International driving permits expire on a fixed date, just like your regular license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority. It does expire — usually one to three years after issue, depending on which country issued it and which type you hold. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit itself.

The permit is not a replacement for your regular driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. If your IDP has expired but your regular license has not, you cannot legally drive in most countries — the expired IDP makes the pair invalid, even though your home license is still current.

Expiration rules vary significantly by country. The United States issues IDPs valid for one year from the date of issue. Canada issues them for three years. Some countries issue them for five years. The country where you are driving may also have its own rules about how old a permit can be before it is no longer accepted, separate from the expiration date printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit expires on a specific date printed on the document, typically one to three years after issue depending on your home country.
  • You must carry both your regular driver's license and your valid IDP together; an expired IDP makes the pair unusable even if your home license is current.
  • The country where you are driving may refuse to recognize a permit that is close to expiration even if it has not technically expired yet.
  • Renewing an IDP requires going back to your home country's motor vehicle authority and paying a new fee; you cannot renew it while abroad.

How long each country's IDP remains valid

The United States issues International Driving Permits through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). A U.S. IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must renew it in person at an AAA office or through AATA before it expires if you plan to continue driving abroad.

Canada issues IDPs through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). A Canadian IDP is valid for three years from issue. Mexico issues permits valid for one year. The United Kingdom issues them for three years. Australia issues them for one year. These dates are not negotiable — they are set by each country's motor vehicle authority and do not extend automatically.

Some countries do not issue IDPs at all. If you are a citizen of a country that does not participate in the International Driving Permit system, you may be able to obtain one through a reciprocal agreement with another country, but this varies widely and requires checking with your home country's transportation ministry before travel.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are abroad

If your International Driving Permit expires while you are still traveling, you cannot legally drive. Renting a car, driving a borrowed vehicle, or operating any motor vehicle becomes illegal in the eyes of local law enforcement, even if your home country's regular license is still valid. You may face fines, vehicle impoundment, or other penalties depending on local traffic laws.

You cannot renew an IDP while you are outside your home country. You must return home, visit your motor vehicle authority or the authorized issuing body (such as AAA in the United States), pay the renewal fee, and obtain a new permit. This process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on whether you can get an appointment and whether the office offers same-day or next-day service.

If you are planning a long trip and your IDP will expire during your travels, renew it before you leave. Check the expiration date on your permit at least two months before departure and plan your renewal accordingly.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

To renew an International Driving Permit in the United States, visit an AAA office or submit an process through AATA. You will need your current regular driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photograph, and the renewal fee. The fee varies by state but is typically between $15 and $25. Processing usually takes three to seven business days if you explore in person.

In Canada, visit a CAA office with your current driver's license, a completed process, a passport photo, and the renewal fee (usually around $25 CAD). Processing takes about one week. In the United Kingdom, you can renew through the Post Office or by mail to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The process takes two to three weeks by mail.

Do not wait until the last minute. If your IDP expires before you receive the new one, you will have a gap during which you cannot legally drive abroad. Renew at least four to six weeks before your planned travel date to account for processing time and any delays.

Whether countries accept IDPs close to expiration

Some countries and car rental companies will not accept an International Driving Permit if it is within 30, 60, or 90 days of expiration, even though it has not technically expired. This is a business policy, not a legal requirement, but it is enforced consistently by major rental agencies and some national traffic authorities.

Before booking a rental car or traveling to a specific country, contact the rental company or check the country's official tourism or transportation website to learn their specific rules. A permit that is valid in one country may be rejected in another based on how close it is to expiration. This is especially common in Europe, where rental companies often explore stricter standards than the law requires.

If your IDP is within 90 days of expiration and you are planning international travel, renew it before you go. The cost of renewal is far lower than the cost of being unable to rent a vehicle or facing fines for driving with an invalid permit.

Difference between expiration and validity period

The expiration date is when the permit officially stops being valid. The validity period is how long the permit is supposed to last from the date of issue. These are related but not identical concepts. A permit issued on January 15, 2024, with a one-year validity period expires on January 15, 2025. That expiration date is printed on the permit.

Some countries also impose a separate rule: an IDP cannot be used if it is older than a certain number of years, even if the printed expiration date has not passed. For example, some countries will not accept an IDP that is more than five years old, regardless of the date printed on it. This is less common but does occur. Check the rules for the specific country where you plan to drive.

What to do if you discover your IDP is expired during a trip

If you are already abroad and discover your IDP has expired, stop driving when ready. Contact your country's embassy or consulate to ask whether they can issue a temporary travel document or provide guidance on your options. Some embassies can issue a temporary letter confirming your license status, though this is not a legal substitute for an IDP.

If you have a rental car, return it and use other transportation (public transit, taxis, ride-sharing services) for the remainder of your trip. Do not attempt to drive with an expired IDP. The penalties for driving without valid documentation can include fines, vehicle impoundment, and in some countries, brief detention.

Once you return home, renew your IDP when ready if you plan to travel again. Keep a calendar reminder of your IDP expiration date so you do not face this situation on future trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must carry both documents together, and both must be current. An expired IDP makes the pair invalid for driving abroad, even if your home country's regular license has years remaining. You cannot legally operate a vehicle in most countries with an expired IDP.

How much does it cost to renew an International Driving Permit?

In the United States, renewal through AAA costs between $15 and $25 depending on your state. In Canada, it is typically around $25 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it costs around £5.50. Fees vary by country and may change annually. Contact your country's issuing authority for the current fee.

Can I renew my IDP while I am traveling outside my home country?

No. You must renew through your home country's motor vehicle authority or authorized issuing body in person. You cannot renew by mail or online from abroad. If your IDP expires during travel, you must stop driving and return home to renew it before you can drive again.

Do all countries recognize International Driving Permits?

Most countries do, but not all. Some nations require an official translation of your regular license instead of or in addition to an IDP. Before traveling, check the specific country's official tourism or transportation website to confirm what documents you need to drive legally there.

What if a car rental company refuses to rent to me because my IDP is close to expiration?

The rental company has the right to set its own policies. If they will not rent to you, you cannot override that decision. Your options are to renew your IDP before travel, use a different rental company with less strict policies, or use alternative transportation. Always check rental company policies before booking.