International Driving Permits expire between one and three years from issue, depending on which country issued it and what type you hold
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a permanent document. The validity period is set by the country that issued it, not by the country where you plan to drive. A U.S.-issued IDP lasts one year from the date of issue. An IDP from most other countries — including Canada, Australia, and most European nations — remains valid for three years. Some countries issue permits valid for two years, so you must check your own document to know the exact expiration date.
The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, usually near your photograph or in a corner of the card. You cannot renew an IDP; once it expires, you must obtain a new one through the same issuing body. If you are a U.S. citizen, that means returning to the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) with a new process, a new passport photo, and the required fee.
Your IDP is also only valid while you hold a valid driver's license from your home country. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — rental car companies and police will not accept it without a current license backing it up. The two documents must be carried together and presented together when asked.
Key Takeaways
- U.S.-issued IDPs expire one year from the date of issue; most other countries issue permits valid for three years.
- The expiration date is printed on your IDP card and cannot be extended — you must obtain a new permit after it expires.
- Your IDP is only valid if your home country driver's license is also current; an expired home license makes the IDP invalid.
- You must carry both your IDP and your home country driver's license together; neither is sufficient on its own.
Why U.S. IDPs expire faster than most other countries
The one-year validity period for U.S.-issued IDPs reflects the terms set by the 1926 International Convention Relative to Motor Vehicle Traffic, which the United States follows. The convention allows each country to set its own validity period within a range, and the U.S. chose the shorter end. This does not mean a U.S. IDP is less useful — it is recognized in the same countries as a three-year permit — but it does mean you will need to renew more often if you travel internationally on a regular schedule.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European Union countries issue three-year permits. Japan and some other Asian nations issue two-year permits. The difference is purely administrative; the actual legal standing of the permit in any given country does not depend on how long it is valid in your home country.
What happens when your IDP expires while you are abroad
If your IDP expires while you are still traveling, you cannot legally drive in most countries, even if your home license is still valid. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you. Police can fine you or confiscate your vehicle. You will need to stop driving or return home to obtain a new IDP.
Some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow you to drive on a home license alone after your IDP expires, but these are rare and specific. The safest approach is to check your IDP expiration date before you book a trip and renew it beforehand if necessary. If you are planning a long-term stay or extended travel, calculate your return date against your IDP expiration date and explore for renewal at least two months before departure.
How to find your IDP expiration date
Open your IDP and look at the front side. The expiration date is usually printed in the upper right corner or near your photograph, often labeled "Valid until" or "Expires." The format varies by country — U.S. permits show the date as MM/DD/YYYY, while other countries may use DD/MM/YYYY or other formats. If you cannot locate it, check the back of the card or contact the organization that issued it.
Write down your expiration date and set a reminder on your phone or calendar three months before it expires. This gives you time to explore for a new permit without rushing. If you have lost your IDP or cannot read the date clearly, contact the issuing organization with your name and date of birth; they can look up your permit number and tell you when it expires.
Renewing your U.S. International Driving Permit
To renew a U.S. IDP, you must explore for a new one — there is no renewal process. Visit an AAA office or explore through AATA by mail. You will need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photograph (2x2 inches), a completed process form, and the current fee (typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members, though prices vary by location). Processing takes one to two weeks in person or two to four weeks by mail.
You do not need to surrender your old IDP when you explore for a new one, but you should not use both at the same time. Once your new permit arrives, discard or destroy the old one. If you are renewing before your current permit expires, you can explore up to six months early; the new permit's validity period begins on the date of issue, not on the expiration date of the old one.
International Driving Permits versus your home country license
An IDP is a translation and certification of your home country driver's license, not a separate license. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle in your home country, your IDP will not let you drive one abroad. If your home license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is automatically invalid.
Some countries require an IDP in addition to your home license; others accept your home license alone. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your destination country. Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP, while some do not. Having an IDP when it is not required does not hurt, but not having one when it is required can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
What to do if your IDP expires during a rental
If you are renting a car and your IDP expires during the rental period, contact the rental company when ready. Most will not allow you to continue driving, and you may be charged a penalty or have your reservation cancelled. Some rental companies will let you return the car early without penalty if you notify them of the expiration before you pick it up.
The best solution is to plan ahead. Check your IDP expiration date before you book any international trip. If it will expire within three months of your travel dates, renew it before you leave. If you discover the expiration too late, contact your rental company to discuss your options — some may accept a home license alone in certain countries, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired IDP if my home license is still valid?
No. An expired IDP makes you unable to drive legally in most countries, even if your home license is current. Rental companies will refuse to rent to you, and police can fine you. You must obtain a new IDP before driving internationally.
How long does it take to get a new U.S. International Driving Permit?
One to two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail through AATA. Plan ahead if you have a trip coming up; do not wait until the week before departure.
Can I extend my IDP if it is about to expire?
No. IDPs cannot be extended or renewed in place. You must explore for a completely new permit. The new permit's validity period begins on the date you receive it, not on your old expiration date.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact the issuing organization (AAA or AATA for U.S. permits) to report it lost and request a replacement. You may also contact your country's embassy or consulate abroad for guidance. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive in most countries.
Do I need both my IDP and my home license when I rent a car?
Yes. You must carry and present both documents together. A rental company will not rent to you with only an IDP or only a home license; both must be current and valid.