International driver's licenses are valid for one to three years, depending on which country issued yours and which country you're driving in

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it's a translation document that works alongside it. The validity period printed on your IDP is set by the country that issued it, not by the country where you're driving. Most IDPs issued by the United States are valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue permits valid for two or three years, but the U.S. standard is one year.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document itself. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive internationally again. The expiration date has nothing to do with when your regular driver's license expires. You can have a valid driver's license and an expired IDP at the same time, which means you cannot legally drive in most countries that recognize IDPs.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S.-issued International Driving Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue permits valid for two or three years.
  • Your IDP expires on a fixed date printed on the document and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one when it expires.
  • An expired IDP does not affect your regular driver's license, but it does mean you cannot legally drive in countries that require one.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check the specific country's requirements before you travel.
  • You must carry both your regular driver's license and your valid IDP together when driving internationally.

Why the one-year limit exists

The one-year validity period for U.S. IDPs comes from the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic, an agreement that set standards for how countries recognize driving documents. The permit is meant to be a temporary translation tool for short-term travel, not a permanent document. The short validity window reflects the assumption that most people who need an IDP are traveling for a specific trip or assignment, not relocating permanently.

If you are moving to another country long-term, that country will eventually require you to obtain a local driver's license rather than rely on an IDP. The one-year window gives you time to settle in and complete that process. Rental car companies and border officials treat the IDP as a temporary document, so the short validity period aligns with how it is actually used.

What happens when your IDP expires while you're traveling

If your IDP expires while you are still abroad, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you, and police can fine or detain you if you are stopped. Your regular driver's license alone is not sufficient in countries that recognize IDPs — you must have both documents together.

If you are planning a trip longer than one year, you will need to obtain a new IDP before you leave the United States. There is no way to extend an expired IDP remotely or to renew it while you are out of the country. You must return to the U.S. or contact an authorized issuing office (usually the American Automobile Association or a state motor vehicle department) to get a new one.

Checking the expiration date on your IDP

Your IDP expiration date is printed on the front of the document in large type. It appears as a specific calendar date, not as "one year from issue." Write down this date or take a photo of it before you travel. Many travelers miss their expiration date because they assume the permit lasts as long as their regular license or because they don't check the document before a trip.

If you have an old IDP from a previous trip, do not assume it is still valid. Check the date on the document itself. An IDP issued three years ago is definitely expired and cannot be used, even if your regular driver's license is still current.

How to get a new IDP before yours expires

You can obtain a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not yet expired. Many travelers get a new one a few months before the old one expires to avoid running out of time. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and most state motor vehicle departments issue IDPs. You will need your current, valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). The process usually takes less than an hour if you go in person.

Some AAA locations and motor vehicle offices allow you to explore by mail, though this takes longer. The cost varies by state and issuing office but typically ranges from $15 to $30. There is no waiting period — you can obtain a new IDP the same day you need one, as long as you have the required documents with you.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs

Not every country accepts an International Driving Permit. Some nations require you to obtain a local driver's license or an official translation of your U.S. license from a certified translator. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or consulate. A few countries recognize only certain types of IDPs or require additional documents alongside the permit.

Even in countries that do recognize IDPs, rental car companies sometimes have their own policies that are stricter than the law. Always confirm with the rental company before you book that they will accept your IDP. Some companies require you to be a certain age or to have held your license for a minimum number of years, rules that have nothing to do with IDP validity but that affect whether you can rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP means you cannot legally drive in countries that recognize IDPs, even if your regular driver's license has years left on it. The two documents are separate, and both must be current and valid when you drive internationally.

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

You cannot renew an IDP — renewal is not an option. When your IDP expires, you must obtain a brand-new one. The process is the same as getting your first IDP: bring your current driver's license, passport, and a passport photo to an AAA office or motor vehicle department.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue a replacement IDP or provide documentation that allows you to drive legally while you arrange for a new one. Some countries also allow you to contact AAA International directly for emergency information, though availability varies by location.

Is an IDP valid in all countries, or do I need to check each one?

You must check each country's requirements. While most developed nations recognize IDPs, some do not. Check the country's embassy website or contact the consulate before you travel to confirm whether an IDP is accepted and whether you need any additional documents.