International Driving Permits expire after one or three years, depending on which form you hold

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. Which one you receive depends on the issuing country and the type of permit you requested. The United States issues two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Most other countries issue only one version, typically valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. You cannot renew an IDP — once it expires, you must obtain a new one through the same issuing body. This matters because the process takes time and costs money each time, so understanding your permit's validity period before you travel prevents you from being stranded with an invalid document.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S.-issued IDPs come in one-year and three-year versions; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and is accepted in more countries.
  • Your IDP expires on the date printed on the front, regardless of whether your domestic driver's license is still valid.
  • An expired IDP cannot be renewed; you must explore for a new one, which takes one to two weeks through AAA or the American Automobile Association.
  • Some countries will not accept a U.S. IDP that is within six months of expiration, so check your destination's rules before traveling.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license; one document alone is not sufficient.

The two U.S. permit types and their validity periods

The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues both the one-year and three-year International Driving Permits on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. The one-year permit costs less upfront but expires faster. The three-year permit costs more but covers longer trips and multiple years of travel without needing replacement.

The three-year permit is more widely accepted abroad because it signals to foreign authorities that you obtained it through an established process and have held it longer. Some rental car companies and border officials view the one-year permit with more scrutiny, though both are legally valid under the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic, which the U.S. recognizes.

Neither permit can be extended or renewed. When the expiration date arrives, your permit is no longer valid for driving, and you must order a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. This is different from a domestic driver's license, which can often be renewed by mail or online.

What happens when your IDP expires while you are abroad

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot legally drive in most countries, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. An expired IDP is treated the same as no IDP at all. Police, rental car companies, and border officials will not accept it.

If you are stopped while driving with an expired permit, you face fines, vehicle impoundment, or both, depending on the country. Rental car companies may refuse to let you take a vehicle if your IDP has expired, even if your domestic license is current. The safest approach is to check your permit's expiration date before booking travel and order a replacement well in advance if it will expire during your trip.

Some countries have grace periods of a few days after expiration, but this is not may provide and varies by jurisdiction. Do not rely on a grace period — treat the printed expiration date as final.

How to check your permit's expiration date

The expiration date appears on the front of your IDP, printed clearly in the upper right corner or on the front cover, depending on the permit version. It is formatted as a calendar date (for example, 15 MAY 2026). You do not need to contact AAA or any government office to find this information — it is visible on the document itself.

If you have lost your permit or cannot locate it, you can contact AAA directly with your name and the date you originally received the permit. AAA keeps records of issued permits and can tell you the expiration date. However, they cannot extend the permit or issue a replacement over the phone; you must explore in person or by mail.

Ordering a replacement before your permit expires

You should order a new IDP at least two to three weeks before your current one expires if you plan to travel. AAA processes applications in one to two weeks under normal circumstances, but delays can occur during peak travel seasons (spring and summer in the Northern Hemisphere).

To obtain a new permit, you must visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your state), and a passport-style photo. Some AAA locations accept mail-in applications, but processing takes longer. You will pay a fee for each new permit — the one-year permit costs less than the three-year version.

You can hold both an old and new permit at the same time during the transition period. There is no rule against carrying both, and doing so ensures you have a valid document if your travel dates overlap with your old permit's expiration.

IDP validity in specific countries and regions

Most countries recognize U.S. IDPs for the full duration printed on the permit. However, some nations have additional rules. Several European countries will not accept an IDP that is within six months of expiration. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada generally accept U.S. IDPs for their full validity period with no grace period.

Mexico and Central American countries typically accept U.S. IDPs without additional restrictions, but rental car companies in these regions sometimes impose their own rules — some require the permit to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your rental end date. Before traveling, check the specific requirements of your destination country and your rental car company. The U.S. State Department website and your rental company's terms will have this information.

If you are unsure whether your permit will be accepted, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country. They can tell you whether your permit's expiration date falls within any restricted window for that nation.

What to do if your permit expires during a multi-year travel plan

If you plan to travel internationally for more than one year, the three-year permit is the better choice because it covers a longer window without requiring replacement. However, if you already hold a one-year permit and your travel plans extend beyond its expiration, you will need to order a new permit before the old one expires.

Some travelers order a three-year permit as a replacement when their one-year permit is about to expire, even if they do not plan to travel when ready. This gives them a valid document on hand for future trips without the urgency of ordering at the last minute. There is no limit to how many IDPs you can hold, so this strategy is legal and common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with an expired IDP if my U.S. driver's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad, regardless of your domestic license status. You must carry a valid IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license. One document alone is not sufficient. If your IDP has expired, you cannot legally drive in most countries.

How do I know which version of the IDP I have — one year or three year?

Check the expiration date on the front of your permit. Count backward from that date to your issue date. If the span is approximately one year, you hold the one-year permit. If it is approximately three years, you hold the three-year permit. You can also contact AAA with your permit number, and they will confirm the version.

What if I order a new IDP but my old one has not expired yet?

You can carry both permits at the same time. There is no rule against holding multiple valid IDPs. This is useful if your travel dates overlap with your old permit's expiration. Use whichever permit is valid for your trip.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my U.S. driver's license?

No. Your IDP and your domestic driver's license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. Renewing one does not affect the other. However, if your passport expires, some countries may not accept your IDP if the passport number on the permit no longer matches your current passport.

Can I extend my IDP if I am traveling and it is about to expire?

No. IDPs cannot be extended or renewed. Once the expiration date passes, the permit is invalid. If you are abroad when your permit expires, you cannot legally drive. You must order a new permit before you travel or before your current permit expires.