An international driving permit is valid for one to three years, depending on which country issued it and which country you're driving in

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so police and rental companies can read it abroad. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your original license. The length of time it remains valid depends on two things: how long your home country says it lasts, and how long the country you're visiting will recognize it.

Most IDPs issued by the United States are valid for three years from the date of issue. However, some countries issue permits valid for only one year. Even if your IDP is still valid at home, the country you're visiting may refuse to honor it after a certain point — some nations accept IDPs for only one year, others for three. Before you travel, check both your IDP's expiration date and the entry requirements of your destination country.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S.-issued IDP lasts three years from the date you receive it, but you must carry it with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • Some countries will not recognize an IDP that is more than one year old, even if it is still valid in the United States.
  • Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document itself — there is no renewal process, you must obtain a new one.
  • You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the country.

Why the expiration date matters when you cross a border

A border officer or rental car agent in another country does not have to honor your IDP just because it is still valid at home. Each country sets its own rules about how old a foreign document can be. Some nations treat an IDP like any other foreign ID and accept it for its full validity period. Others have a separate rule that says "we only accept IDPs issued within the last 12 months" or "within the last 18 months."

This means you could have an IDP that is valid for two more years in the United States but be turned away at a rental counter in France or Spain. Before booking a trip, contact the embassy or tourism board of the country you plan to visit and ask their specific rule for IDP age. Write down the answer and bring it with you — rental companies sometimes do not know their own country's rules.

How to check your IDP's exact expiration date

Your IDP has a single expiration date printed on the front or back of the booklet. It is usually written in the format MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on the issuing country. This date is the last day your permit is valid anywhere — you cannot use it after midnight on that date.

If you cannot find the date on your IDP, look for a line that says "Valid until" or "Expires." If your IDP is from the United States, the expiration date should be three years from the date you received it from AAA or AATA. If you are unsure whether your IDP is still valid, contact the organization that issued it and provide your name and the IDP number.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your IDP expires during your trip, you lose the translation document but you still have your original driver's license from your home country. Many rental companies and police officers will accept your home country's license even without the IDP, though you may face delays or refusal. Some countries require the IDP specifically, so an expired one leaves you with only your original license as proof.

If you are planning a long trip and your IDP will expire partway through, obtain a new one before you leave. There is no way to extend an IDP — you must explore for a fresh one. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

Getting a new IDP before your current one expires

You do not have to wait until your IDP expires to get a new one. You can obtain a replacement at any time, even if your current permit still has months of validity left. This is useful if you have a long trip planned and want to make sure your IDP will not expire mid-journey.

In the United States, both AAA and AATA issue IDPs. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo (2x2 inches). You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail through either organization. In-person applications usually take a few minutes and you receive the IDP the same day. Mail applications take one to two weeks. The cost is typically between $15 and $20, though prices vary by organization and location.

Renewing your home country's license and your IDP

Your IDP is tied to your home country's driver's license. If your home license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the expiration date on the IDP booklet has not arrived yet. When you renew your home license, you will need to obtain a new IDP as well — the old one cannot be transferred to your new license.

Plan ahead if both documents are expiring soon. Renew your home license first, then use the new license to explore for a fresh IDP. This ensures you do not end up with an IDP that is technically valid but paired with an expired license, which will not work at a border or rental counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired IDP if my home country's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid anywhere, even if your home license is current. You would need to rely on your original license alone, which some countries or rental companies may not accept. It is better to obtain a new IDP before your current one expires.

Do I need to renew my IDP, or do I just get a new one?

There is no renewal process for an IDP. When it expires, you must explore for a completely new one. You will go through the same process process as the first time, providing your license, passport, and photo. There is no expedited renewal option.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the organization that issued it (AAA or AATA for U.S. permits) and ask about a replacement. Some organizations can issue a duplicate by mail to your home address or to a U.S. embassy abroad, though this takes time. In the meantime, your original driver's license may be accepted, depending on the country.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

Most countries recognize IDPs, but not all. Some nations do not accept them at all and require an official translation of your license instead. Before traveling, check whether your destination country recognizes IDPs or if you need a different document.