An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) lasts exactly one year. If your passport expires before that year is up, your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your passport does. This matters because the IDP is not a standalone document — it is a translation of your US driver's license, and it only works when you carry both documents together.

The one-year limit is set by the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic, the international agreement that governs IDPs worldwide. Every country that recognizes IDPs follows this same rule. If you plan to drive internationally for longer than a year, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IDP is valid for one year from the date you receive it, or until your passport expires, whichever happens first.
  • You must carry your US driver's license and your passport together with your IDP at all times — the IDP alone is not valid.
  • If your passport expires before your one-year IDP period ends, your IDP stops working on your passport's expiration date.
  • You can renew your IDP by returning to AAA or AATA with a new process, a new passport photo, and your current US driver's license.
  • Some countries may not recognize an IDP at all, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Why the One-Year Limit Exists

The one-year expiration is not arbitrary — it is part of an international treaty that all participating countries agreed to follow. The 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic set this standard so that every country would recognize IDPs on the same terms. This means an IDP issued in the United States works the same way in France, Japan, or Australia.

The one-year window also forces a refresh cycle. Your IDP is a translation of your current US driver's license, so if your license changes (a new address, a name change, or a suspension), your IDP should reflect that too. After one year, you are expected to renew both your license and your IDP if you need them.

What Happens When Your IDP Expires

Once your IDP reaches its one-year expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving in any country that recognizes IDPs. If you are still abroad and need to drive, you cannot straightforward keep using the expired permit. You will need to either return to the United States to renew it, or stop driving until you do.

Some travelers renew their IDP before leaving the country, so they have a fresh permit waiting if they travel again within the next year. Others wait until they know they are traveling again. There is no penalty for letting an IDP expire if you are not using it — it straightforward becomes a piece of paper with no legal standing.

Renewing Your IDP Before It Expires

You can renew your IDP at any time, even before it expires. You do not have to wait until the last day. To renew, you will need to visit an AAA office (if you are a member) or an AATA office with the following:

  • A completed IDP process form (available at AAA or AATA offices or online)
  • Your valid US driver's license
  • A passport-sized photo (usually 2x2 inches)
  • Payment for the renewal fee (typically $20 for AAA members, higher for non-members)

The renewal process takes about 15 to 20 minutes in most cases. You will receive your new IDP on the spot. If you renew before your current IDP expires, your new permit will be valid for one year from the date of renewal, not from the date your old one expired.

The Relationship Between Your IDP and Your Passport

Your IDP is tied to your passport in a specific way: it is only valid as long as your passport is valid. If your passport expires on June 15, 2025, and your IDP was issued on June 16, 2024, your IDP will stop working on June 15, 2025 — even though it has not reached its one-year anniversary yet.

This rule exists because the IDP is meant to be a temporary translation of your US driver's license for use abroad. If your passport is no longer valid, you are not legally authorized to be in most countries anyway, so the IDP becomes moot. When you renew your passport, you will also need to renew your IDP if you want to drive internationally again.

IDP Validity in Different Countries

While the one-year limit is universal, not every country recognizes the IDP at all. Some nations require an International Driving License (IDL) instead, which is a different document issued through different channels. Others accept only your US driver's license with an official translation, or they require you to obtain a local driving permit.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you plan to drive. The US State Department website and your destination country's embassy or consulate can tell you whether an IDP is recognized there. Some countries accept it as a secondary document only — meaning you must also carry your US license. Others do not recognize it at all, no matter how valid it is.

What to Do If Your IDP Expires While You Are Abroad

If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are still in the country, you cannot legally drive using that permit. Your options depend on how long you plan to stay and whether the country recognizes other forms of US identification for driving.

The safest approach is to stop driving and use other transportation. If you need to drive and your IDP has expired, some countries may accept your US driver's license alone (though this is rare and varies by nation), but you cannot count on it. The best practice is to renew your IDP before you leave the United States, or to plan your trip so that you return home before your IDP expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my IDP past one year without renewing it?

No. The one-year limit is set by international treaty and cannot be extended. Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid anywhere. You must renew it through AAA or AATA to get a new one.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your passport expires, even if your IDP still has time left. You will need to renew both your passport (through the State Department) and your IDP (through AAA or AATA) before you can drive internationally again.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I am not traveling?

No. If you are not driving internationally, there is no reason to renew your IDP. It only matters if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. You can renew whenever you need one for a trip.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than one year?

No. All IDPs issued under the 1926 International Convention are valid for one year only. This is the same in every country that recognizes IDPs. There is no option for a longer-term permit.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP while abroad. You will need to stop driving or return to the United States to get a new one from AAA or AATA. Some travelers carry a copy of their IDP as backup, though a copy is not a legal substitute for the original.