An International Driving Permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which document you get

The length of time your International Driving Permit (IDP) remains valid depends on which of the two IDP formats you hold. A 1926 Convention IDP lasts for one year from the date of issue. A 1968 Convention IDP lasts for three years. Most countries accept the 1968 version, which is why you will usually receive that one when you explore through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Automobile Club (NAC) in the United States.

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 U.S. license, even if the IDP is still current. The reverse is also true: an expired IDP does not let you drive, even if your U.S. license is still good.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1968 Convention IDP lasts three years and is the version most countries recognize; the 1926 Convention version lasts one year.
  • Your IDP is only valid when paired with a current U.S. driver's license — either document expiring makes the pair invalid.
  • You can renew your IDP before it expires by returning to AAA or NAC with your valid U.S. license and a new process.
  • Some countries set their own rules about how long they will accept an IDP, regardless of the expiration date printed on it.
  • An IDP does not replace your U.S. license and is not a separate form of identification for purposes other than driving.

Why the expiration date matters when you are traveling

If you are planning a trip abroad and your IDP will expire during your stay, you should renew it before you leave. Some rental car companies and border officials will refuse to accept an IDP that expires within a certain window — often 30 to 90 days — even if it is technically still valid on the date you are driving. Policies vary by country and by rental company, so the safest approach is to have at least six months of validity remaining.

The expiration date on your IDP is printed in the format used by the issuing country. If you are unsure whether your IDP is still valid, check the date on the back cover or inside front page. The format is usually day-month-year in most countries outside the United States.

How to renew your IDP before it expires

You can renew your IDP at any AAA office or through the National Automobile Club by mail or in person. You will need to bring or send your current U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 for AAA or the equivalent for NAC), and a passport-sized photograph. The fee varies but typically ranges from $15 to $25. Processing usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail.

You do not need to wait until your IDP expires to renew it. You can renew it at any time, and the new three-year period will begin from the date of issue. If you renew early, your old IDP becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

What happens if 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. license is still valid. You will need to stop driving and either return home or find other transportation. Some countries may allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone for a short grace period, but this is not may provide and varies widely.

If you are planning an extended trip and your IDP will expire during your stay, renew it before you leave. If you are already abroad and your IDP expires unexpectedly, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to ask whether they can issue a temporary document or refer you to a local authority that can help.

How different countries treat the IDP expiration date

While the IDP itself has a fixed expiration date, individual countries may have their own rules about how old an IDP can be and still be accepted. Some countries will not accept an IDP that is more than a year old, even if it has not technically expired. Others require the IDP to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your planned departure date.

Before you travel, check the driving requirements for the specific country or countries you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country, or check their official tourism or transportation websites. Rental car companies often have stricter rules than governments do, so confirm with your rental company as well.

The difference between an IDP and a foreign driver's license

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. An IDP is a temporary translation of your U.S. license that makes it easier for foreign officials to understand your driving record and vehicle class permissions. A foreign driver's license is a permanent license issued by another country's government, which you would need if you moved abroad or became a resident of that country.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country and are now living in the United States, you can usually drive on that license for a limited time (often 30 to 90 days, depending on your state), but you will eventually need to convert it to a U.S. license or obtain a U.S. license through the standard testing process. An IDP does not help with that conversion — it only works in the opposite direction, translating a U.S. license for use abroad.

Planning ahead to avoid expiration problems

The best way to avoid problems with an expired IDP is to check the expiration date at least two months before any planned international trip. If your IDP will expire during or shortly after your trip, renew it before you leave. If your U.S. driver's license will expire before your IDP does, renew your U.S. license first — your IDP will become invalid the moment your U.S. license expires.

Keep a copy of your IDP expiration date in your travel documents or phone, and share it with anyone who will be renting a car or arranging transportation on your behalf. Some travel insurance policies and car rental agreements reference the IDP expiration date, so having it readily available can speed up the rental process and prevent disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP makes you unable to drive legally in most countries, even if your U.S. license has not expired. The IDP and U.S. license must both be current and valid for you to drive abroad.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when ready. They can issue a temporary replacement or advise you on local options. In the meantime, you may be able to drive on your U.S. license alone in some countries, but this is not may provide. Do not assume you can drive without the IDP.

Does my IDP work in every country?

Most countries recognize the 1968 Convention IDP, but not all. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or license. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Can I renew my IDP by mail if I live outside the United States?

Yes, the National Automobile Club accepts mail renewals from U.S. citizens living abroad. AAA may also offer this service depending on your location. Contact your nearest AAA office or NAC directly to confirm the process and mailing address for your country.

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

Renew your U.S. license when ready. Once your U.S. license expires, your IDP becomes invalid, even if it still has years remaining. You cannot drive on an expired U.S. license under any circumstances.