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 length of time it remains valid depends on which of the two issuing organizations created it — the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — and which country you plan to visit.
The AAA issues permits valid for one year from the date of issue. The AATA issues permits valid for three years. Both are paper documents that work alongside your valid U.S. driver's license; neither replaces it. Your U.S. license must still be current when you travel, and you must carry both documents together.
Some countries also issue their own international permits or driving documents to their citizens. If you hold a foreign license and are traveling to another country, the validity of your document depends on which nation issued it and the bilateral agreements between that nation and your destination.
Key Takeaways
- AAA-issued permits last one year from the date printed on the document; AATA-issued permits last three years.
- Your U.S. driver's license must remain valid and must travel with your IDP — the permit alone is not enough.
- Some rental car companies and border officials recognize only one issuing organization, so confirm which type you need before you purchase.
- If your permit expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas; you must return to the United States to obtain a new one.
- Foreign-issued permits follow the rules of the country that issued them, which vary widely and may not be recognized in all destinations.
Why IDPs have short expiration dates
International Driving Permits are translation documents, not licenses. They translate the information on your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages — typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian — so that police and rental agencies in other countries can read your driving record and vehicle class may be able to access.
Because they are tied to your U.S. license, an IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires, is suspended, or is revoked. The short validity period (one to three years) reflects the fact that your underlying U.S. license status can change. If you renew your U.S. license, you must also obtain a new IDP; the old one cannot be transferred or extended.
The one-year versus three-year difference between AAA and AATA permits is largely a matter of organizational policy. Both are recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which governs international driving documents. Neither is more "official" than the other, though some countries or rental companies may prefer one over the other.
How to check your permit's expiration date
Your IDP's expiration date is printed on the front of the document in the field labeled "Valid until" or "Expires." The date format varies depending on which organization issued it, but it will always be a specific month and year.
AAA permits show the expiration date as a single date one year from issue. AATA permits show the expiration date as three years from issue. If you cannot locate your permit or the date is unclear, contact the organization that issued it — AAA or AATA — with your name and the approximate date you purchased it, and they can confirm the expiration date for you.
Do not rely on memory or the date you purchased the permit. Permits issued on different dates within the same month may have different expiration dates. Keep your permit in a safe place and check the date before any international trip.
What happens if your permit expires while traveling
If your IDP expires while you are outside the United States, you cannot renew it abroad. Most countries do not have AAA or AATA offices, and neither organization can issue replacements overseas. You will need to continue using your U.S. driver's license alone for the remainder of your trip.
In most countries, your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient on its own, even without the IDP. The permit is a convenience — it translates your information — but it is not required. However, some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, and some police officers in certain countries may be less familiar with U.S. licenses without a translation document present.
If you are planning a long trip and your permit will expire during your travels, purchase a new one before you leave the United States. You can obtain a new IDP even if your current one has not yet expired; there is no rule against holding two permits at once.
Renewing your permit before it expires
To renew your IDP, you must visit an AAA office (if you want a one-year permit) or submit an process to AATA (if you want a three-year permit). You cannot renew by mail or online with either organization. You will need to bring your current U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photograph.
AAA offices are located in most U.S. states and can issue a new permit on the same day you explore, though wait times vary by location. AATA applications are processed by mail and typically take two to four weeks. If you need a permit quickly, AAA is the faster option.
The cost of a new permit is the same whether you are renewing or obtaining one for the first time. AAA charges a flat fee (which varies slightly by state), and AATA charges a separate fee. Neither fee is refundable if you change your plans.
Differences between AAA and AATA permits
| Feature | AAA Permit | AATA Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Validity period | 1 year from issue | 3 years from issue |
| Where to obtain | AAA office in person | By mail to AATA headquarters |
| Processing time | Same day (varies by location) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Requires AAA membership | No | No |
| Acceptance worldwide | Widely recognized | Widely recognized; some rental companies prefer AAA |
Both permits are legal and recognized internationally. The choice between them depends on how long you plan to travel internationally and how quickly you need the permit. If you travel frequently or for extended periods, the AATA three-year permit may be more cost-effective. If you travel occasionally or need a permit quickly, the AAA one-year permit is simpler.
Foreign-issued permits and their validity
If you hold a driver's license issued by another country and are traveling to a third country, the validity of your international permit depends on which nation issued it. Some countries issue their own international driving documents that follow United Nations standards; others do not issue them at all.
For example, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia issue International Driving Permits that are valid for one to three years, similar to U.S. permits. However, some countries recognize only permits issued by their own government or by specific bilateral agreements with other nations. Before traveling with a foreign-issued permit, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm whether your permit will be recognized.
If you are a foreign national living in the United States and need an international permit to drive in another country, you cannot obtain one from AAA or AATA. You must contact the motor vehicle authority in your home country or the country you plan to visit to learn what documents are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired IDP if my U.S. license is still valid?
No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if your U.S. license has not expired. You must carry a current IDP alongside your current U.S. license. However, in most countries, your valid U.S. license alone is sufficient if your IDP has expired and you cannot obtain a new one before your trip.
Do I need to renew my IDP every time I renew my driver's license?
Not necessarily. Your IDP is valid for its stated period (one or three years) regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires. However, if your U.S. license is revoked or suspended, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. If you renew your U.S. license and want a new IDP, you must obtain one separately.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on whether you can continue driving with your U.S. license alone. In most cases, your valid U.S. license is sufficient. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA.
Is an IDP valid in every country?
Most countries recognize International Driving Permits issued under United Nations standards, but not all. Some countries require additional documents, such as a certified translation of your U.S. license or an International Certificate of Competency. Before traveling, check the driving requirements for your specific destination with its embassy or consulate.
Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is suspended?
No. You must have a valid, unsuspended U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot obtain a permit until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.