International Driving Permits expire between one and three years from the date of issue, depending on which country issued it and what type you hold.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so rental companies and police can read it abroad. It is not a separate license — it only works alongside your valid domestic license. The expiration date printed on your permit determines when you can no longer use it, and that date varies based on where you obtained it.

The United States issues two types of permits through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). A one-year permit costs less and covers shorter trips; a three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Both are valid only while your U.S. driver's license remains valid. If your domestic license expires before your IDP does, the permit becomes useless — you cannot renew just the permit; you must get a new one after renewing your license.

Other countries issue permits on different schedules. Canada's IDP lasts one year. The United Kingdom issues permits valid for one year. Australia's International Driving Permit is valid for one year from issue. If you are traveling from a country outside North America or the UK, check with your country's automobile association or transport authority for the specific validity period.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. International Driving Permits last either one year or three years depending on which type you purchase from AAA or AATA.
  • Your IDP is only valid while your domestic driver's license is also valid — if your home license expires first, the permit stops working.
  • Different countries issue permits with different expiration periods, so check your issuing country's rules rather than assuming a standard length.
  • You cannot renew an expired IDP by mail or online in most cases; you must explore for a new one in person at an AAA office or equivalent authority.

When your U.S. International Driving Permit expires

If you obtained your IDP from AAA or AATA, look at the expiration date printed on the front of the document. That date is your hard stop — after that date, the permit is no longer valid for driving or presenting to rental companies. The one-year permit expires exactly 12 months from the issue date; the three-year permit expires exactly 36 months from the issue date.

However, your permit also becomes invalid if your U.S. driver's license expires first. Many people purchase a three-year IDP and then renew their domestic license partway through, not realizing the permit is now worthless. Before you travel, verify that both documents have expiration dates in the future. If your license renewal is coming up within the next few months, consider purchasing the one-year IDP instead to avoid this mismatch.

What happens if your permit expires while you are traveling

If you are currently abroad and your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive using that permit. Rental companies will refuse to rent to you, and police can cite you for driving without valid documentation. Your U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient in most countries — the IDP is what makes your license readable to foreign authorities.

If you realize your permit will expire mid-trip, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are staying. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can provide guidance on whether local authorities will accept your expired permit as a courtesy or whether you should stop driving. Some countries are lenient with expired permits if you can show the issue date and explain the oversight; others enforce the expiration strictly. Do not assume — ask before you drive.

Renewing or replacing an expired International Driving Permit

You cannot renew an expired IDP by mail, phone, or online. You must visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent), a passport-style photo, and payment. Bring the expired permit if you still have it — it speeds up the process, though it is not required.

Processing takes one to two hours at most AAA locations if you walk in without an appointment. Some offices accept appointments and can have your new permit ready the same day. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still purchase an IDP — membership is not required, only a valid U.S. driver's license.

If you need the permit urgently and cannot reach an AAA office, AATA also issues IDPs and may have locations closer to you. Both organizations issue the same internationally recognized permit; the choice is only about which office is more convenient.

Planning ahead to avoid expiration during travel

Before booking an international trip, check the expiration date on your current IDP and your U.S. driver's license. If either expires within three months of your planned travel dates, obtain a new IDP before you leave. Rental companies check the expiration date at pickup, and some will refuse to rent if the permit expires during your rental period — even if you will be home before it expires.

If you travel internationally more than once every three years, the three-year permit is more economical than buying a new one-year permit each time. If you travel rarely, the one-year permit is cheaper and you are less likely to let it expire unused. Consider your travel frequency when deciding which type to purchase.

International Driving Permits from other countries

If you hold a driver's license from Canada, the UK, Australia, or another country, your IDP validity depends on your home country's rules. Canada's IDP is valid for one year. The UK's is valid for one year. Australia's is valid for one year. Most countries issue one-year permits as standard.

To find out your country's specific validity period and renewal process, contact your national automobile association or your country's transport ministry. Some countries allow you to renew by mail; others require an in-person visit. The rules vary significantly, so do not assume your country follows the same process as the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with an expired International Driving Permit if my domestic license is still valid?

No. The IDP must be valid on the date you drive. An expired permit is not accepted by rental companies or police, even if your home license is current. You must obtain a new IDP before traveling.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling abroad?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming you hold a valid U.S. license, which some rental companies and authorities will accept temporarily. You will need to obtain a new IDP once you return to the United States.

Do I need to renew my International Driving Permit when I renew my domestic driver's license?

Not automatically, but you should. Your old IDP becomes invalid once your domestic license expires. If your domestic license renewal is coming up, purchase a new IDP at the same time to avoid gaps in coverage.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your valid domestic license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's license. You must carry both documents when driving abroad.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your domestic license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is restored and current.