An International Driving Permit lasts one to three years depending on which country issued it and which type you hold

The validity period of an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not fixed worldwide. The United States issues two types with different expiration timelines: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Other countries issue permits with their own validity periods. The permit you receive depends on which issuing organization you use, which country you're driving in, and sometimes which country issued your original driver's license.

Your IDP is not a replacement for your home country's driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving internationally. The permit expires on a specific date printed on the front, and driving with an expired IDP is treated the same as driving without one in most countries.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S.-issued IDPs come in one-year and three-year versions; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and covers more countries.
  • Your IDP must be renewed before the expiration date printed on the front, and you cannot renew it by mail or online in the United States.
  • An expired IDP does not automatically renew when you renew your U.S. driver's license; you must obtain a new IDP separately.
  • Non-U.S. citizens holding foreign driver's licenses can obtain a U.S. IDP, but the validity depends on how long their home license remains valid.

The two U.S. IDP types and their expiration dates

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Both issue a one-year permit and a three-year permit.

The one-year permit expires 12 months from the date of issue. The three-year permit expires 36 months from the date of issue. The exact expiration date is printed on the front of your permit in the field labeled "Expires." Some countries recognize only the three-year permit, so if you plan to drive in multiple nations, check their specific requirements before purchasing the one-year version.

The three-year permit costs more than the one-year permit at both AAA and AATA offices. Fees vary by location and change over time, so contact your local office for current pricing before 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Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. You cannot drive legally with an expired permit, even if your home country's driver's license is still active. Some rental car companies will refuse to rent to you if your IDP has expired, and police in foreign countries may fine you or confiscate the permit.

You cannot renew an expired IDP by mail, online, or through your state's DMV. You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and payment. Bring two passport-sized photographs (2x2 inches) if you are obtaining a permit for the first time or if your appearance has changed significantly since your last permit was issued.

If your IDP expires while you are outside the United States, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. You must wait until you return home to visit an AAA or AATA office. Plan ahead if you know your permit will expire during an international trip.

How IDP expiration relates to your driver's license renewal

Your IDP expiration date is completely separate from your driver's license expiration date. Renewing your state driver's license does not renew your IDP, and your IDP does not expire when your license expires. You must track both dates independently.

If your driver's license expires before your IDP, you can still use the IDP to drive internationally, but you must also carry a valid form of identification (such as a passport). If your IDP expires before your license, your license remains valid for driving in your home state, but you cannot drive internationally.

Some people mistakenly believe they can renew their IDP at the DMV when they renew their license. This is not possible. The DMV does not issue or renew IDPs. You must visit AAA or AATA separately.

IDP validity in specific countries

Most countries accept a valid U.S. IDP for the duration of its printed expiration date. However, some nations have additional rules. A few countries require that your IDP be valid for the entire duration of your stay, meaning if you arrive with only three months left on a three-year permit, you may be turned away at the border or refused a rental car.

Some countries also require that your home driver's license be valid for the entire duration of your stay. If your license expires before your IDP, you may still be denied entry or a rental. Check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit before you travel. Your rental car company can tell you their requirements, and your country's embassy website lists border entry rules.

A small number of countries do not recognize U.S. IDPs at all and require an International Driving Document issued by a different organization, or they require you to obtain a local driving permit. Research your destination country's rules at least two months before your trip.

Obtaining an IDP before your current one expires

You can obtain a new IDP before your current one expires. This is useful if you plan to travel shortly after your permit would expire, or if you want to switch from a one-year to a three-year permit. Visit an AAA or AATA office with your valid driver's license, passport, and payment. You will receive your new permit when ready in most cases.

If you obtain a new IDP while your old one is still valid, both permits will be active at the same time. You only need to carry one permit when you drive, but keeping both is harmless. Some travelers keep the old permit as a backup in case the new one is lost or damaged.

Non-U.S. citizens and IDP validity

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country and are visiting or living in the United States, you can obtain a U.S. IDP from AAA or AATA. The validity of your U.S. IDP is tied to the validity of your home country's license. If your home license expires before your U.S. IDP, the IDP becomes invalid even though the printed expiration date has not passed.

You must bring your valid foreign driver's license, a valid passport, and payment to an AAA or AATA office. The staff will verify that your home license is currently valid. If your home license is expired or will expire soon, you may be asked to renew it before obtaining the U.S. IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally after my IDP expires but before I get a new one?

No. An expired IDP is not valid in any country. You cannot drive legally without a valid permit, and rental companies will not rent to you. If you need to drive internationally, obtain a new IDP before your current one expires. Plan to visit an AAA or AATA office at least one week before your trip.

Does my IDP expire if I don't use it?

Yes. Your IDP expires on the printed date regardless of whether you have used it to drive. An unused permit is still expired and no longer valid. You must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally after the expiration date.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP outside the United States. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on driving legally until you return home. Some countries may allow you to drive on your home license alone for a limited time, but this varies. Once you return to the U.S., visit an AAA or AATA office to obtain a new permit.

Can I renew my IDP online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA require you to visit an office in person to obtain or renew an IDP. You must bring your valid driver's license, passport, and payment. Some AAA offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, but you must still appear in person to complete the transaction.

If I get a three-year IDP, do I need to renew it before traveling every three years?

Yes. A three-year IDP expires exactly three years after the date of issue, and you cannot drive internationally after that date. Mark your calendar with the expiration date and plan to obtain a new permit before you travel again after that date.