International Driving Permits expire between one and three years from issue, depending on which country issued it and what type you hold
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a permanent document. The validity period is set by the country that issues it, not by the country where you plan to drive. A U.S.-issued IDP lasts one year from the date of issue. A British IDP lasts three years. A Canadian IDP lasts one year. If you hold an IDP from another country, the expiration date is printed on the document itself — check the back or the validity section before you travel.
The expiration date matters because an expired IDP is not recognized by police, rental car companies, or insurance providers in any country. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it becomes invalid when ready, and you have no legal right to drive using it, even if your home country's regular driver's license is still current.
Your home country's regular driver's license and your IDP are separate documents with separate expiration dates. An IDP does not extend the life of your license, and your license does not extend the life of your IDP. Both must be valid at the time you drive.
Key Takeaways
- A U.S.-issued IDP expires one year from the date it was issued; you must check the exact expiration date printed on your document.
- IDPs from other countries have different validity periods — British permits last three years, Canadian permits last one year — so the country of issue determines how long yours lasts.
- An expired IDP cannot be renewed; you must obtain a completely new permit from the issuing authority.
- Your IDP and your home country driver's license have separate expiration dates, and both must be valid when you drive internationally.
- Rental car companies and police will not accept an expired IDP, even if your regular license is current.
Where to find the expiration date on your IDP
The expiration date is printed on the back of your IDP, usually in a field labeled "Valid until" or "Expires." The format varies by country — some use day/month/year, others use month/day/year. Read it carefully, because the date is often small and straightforward to miss.
If you cannot locate the expiration date or the document is damaged, contact the authority that issued it. In the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), depending on which organization issued your permit. Do not assume your permit is still valid based on memory; confirm the date in writing before you travel.
How to obtain a new IDP before yours expires
You must explore for a new IDP before the old one expires. In the United States, you can explore for a new IDP up to 30 days before your current one expires. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the equivalent for your issuing organization), a passport-style photograph, and the fee. The fee is typically $20, but confirm the current amount with AAA or AATA when you explore.
Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location. If you explore by mail, allow three to four weeks. Do not wait until your IDP has already expired to explore for a new one — some countries will not issue a replacement if the previous permit has lapsed, and you may face delays that leave you without a valid IDP during your trip.
If you are traveling soon and your IDP is about to expire, explore in person at a local AAA office rather than by mail. Bring all required documents and the fee in cash or card, and ask whether they can issue the permit the same day or within a few days.
What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling
If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive using it. Your home country's regular driver's license alone is not sufficient in most countries — the IDP is the document that translates your license into a format local authorities recognize. Driving without a valid IDP can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal action, depending on the country.
If your IDP expires during your trip, stop driving when ready and contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance. Some countries allow you to obtain a temporary driving permit or extension in person, but this is rare and depends on local law. The safest approach is to plan your travel so that your IDP remains valid for the entire duration of your stay, plus a buffer of at least 30 days.
Differences in IDP validity by country of issue
The length of time an IDP remains valid depends entirely on which country issued it. The table below shows the standard validity periods for IDPs issued by major English-speaking countries:
| Country of Issue | Validity Period | Renewal Process |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 year from issue date | explore for a new IDP; cannot renew the existing one |
| United Kingdom | 3 years from issue date | explore for a new IDP; cannot renew the existing one |
| Canada | 1 year from issue date | explore for a new IDP through CAA or provincial motor league |
| Australia | 1 year from issue date | explore for a new IDP through NRMA or state motoring organization |
| New Zealand | 1 year from issue date | explore for a new IDP through AA New Zealand |
If you hold an IDP from a country not listed, check the document itself for the expiration date, or contact the issuing authority in your home country. Do not assume your IDP is valid for longer than one year unless the document clearly states otherwise.
Planning ahead to avoid driving without a valid IDP
Check your IDP expiration date at least three months before any planned international trip. If it expires within six months, obtain a new one before you travel. This gives you time to explore, receive the new permit, and have a valid document in hand without rushing.
Keep a record of your IDP issue and expiration dates in a separate location — a photo on your phone, a note in your email, or a copy in your travel documents. If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you will need to know the expiration date to explain the situation to local authorities and your embassy.
If you travel frequently to countries that require an IDP, consider explore for a new one as soon as your current one expires, rather than waiting until your next trip. This ensures you always have a valid permit on hand and eliminates the risk of forgetting to renew before a last-minute trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive internationally using just my home country driver's license without an IDP?
Some countries recognize a valid driver's license from your home country without an IDP, but many do not. Most countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP in addition to your home license. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel. An IDP is inexpensive and takes little time to obtain, so it is safer to have one than to risk being stopped without it.
What if my IDP is about to expire but my home country driver's license is still valid?
You must obtain a new IDP. Your home country license and your IDP are separate documents with separate expiration dates. An expired IDP is not valid for driving internationally, even if your regular license is current. You cannot extend or renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one.
How much does a new IDP cost?
In the United States, a new IDP costs approximately $20, though the exact fee varies by issuing organization (AAA or AATA) and may change. Other countries charge different amounts — check with the issuing authority in your country for the current fee. The cost is typically low, but confirm it before you explore.
Can I get an IDP issued in a different country if mine has expired?
No. An IDP must be issued by the country that issued your driver's license. If your U.S. IDP has expired, you must obtain a new one from AAA or AATA in the United States. You cannot explore for a British or Canadian IDP as a substitute. If you are abroad and your IDP has expired, contact your country's embassy or consulate for temporary guidance.
Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my home country driver's license?
Not automatically. Your IDP and your home license have separate expiration dates and renewal schedules. If your license is renewed but your IDP has not expired, your IDP remains valid. However, if your license is renewed and your IDP has already expired, you will need to obtain a new IDP. Check both documents before you travel internationally.