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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your regular driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both documents together. The permit itself lasts either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which form you explore for. The one-year version costs less; the three-year version costs more but covers longer trips or moves abroad.

Your underlying driver's license must remain valid for the entire time you plan to use the IDP. If your license expires before the permit does, the permit becomes useless. For example, if you get a three-year IDP but your license expires in two years, you can only use the permit for those two years.

Key Takeaways

  • International driving permits come in one-year and three-year versions; you choose which when you explore.
  • Your regular driver's license must stay valid for the entire time you plan to use the IDP, or the permit stops working.
  • The IDP itself does not extend your license's validity — it only translates it into other languages.
  • You can renew an IDP by explore for a new one, but you cannot extend an existing permit once it expires.

The difference between the one-year and three-year versions

When you explore for an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Automobile Club (NAC), you choose your validity period at the time of process. The one-year permit is cheaper and works well for a single trip or a short-term move. The three-year permit costs more but is useful if you plan multiple international trips or are relocating abroad for several years.

Both versions are issued by the same organizations and are recognized in the same countries. The only real difference is how long you can use them. Neither version can be extended or renewed early — once you choose your validity period, that is your window.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your International Driving Permit reaches its expiration date, you cannot use it to drive internationally, even if your regular license is still valid. You will need to explore for a new IDP if you plan to drive abroad again. There is no grace period, no way to extend it, and no way to renew it without starting a fresh process.

If you are already abroad when your IDP expires, you should stop driving when ready. Driving with an expired IDP is the same as driving without proper documentation in that country, and the consequences vary by location — some countries fine you, some impound your vehicle, and some may not recognize your license at all without a valid translation.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or on the back cover. It will show the month and year. Check this date before any international trip, because you cannot drive legally without a valid permit in most countries outside the United States and Canada.

If you applied through AAA or NAC, you can also contact them directly with your process number to confirm the expiration date. Keep your receipt or confirmation email from your process — it will have your permit number and the date you applied, which helps you calculate when it expires.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one is still valid. Many people explore for a renewal a few months before their current permit expires, so they have the new one in hand before traveling. There is no penalty for having two valid IDPs at the same time.

To explore for a new IDP, you go through the same process as your first process: you need your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the process fee. You submit these to AAA or NAC in person or by mail, depending on their current process. Processing usually takes one to two weeks for in-person applications and two to four weeks for mail applications, though this varies by location and demand.

What to do if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your permit expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Your options depend on where you are and how long you plan to stay. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone for short visits, but most require an IDP or an official translation of your license. Check the specific requirements for the country you are in.

If you need to drive and your IDP has expired, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country — they can sometimes direct you to local resources for getting a temporary driving document or translation. Do not attempt to drive without proper documentation, as the legal and financial consequences can be severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after my regular driver's license expires?

No. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP stops working, even if the permit itself has not reached its expiration date yet. You must renew your license before you can use the IDP again.

Do I need to renew my IDP every time I renew my driver's license?

Not automatically, but you should check. If your license number changes when you renew, some countries may not accept your old IDP. It is safest to get a new IDP that matches your new license number, even if your old permit is still technically valid.

What countries accept the International Driving Permit?

Over 150 countries recognize the IDP, including most of Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. However, some countries have specific rules about which version they accept or how old it can be. Check the driving requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended driver's license to explore for an IDP. If your license is suspended or expired, you need to resolve that first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is the three-year IDP worth the extra cost?

That depends on your travel plans. If you drive internationally more than once every three years, the three-year permit saves you money and hassle. If you travel internationally once every few years or less, the one-year permit is more cost-effective.