International driving permits last for one or three years, depending on which country issued yours

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driver's license, issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. The validity period depends entirely on which country issued it. Most IDPs issued by the United States are valid for three years from the date of issue. Some countries issue one-year permits. A few issue permits valid for two years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit.

Your IDP expires on the date shown on the document itself, regardless of when your domestic license expires. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired domestic license to back up an international permit. If your IDP expires before your domestic license does, you will need to obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S.-issued International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, though other countries may issue one- or two-year permits.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your current domestic driver's license — an expired domestic license makes your IDP invalid.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit and does not automatically extend if you renew your domestic license.
  • You must obtain a new IDP from your motor vehicle authority if you want to drive internationally after your current permit expires.

Where the expiration date appears on your permit

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP in a field labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until." In U.S.-issued permits, this date appears in the upper right corner. The format is typically month/day/year. Check this date before any international trip, because an expired permit will not be recognized by rental car companies or law enforcement in other countries.

Some travelers confuse the issue date with the expiration date. The issue date (when the permit was created) appears separately on the document. Only the expiration date matters for determining whether your permit is still valid.

What happens when your IDP expires while you are abroad

If your International Driving Permit expires while you are traveling, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you. Police can cite you for driving with an invalid permit. Your domestic license alone is not sufficient in countries that recognize the IDP system — those countries expect to see both documents together.

If you are planning a trip that extends beyond your permit's expiration date, you must obtain a new IDP before you leave your home country. There is no way to extend or renew an IDP while traveling internationally. Motor vehicle authorities do not issue emergency replacements abroad.

How to check your permit's expiration date before traveling

Remove your IDP from your wallet or travel documents and look at the front of the card. Find the field labeled "Expires" or "Valid Until" — this is always on the front, never on the back. Read the date carefully. If the date has already passed, your permit is expired and you cannot use it.

Write down the expiration date or take a photo of it before your trip. This helps you remember to obtain a new permit if you plan to travel internationally again. Many travelers discover an expired permit only when they arrive at a rental car counter, which creates unnecessary delays and complications.

Obtaining a new IDP before your current one expires

You can obtain a new International Driving Permit from your state's motor vehicle department (called the DMV in most states, though some states use different names). You do not need to wait until your current permit expires — you can request a new one at any time. Most motor vehicle departments will issue a new IDP that is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The process typically requires your current domestic driver's license, proof of identity, and a completed process form. Some states allow you to request an IDP by mail or online. Others require you to visit a motor vehicle office in person. Processing times vary by state, but most permits are issued within one to two weeks. If you are planning an international trip, request your new permit at least a month in advance to account for processing delays.

IDP validity in different countries

Most countries that recognize the International Driving Permit system accept any valid IDP issued by a signatory country, regardless of which country issued it. However, some countries have their own rules about how long they will honor an IDP. A few countries do not recognize the IDP system at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation of your domestic license instead.

Before traveling to a specific country, contact that country's embassy or consulate to confirm whether an IDP is recognized and whether there are any restrictions on how old the permit can be. Some countries will not accept an IDP that is more than a certain age, even if the expiration date has not passed. This is rare, but it is worth verifying for countries you have not visited before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my IDP expire on the same date as my domestic driver's license?

No. Your IDP has its own expiration date printed on the front of the card, separate from your domestic license's expiration date. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your domestic license to keep your IDP valid. If your IDP expires before your domestic license does, you need a new IDP to drive internationally again.

Can I renew my IDP by mail or online?

This depends on your state. Some states allow IDP renewals by mail or through an online portal. Others require you to visit a motor vehicle office in person. Contact your state's motor vehicle department to find out which method is available in your state. Processing times vary, but most permits are issued within one to two weeks of submission.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while traveling internationally. Motor vehicle authorities do not issue emergency replacements abroad. You can drive using only your domestic license in some countries, but this is not legal in most countries that recognize the IDP system. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on your specific situation.

Is my IDP valid in every country?

Most countries that have signed the international driving permit treaty accept valid IDPs. However, some countries do not recognize the system and require a local permit or certified translation instead. A few countries have age restrictions on how old an IDP can be. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before your trip.

Do I need to carry my IDP even if my domestic license is valid?

Yes. Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your current domestic driver's license. You must have both documents with you when driving internationally. Rental car companies and police will ask to see both. An IDP alone, without a domestic license, is not valid.