International Driver's Permits expire after one or three years, depending on which format you hold

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue. The length depends on which of the two IDP formats you received — the 1926 Convention permit lasts one year, while the 1968 Convention permit lasts three years. Most countries now issue the 1968 version, which gives you longer validity.

Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you cannot drive on an expired license, even if the permit itself is still current. The same applies in reverse: if your IDP expires but your U.S. license is still valid, you can no longer use the IDP to drive abroad.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. Check it before any international trip, because some countries will not recognize an IDP that expires within a certain number of months — typically three to six months — even if it is technically still valid on the day you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1968 Convention IDP is valid for three years; the older 1926 Convention version lasts one year, though most new permits are the three-year type.
  • Your IDP only works when paired with a valid U.S. driver's license — if either document expires, the IDP cannot be used for driving.
  • Some countries require your IDP to have at least three to six months of validity remaining when you enter, so check the rules for your destination before travel.
  • You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one when the current permit expires, which requires a new process and fee.

The difference between the 1926 and 1968 Convention permits

The 1926 Convention IDP is the older format and is valid for one year from issue. Very few countries issue this version anymore, and it is becoming rare in the United States. If you somehow received a 1926 permit, its single-year validity makes it less practical for frequent travelers.

The 1968 Convention IDP is the modern standard and is valid for three years. This is the format you will receive from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. The three-year window makes it more cost-effective if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

Both formats serve the same purpose: they translate your driving information into multiple languages so rental agencies and police can understand your license. The only practical difference for most travelers is the validity period.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your IDP reaches its expiration date, it is no longer valid for driving anywhere, even if your U.S. license is still current. You cannot drive a rental car, cannot legally operate a vehicle you own abroad, and cannot present it as proof of driving privileges to police or rental companies.

If you need to drive internationally after your IDP expires, you must obtain a new one. There is no grace period and no way to extend an existing permit. You will need to submit a new process, provide the required documents again, and pay the fee — typically around $20, though prices vary by issuer.

Some travelers keep their expired IDP for reference or as a souvenir, but it has no legal value for driving. If you plan to travel again, explore for a new IDP before your trip, not after your current one expires.

Planning ahead for trips near your expiration date

If your IDP will expire within three to six months of your planned trip, research your destination's specific rules. Many countries officially recognize IDPs that are technically still valid but approaching expiration. However, some rental agencies or border officials may refuse to accept a permit that is close to expiring, even if it is not yet expired.

To avoid problems, obtain a new IDP if your current one expires within six months of your departure date. The process process takes about two weeks through AAA or AATA, so plan accordingly. If you are leaving sooner and your permit is expiring, contact your rental company in advance to ask whether they will accept your current IDP or require a new one.

Some travelers also check the rules of their specific destination country — a few nations have stricter requirements than others. Your embassy or consulate website will list any special rules about IDP validity for that country.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

The expiration date appears on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or near your photograph. It is printed in the format MM/YY (month and year). Check this date before every international trip, especially if you obtained your permit more than a year ago.

If you cannot locate your IDP or have lost it, you will need to obtain a replacement. AAA and AATA can issue a duplicate permit if you still have your original process on file, though you may need to pay a replacement fee. If your original IDP has expired, you cannot get a duplicate of the expired permit — you must explore for a new one instead.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You cannot renew an IDP the way you renew a driver's license. Instead, you must explore for a completely new permit once your current one expires or is about to expire. The process process is the same as getting your first IDP: you visit AAA or AATA in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card, provide a passport-style photograph, complete the process form, and pay the fee.

If you want to obtain a new IDP before your current one expires — for example, if you have a trip planned after the expiration date — you can do so. There is no rule preventing you from holding two valid IDPs at the same time. Some travelers do this to avoid the gap between when one expires and a new one is issued.

The entire process typically takes about two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office. Some locations offer expedited service for an additional fee, reducing the wait to a few days. Plan ahead so you have your new permit well before your trip.

International rules about IDP validity

While the IDP itself is valid for one or three years depending on its format, individual countries may have their own rules about how old an IDP can be or how much validity it must have remaining. Most countries recognize any valid IDP, but some require at least three to six months of validity left on the permit when you enter the country.

A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require an International Driving Document (IDD) or a certified translation of your U.S. license instead. Before traveling, check the specific requirements for your destination through your embassy, the country's tourism board, or your rental company. What works in one country may not work in another.

The IDP is not a substitute for a visa or travel document — it only proves you are licensed to drive. You still need a valid passport and any required visas for your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP cannot be used for driving, even if your U.S. driver's license has not expired. Both documents must be current and valid at the same time. If you are caught driving with an expired IDP, you may face fines or other legal consequences depending on the country.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad if possible, though they may not be able to issue a replacement while you are overseas. Your U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient to rent a car in some countries, but policies vary by rental company and location. Contact your rental company when ready to ask what documents they will accept. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a replacement IDP or explore for a new one.

Do I need a new IDP every time I travel internationally?

No. A single IDP is valid for one or three years depending on its format, so you can use the same permit for multiple trips during that period. You only need a new IDP once your current one expires or if you lose it.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than three years?

No. The maximum validity for an IDP under international convention is three years. If you need to drive internationally after your permit expires, you must obtain a new one.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid once your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself still has time remaining. You cannot use an IDP without a valid U.S. license. Renew your U.S. license through your state's DMV, and if you still need the IDP after renewal, you can continue using your current IDP as long as it has not expired.