International driving permits are valid for one or three years, depending on which version you hold and when you obtained it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so rental car companies and police can read it abroad. The validity period depends on which of two IDP formats you carry. The 1926 Convention version lasts one year from the date of issue. The 1968 Convention version lasts three years. Most people in the United States receive the 1968 version, which means your permit is good for three years — but only if you also carry your actual home country license alongside it.

The catch is that an IDP is never valid on its own. You must have your original driver's license with you at all times when driving internationally. If you lose your IDP but still have your license, you can drive in most countries. If you lose your license but have the IDP, you cannot drive legally. This matters because people sometimes assume the IDP is a replacement document, when it is actually a companion document.

Key Takeaways

  • The 1968 Convention IDP, which most U.S. travelers receive, is valid for three years from the date printed on it.
  • Your IDP is only valid when carried together with your original home country driver's license — neither document works alone.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
  • An IDP does not extend or renew your home license; if your license expires before your IDP does, you cannot drive legally even though the IDP is still valid.

The two IDP versions and their expiration dates

The 1926 Convention IDP expires one year after issue. This version is less common now and is primarily used in a few countries that have not adopted the newer standard. If you somehow obtained a 1926 IDP, check the issue date on the document itself — one year from that date is when it stops being valid.

The 1968 Convention IDP, adopted by most countries worldwide including the United States, is valid for three years. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. You can read it directly without calculating — it will say something like "Valid until [Month/Year]." This is the version you almost certainly have if you obtained your IDP from an American automobile association or similar issuing body.

Neither version extends beyond the three-year or one-year mark, even if you are still abroad when it expires. If you are traveling for longer than your IDP's remaining validity, you will need to obtain a new one before you leave, or plan to return home before it expires.

What happens when your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your IDP expires while you are outside your home country, you lose the legal right to drive in that country, even though your home license may still be valid. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you because they require both documents. Police can fine you or confiscate your vehicle if stopped. The solution is to return home and obtain a new IDP before your next trip, or to stop driving and use other transportation.

Some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow you to drive on your home license alone after your IDP expires, but these are rare and country-specific. Do not assume this applies to your destination. The safest approach is to check your IDP expiration date before booking travel and renew it if you have less than a few months of validity remaining.

How your home license expiration affects IDP validity

Your IDP is only as valid as the license it translates. If your home country driver's license expires before your IDP does, you cannot legally drive even though the IDP still has time remaining. For example, if your license expires in 2025 and your IDP expires in 2026, you must stop driving in 2025 when the license expires.

This is why it is important to renew your home license before international travel if it is expiring soon. Many people focus on the IDP expiration date and miss that their underlying license has already expired. Check both documents before you travel. If either one is expired, you cannot drive legally.

Where to check your IDP expiration date

The expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or along the top edge. It will be formatted as a month and year. If you cannot find it, look for a line that says "Valid until" or "Expires." The date is always visible without opening the booklet.

If you have lost your IDP and cannot remember when it was issued, you can contact the organization that issued it. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance both issue IDPs and can look up your issue date if you provide your name and home license number. They can also issue a replacement if yours is lost or damaged.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You do not renew an IDP — you obtain a new one. The old one straightforward stops being valid on its expiration date. To get a new IDP, you return to the same organization that issued the first one (usually AAA in the United States) with your current, valid home driver's license and a completed process form. The process typically takes a few days to a week, though some locations offer same-day service.

There is no grace period. Once the expiration date passes, the IDP is no longer valid, and you cannot drive legally in countries that require it. Plan to renew at least a few weeks before your next international trip if your current IDP is expiring soon. If you travel frequently, you might obtain a new IDP every two years rather than waiting until the old one expires, so you always have a valid permit on hand.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs

Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation of your home license instead. These requirements vary by country and sometimes by region within a country. Before traveling, check the specific requirements for your destination with the country's embassy or tourism board, not just the IDP issuer.

Even if a country recognizes the IDP, some rental car companies may have their own stricter policies and refuse to rent without additional documentation. Always confirm with your rental company what documents they require before you book. An IDP that is valid in the country may not be sufficient for the rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my IDP is expired but my home license is still valid?

No. The IDP and home license must both be valid and carried together. An expired IDP means you cannot legally drive in countries that require it, regardless of whether your home license is current. You must obtain a new IDP before driving internationally again.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot legally drive without it in most countries, even though your home license is still valid. Contact the issuing organization (AAA in the U.S.) to see if they can mail a replacement, or return home to obtain a new one. In the meantime, use other transportation or do not drive.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my home license?

Not necessarily. Your IDP remains valid until its printed expiration date, even if you renew your home license. However, some countries may require the IDP to match your current license, so check your destination's rules. When your IDP does expire, you will need a new one.

Is the IDP valid in every country?

No. Most countries recognize it, but some do not. A few countries require a separate local permit or certified translation instead. Check your specific destination's requirements with the embassy or tourism authority before traveling, not just the IDP issuer.

How much does it cost to get a new IDP?

Costs vary by issuing organization and location. In the United States, AAA typically charges between $15 and $25 for a new IDP, though prices may differ by state or membership status. Contact your local issuer for their current fee.