An International Driver's Permit lasts either one or three years, depending on which version you get

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The length depends on which IDP version your country issues. The United States issues the one-year version through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel. Most other countries issue the three-year version. Your passport does not need to be valid for the permit to work — only your underlying driver's license needs to be current.

The IDP itself is a small booklet that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a replacement for your license; you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. If your IDP expires while you are overseas, it stops being valid when ready, even if your home country's driver's license is still good.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S.-issued IDP lasts one year from the date printed on the front cover, while most other countries' IDPs last three years.
  • Your IDP must be carried together with your valid home driver's license; neither document works alone.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front cover of the booklet, and you cannot renew an IDP — you must get a new one.
  • An expired IDP makes you an unlicensed driver in the eyes of foreign authorities, even if your home license is still valid.
  • Some rental car companies and border officials check the IDP expiration date, so traveling with an expired permit can result in denied car rentals or fines.

Where to find the expiration date on your IDP

The expiration date is printed on the front cover of your IDP booklet, in the upper right corner. It shows both the issue date and the expiration date. Check this date before any international trip, because some car rental companies scan the booklet and will refuse to rent to you if it has expired.

If you have lost your IDP or cannot find the date, contact the organization that issued it. In the United States, that is either AAA or American Express Travel, depending on where you obtained it. They can tell you the expiration date over the phone or email if you provide your name and the date you purchased it.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. You cannot drive legally using an expired IDP, even if your home driver's license is still current. Some countries treat an expired IDP the same way they treat driving without a license — you could face a fine or have your vehicle impounded.

Rental car companies often refuse to rent to drivers with expired IDPs because the rental agreement requires you to have valid driving documents. Border officials may also question an expired IDP during a vehicle inspection. The safest approach is to get a new IDP before your current one expires if you plan to drive internationally again.

Getting a new IDP before yours expires

You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a completely new one. In the United States, you can get a new one-year IDP through AAA or American Express Travel. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the process fee. Processing usually takes a few days to a week if you explore in person at an AAA office, or longer if you explore by mail.

If you are traveling soon and your IDP is about to expire, explore for a new one at least two weeks before your trip. Some AAA locations offer same-day service, but this varies by branch. Check with your local AAA office or American Express Travel office for their current processing times.

How the one-year and three-year versions differ

The United States issues only the one-year IDP through AAA and American Express Travel. This is shorter than the three-year version issued by most other countries. The one-year U.S. version costs less than the three-year version would, but you will need to replace it more often if you travel internationally regularly.

If you hold a driver's license from another country and that country issues a three-year IDP, you can obtain that version through your home country's automobile association or licensing authority. You cannot get a three-year U.S. IDP — the one-year version is the only option available to U.S. drivers.

Planning ahead for international trips

Check your IDP expiration date at least one month before any international driving trip. If it expires within three months of your travel date, get a new one before you leave. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you cannot visit an office in person, and it prevents problems at rental car counters or border checkpoints.

Keep your IDP in the same place as your passport and home driver's license. Many travelers keep all three documents in a small travel folder or wallet section. If you are renting a car, bring the IDP and your home license together — rental agents will ask to see both.

What to do if your IDP expires while traveling

If your IDP expires while you are overseas, you can no longer legally drive in most countries. You cannot extend or renew an IDP while abroad — you must return home and explore for a new one through AAA or American Express Travel. Some countries may allow you to drive on your home country's license alone for a short period, but this varies widely and is not reliable.

The best solution is to avoid this situation by checking your expiration date before you travel. If you are planning a long trip and your IDP will expire during it, get a new one before you leave. This is much simpler than trying to solve the problem while traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired IDP if my home driver's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if your home license is current. You must have a valid IDP to drive legally in most countries. Driving with an expired IDP can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.

How do I know if my IDP is about to expire?

The expiration date is printed on the front cover of your IDP booklet in the upper right corner. Check this date before any trip. If you cannot locate your IDP, contact AAA or American Express Travel with your name and purchase date, and they can tell you when it expires.

Can I renew my IDP, or do I have to get a new one?

You cannot renew an IDP. You must obtain a new one by explore through AAA or American Express Travel again. The process is the same as getting your first IDP — you will need your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and the process fee.

What if I am traveling internationally and my IDP expires during my trip?

You cannot legally drive once your IDP expires. You cannot extend or renew it while abroad. The only solution is to stop driving or return home to get a new IDP. This is why checking your expiration date before travel is important.

Do I need to carry my IDP even if I am not planning to drive?

If you are not driving, you do not need to carry your IDP. However, if there is any chance you might rent a car or drive, bring it with you. It is small and takes up little space, and having it prevents problems if your plans change.