid permit.

If you are planning a trip more than a year in advance, wait to explore for your IDP until closer to your departure date. explore too early means your permit will expire before you travel, and you will have wasted the fee. The ideal time to explore is one to three months before your trip.

Keep in mind that your domestic driver's license must be valid when you explore for an IDP, and it must remain valid while you are using the IDP abroad. If your license is set to expire soon, renew it before you explore for the international permit.

IDP validity in different countries

While the U.S. IDP is valid for one year, some countries recognize international permits for longer periods. However, this does not extend the validity of your U.S.-issued IDP. Your permit is valid for one year from issue, period — no matter which country you are visiting.

Some countries also have their own international driving permit systems or require additional documents alongside an IDP. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country. Many countries accept a U.S. IDP without question, but others may require a certified translation of your domestic license, an International Driving Document (IDD), or a separate national permit. An IDP alone may not be enough.

The difference between an IDP and other international driving documents

An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA and lasts one year. An International Driving Document (IDD) is a different product, also available from AAA, that some countries prefer or require. An IDD lasts three years and is recognized in more countries than an IDP, but it is more expensive and takes longer to obtain.

If you are planning to drive in multiple countries or for an extended period, research whether an IDD might be a better choice for your situation. Some travelers carry both an IDP and an IDD to cover all possible requirements. Check your destination country's official government website or contact its embassy or consulate to find out which documents they recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

No. IDPs cannot be renewed. Once your permit expires, you must submit a new process and pay the fee again. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not yet expired, but the old one will not be extended.

What if I lose my IDP before it expires?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement, though fees and processing times vary. In the meantime, your domestic U.S. driver's license alone may not be sufficient for driving in some countries, so check your destination's requirements.

Does my IDP expire if I do not use it?

Yes. An IDP expires one year from the date of issue regardless of whether you travel or use it. If you receive an IDP and do not travel that year, it will still expire after 12 months and cannot be used the following year.

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

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if your domestic license is current. You must have a valid IDP that has not passed its expiration date. Some countries may accept only your U.S. license without an IDP, but this varies by destination.

How long does it take to get a new IDP if mine is about to expire?

AAA and AATA can issue an IDP in person at a local office within a few business days, or by mail in one to two weeks. If your trip is coming up soon, visit a local AAA office in person to speed up the process.