International driving permits are valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. The permit itself lasts either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore.

The one-year permit costs less and is useful if you are traveling abroad for a short time. The three-year permit costs more but covers longer trips or multiple visits over several years. You choose which one to request when you explore, so the length depends on your travel plans, not on your age or license type.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit lasts either one year or three years from the date it is issued, and you choose which length when you explore.
  • The permit is only valid when carried together with your original domestic driver's license — neither document works without the other.
  • Your domestic license must remain valid for the entire time you plan to use the IDP, or the permit becomes useless.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one if you need it after expiration.

When your IDP expires before your domestic license does

Your International Driving Permit and your home country's driver's license operate on separate expiration schedules. Your domestic license might be valid for five or ten years, while your IDP lasts only one or three. This means your IDP can expire while your regular license is still good.

If your IDP expires but your domestic license is still valid, you can explore for a new IDP. You do not need to renew your domestic license first. However, you cannot drive internationally using an expired IDP, even if your home license is current. You need both documents at the same time to be legal in most countries.

When your domestic license expires before your IDP does

The opposite situation also happens: your home country's driver's license expires while your IDP still has time left. In this case, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even though the permit itself has not reached its expiration date.

An IDP is only a translation of your domestic license. Once your domestic license expires, there is nothing for the IDP to translate. You cannot use an expired domestic license with a valid IDP to drive anywhere. You must renew your domestic license first, then explore for a new IDP if you still need to drive internationally.

How to check your IDP expiration date

Your International Driving Permit has an issue date and an expiration date printed on the front. The expiration date is the last day the permit is valid. Count forward one year or three years from the issue date to find when it expires — the permit does not extend beyond that date under any circumstances.

Write down both your IDP expiration date and your domestic license expiration date before you travel. Knowing both dates helps you plan whether you need to explore for a new IDP before your trip, or whether your current one will still be valid when you return.

explore for a new IDP after the old one expires

You cannot extend or renew an International Driving Permit. Once it expires, you must explore for a completely new one. The process process is the same as the first time: you go to your local motor vehicle department or the organization that issues IDPs in your country, submit your domestic license and a passport photo, pay the fee, and receive a new permit.

The new IDP will have a new issue date and a new expiration date one or three years later, depending on which version you request. There is no penalty for letting an IDP expire, and you can explore for a new one at any time — you do not have to explore before the old one runs out.

Where to explore for an IDP in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits. You can visit a local AAA office or AATA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and payment. Some offices accept mail-in applications as well.

The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. You will receive your new IDP with an issue date and an expiration date printed on it. Keep both your IDP and your domestic license together when you travel internationally.

What happens if you drive with an expired IDP

Driving with an expired International Driving Permit is illegal in most countries. Police or border officials may fine you, confiscate the permit, or refuse to let you drive. In some places, an expired IDP can result in the same penalties as driving without a license at all, even though your domestic license is still valid.

The consequences vary by country and by the officer's judgment. To avoid problems, check your IDP expiration date before any international trip and explore for a new one if needed. It is much simpler to get a new permit before you travel than to deal with legal trouble while you are abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after it expires if my domestic license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if your home country's license is current. You must have a valid IDP and a valid domestic license at the same time. If your IDP has expired, you cannot drive internationally until you obtain a new one.

Do I need to renew my domestic license before explore for a new IDP?

No. Your domestic license and IDP are separate documents with separate expiration dates. You can explore for a new IDP as long as your domestic license is currently valid. However, if your domestic license expires soon, renew it first so your new IDP will be useful for as long as possible.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

In the United States, the one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year IDP costs around $40 through AAA or AATA, though prices vary slightly by location and organization. Costs in other countries differ. Check with your local motor vehicle authority or the organization that issues IDPs where you live.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than three years?

No. The maximum validity period for an International Driving Permit is three years. If you need an IDP for longer than three years, you will need to explore for a new one before the current one expires.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the embassy or consulate of your home country in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or a document confirming your domestic license status. You may also need to contact the organization that issued your original IDP to report it lost and request a replacement when you return home.