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

The length of time your International Driving Permit (IDP) remains valid depends entirely on which issuing country printed it. The United States issues IDPs valid for three years from the date of issue. Other countries issue permits valid for one year only. Some nations offer both a one-year and a three-year option at the time of process. Your permit's expiration date is printed on the document itself — check the front or back for the words "valid until" or "expires" followed by a specific date.

An IDP is not a replacement for your domestic driver's license. It is a translation document that works alongside your original license from your home country. Both documents must be carried together when driving abroad. If your home country license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you cannot drive on an expired home license, even if the permit is still valid.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S.-issued IDP is valid for three years from the date it was issued to you.
  • Your IDP expiration date is printed on the permit itself and should be checked before any international trip.
  • An IDP must be carried with your original home country driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
  • If your home country license expires before your IDP does, you cannot legally drive even though the permit is still valid.
  • Some countries issue one-year permits instead of three-year permits, so validity varies by nation of origin.

Where to find your IDP expiration date

Open your IDP and look at the front page. Most permits display the issue date and expiration date in the upper right corner or along the top edge. The format varies by country — some use month/day/year, others use day/month/year. If you cannot locate it on the front, check the inside pages, particularly the page with your photograph and signature.

Write down your expiration date or take a photo of the permit page showing it. Before any trip outside your home country, verify that both your IDP and your home license are valid on the dates you will be driving. If either document expires during your trip, you will not be able to legally operate a vehicle.

Why the three-year U.S. permit expires when it does

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Both issue three-year permits. The three-year window aligns roughly with the validity period of a standard U.S. driver's license, though state licenses vary — some last four years, some five, some eight depending on your state.

The three-year term is not tied to your home license's expiration. If you renew your state driver's license after one year but your IDP was issued three years ago, you now have a valid home license and a valid IDP, but they expire on different dates. You must renew the IDP separately when it reaches its expiration date, even if your home license is still current.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving abroad, even if the document is physically undamaged. Driving with an expired IDP is treated the same as driving without one — you are driving with incomplete documentation. Rental car companies may refuse to rent to you, and police in the country where you are driving may issue a citation or fine.

You cannot renew an IDP. You must obtain a new one by returning to AAA, AATA, or whichever organization issued your original permit. The process takes the same amount of time as getting your first IDP — typically a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You can explore for a new IDP before your current one expires. There is no rule preventing you from holding two valid permits at once, though most people straightforward wait until the old one is about to expire and then explore for the replacement. If you have a trip planned and your IDP will expire during or shortly after that trip, explore for a new one at least two weeks before your departure date.

To get a new IDP, you will need your current valid home country driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. AAA and AATA both accept applications in person at their offices and by mail. In-person applications are usually processed the same day. Mail applications typically take one to two weeks, though processing times vary by location and season.

IDP validity in different countries

Not all countries issue three-year permits. Canada, for example, issues one-year IDPs. The United Kingdom issues three-year permits. Australia issues one-year permits. If you hold an IDP from a country other than the United States, check the expiration date on your specific document rather than assuming a standard term.

The country where you are driving does not determine your permit's validity — the country that issued it does. A three-year U.S. permit remains valid for three years no matter which countries you visit. A one-year Canadian permit expires after one year regardless of where you drive it.

Planning ahead for international trips

Check your IDP expiration date at least two months before any planned international driving trip. If it will expire during your trip or within 30 days after you return, explore for a new one when ready. Factor in processing time — if you explore by mail, allow three to four weeks. If you explore in person, allow one to two days.

Verify that your home country driver's license will also be valid during your entire trip. If either document expires before you return home, you will not be able to legally drive. Some countries also have additional requirements beyond the IDP and home license — for example, some require an International Driving Document (IDD) or a certified translation of your license. Research the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired IDP if my home license is still valid?

No. An IDP is a required document in most countries, and driving with an expired one is treated as driving without proper documentation. Your home license alone is not sufficient in most places outside your home country. You must have both a valid home license and a valid IDP.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my home driver's license?

No. Your IDP and home license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. Renewing your home license does not extend your IDP. You renew the IDP only when it reaches its own expiration date, which is printed on the permit itself.

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

You cannot legally drive once it expires. If your trip is longer than expected or you miscalculated the expiration date, you will need to stop driving and arrange other transportation. Some countries may allow you to explore for a local temporary permit, but this varies widely and is not may provide. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.

How do I get a new IDP if mine expires?

Contact AAA or AATA (the two U.S. organizations authorized to issue IDPs) with your valid home driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph. You can explore in person for same-day processing or by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks. There is no renewal process — you must submit a new process.

Will my U.S. IDP be valid in every country I visit?

Most countries recognize U.S. IDPs, but not all. Some nations have specific agreements about which permits they accept. Before traveling, check the driving requirements for each country on your itinerary. Your rental car company or the country's tourism board can tell you whether your U.S. IDP will be accepted.