International Driving Permits are valid for one or three years, depending on which type you hold and when you obtained it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a permanent document. The length of time yours remains valid depends on which of the two IDP formats you carry and the age you were when you received it. The most common format — the one issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — lasts either one year or three years. A smaller number of people hold the older format, which has different validity periods. Your passport does not extend an IDP's validity; when your permit expires, it is no longer recognized by foreign authorities, even if your passport is still current.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP in the box labeled "Valid until". You should check this date before every international trip. Many countries will not allow you to drive on an expired permit, and rental car companies often refuse to rent to drivers whose IDP has lapsed.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard IDP issued by AAA or AATA lasts either one year (if you were under 18 when issued) or three years (if you were 18 or older).
  • The expiration date appears on the front of your permit and is not extended by passport renewal or any other document.
  • You must obtain a new IDP before the current one expires; there is no grace period for driving on an expired permit abroad.
  • Replacement IDPs can be ordered by mail or obtained in person at AAA offices, and processing takes one to two weeks for mail orders.
  • An IDP is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license; the two documents must travel as a pair.

One-Year Permits for Drivers Under 18

If you were younger than 18 years old on the date you received your IDP, that permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. This shorter validity period reflects the fact that young drivers may not yet hold a permanent U.S. driver's license, or may hold a restricted or provisional license that could change during that year.

The one-year expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. Once that date passes, the permit cannot be used, even if you have since turned 18 or obtained an unrestricted license. You will need to order a replacement IDP if you plan to drive internationally after that date.

Three-Year Permits for Drivers 18 and Older

If you were 18 or older when you received your IDP, your permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. This is the standard validity period for most adult drivers and is the format recognized by the vast majority of countries that accept IDPs.

The three-year term gives you time to plan multiple international trips without needing to renew. However, you should still check the expiration date before booking travel, because a permit that expires during your trip will not be recognized by rental companies or police in the countries you visit.

What Happens When Your IDP Expires

Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. Foreign authorities will not recognize it, and rental car companies will refuse to rent to you. There is no grace period — an expired permit cannot be used even for a single day after the expiration date.

If you are currently abroad when your IDP expires, you should not drive. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on how to proceed. Some countries allow you to obtain a temporary driving permit through their local authorities, but this varies widely and should not be assumed.

If you discover your IDP has expired before a planned trip, you can order a replacement by mail from AAA or AATA, or visit an AAA office in person. Mail orders typically take one to two weeks; in-person orders at AAA offices can sometimes be completed the same day, though this varies by location.

The IDP Must Travel With Your U.S. Driver's License

An IDP is not a standalone document. It is only valid when presented together with your current, valid U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license has expired, your IDP cannot be used to drive, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired.

This means you are actually managing two expiration dates: the date on your U.S. driver's license and the date on your IDP. Before international travel, verify that both documents are current. If either one has expired, you cannot legally drive in most countries.

Renewing Your IDP Before It Expires

You can order a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not yet expired. Many drivers order a replacement a few months before the expiration date to may support they have it on hand for upcoming trips. There is no penalty for obtaining a new IDP early.

AAA and AATA both accept renewal orders by mail and in person. By mail, you will need to submit an process form, a photocopy of your U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and payment. Processing takes one to two weeks. At an AAA office, you can often complete the process in a single visit, though you should call ahead to confirm availability and bring the same documents.

The fee for an IDP varies slightly between AAA and AATA, and both organizations occasionally adjust their pricing. As of recent years, the cost has typically been in the range of $15 to $20, but you should confirm the current fee when you order.

Older IDP Formats and Validity Periods

A small number of people still carry IDPs issued under the older 1926 Convention format, which has different validity rules. These permits are valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of the driver's age. If you hold an older-format IDP, check the front of your document to see which format you carry — the newer format will be labeled as compliant with the 1968 Convention.

Older-format permits are becoming less common as they expire and are replaced with the newer 1968 Convention permits. However, if you still hold one, the same rule applies: once it expires, it cannot be used, and you will need to obtain a new permit if you plan to drive internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP cannot be used for driving in any country, even if your U.S. driver's license has not yet expired. Both documents must be current and valid at the time you drive. Foreign authorities will not recognize an expired IDP under any circumstances.

Does my IDP expiration date change if I renew my U.S. driver's license?

No. Your IDP expiration date is independent of your U.S. driver's license renewal. The two documents have separate expiration dates, and renewing one does not extend the other. You must track both dates separately and renew each document on its own schedule.

What if I'm traveling and my IDP expires while I'm abroad?

You should not drive once your IDP has expired. Contact your country's embassy or consulate when ready for guidance. Some countries allow temporary driving permits through local authorities, but this is not may provide. It is your responsibility to may support your IDP is valid for the entire duration of your trip before you depart.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than three years?

No. The maximum validity period for an IDP issued by AAA or AATA is three years. There is no option to purchase a longer-lasting permit. If you need an IDP for more than three years, you will need to renew it when it expires.

How do I know which expiration date is on my IDP?

Look at the front of your IDP for the box labeled "Valid until" or "Expires". The date is printed there in day-month-year format. If you cannot locate this box or the date is unclear, contact AAA or AATA with your permit number and they can confirm the expiration date for you.