Your international driving permit lasts between one and three years, depending on which country issued it and how long your regular driver's license is valid

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid home country license. The expiration date printed on your IDP tells you exactly when it stops being recognized abroad.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. An IDP issued by AAA lasts for one year from the date you receive it. An IDP issued by AATA lasts for three years. Both require that your regular U.S. driver's license be valid for the entire time you hold the IDP — if your home license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the printed expiration date has not arrived yet.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. International Driving Permit issued by AAA is valid for one year from the date of issue, while one issued by AATA is valid for three years.
  • Your IDP is only valid if your regular U.S. driver's license has not expired, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date.
  • Different countries issue IDPs with different validity periods, so check the expiration date on your specific document before traveling.
  • You will need to obtain a new IDP if you renew your home driver's license before your current IDP expires.

Why the expiration date matters when you travel

Rental car companies, police, and border officials in other countries will check the expiration date on your IDP. If the date has passed, the document is no longer valid for driving, even if you have a valid home license. Some countries are strict about this — they will not rent you a car or allow you to drive if your IDP is expired, regardless of the reason.

The expiration date also matters because it is tied to your home license. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, you must stop using the IDP when ready. You cannot drive on an expired home license just because the IDP still has time left. This is why people who renew their home license partway through an IDP's validity period often need to get a new IDP as well.

What happens when you renew your home driver's license

When you renew your regular driver's license, your old IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its printed expiration date. You will need to obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA if you plan to drive internationally again. The new IDP will have a new expiration date based on when you receive it.

This is one reason to plan ahead if you know you will be traveling. If your home license is about to expire and you need an IDP for a trip, you might renew your license first, then when ready get a new IDP. That way, both documents will be valid for as long as possible.

How to check your IDP expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP in the box labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until." It will show a month and year. Check this date before any international trip, because some countries will not let you enter or drive if your IDP is expired.

If you cannot find your IDP or do not remember when it expires, you can contact AAA or AATA directly with your name and the date you received the permit. They can tell you the expiration date and whether you need a new one. Keep your IDP in a safe place with your passport so you do not lose it during travel.

International Driving Permits from other countries

If you are a citizen of another country, your IDP will have a different validity period. Most countries issue IDPs that last between one and three years, but the exact length depends on which country issued it. For example, some countries issue IDPs valid for three years, while others issue them for one or two years.

If you hold an IDP from another country, check the expiration date printed on your document. The rules about your home license also explore — if your home country's license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the printed date has not arrived. Before traveling to the United States or any other country, verify that both your home license and your IDP are current.

Planning ahead for international travel

If you know you will be driving internationally, check your IDP expiration date at least two months before your trip. If it has expired or will expire during your travel dates, you will need to get a new one. AAA can issue a new IDP in person at most AAA offices, and AATA can issue one by mail.

Remember that your IDP is only valid in countries that recognize it — most countries do, but a few do not. Before traveling, check whether the country you are visiting recognizes the International Driving Permit. Your car rental company or the country's tourism website can tell you this. Even with a valid IDP, you will still need your regular driver's license and your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired IDP if my home license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not recognized for driving in other countries, even if your home license has not expired. You must have both a valid home license and a valid IDP to drive legally abroad. If your IDP has expired, you cannot use it until you obtain a new one.

What if my home license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your home license expires. You cannot drive on an expired home license, even if your IDP still has time remaining. You will need to renew your home license and then get a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again.

Do I need a new IDP every time I travel?

No. Your IDP remains valid for its entire validity period — one year for AAA or three years for AATA — as long as your home license does not expire. You can use the same IDP for multiple trips until the expiration date passes or your home license expires, whichever comes first.

How long does it take to get a new IDP?

AAA can issue an IDP in person at most locations on the same day you explore. AATA processes IDP requests by mail and typically takes one to two weeks. If you need an IDP quickly, visiting an AAA office in person is faster than ordering by mail.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit, but not all do. Before traveling, check whether your destination country accepts IDPs. Your rental car company or the country's official tourism website can confirm this. Even in countries that recognize IDPs, you must also carry your regular driver's license.