International driving permits last 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 does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The length of time it remains valid depends on which of the two IDP formats you receive. The one-year version is issued by most U.S. providers and is the standard you will encounter. The three-year version exists but is less common in the United States.

Your IDP's expiration date is printed on the document itself, so you will know exactly when it stops being valid. Once it expires, you cannot use it to drive internationally, even if your actual driver's license is still current. The expiration date is separate from your license expiration — they do not sync up, and you will need to track both.

Key Takeaways

  • Most U.S. International Driving Permits last one year from the date of issue, not from when you travel.
  • Your IDP expires on a fixed date printed on the document, regardless of when you use it or how much you drive.
  • You must carry both your IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license together — the IDP alone is not enough.
  • Some countries recognize three-year IDPs, but U.S. providers typically issue the one-year version.
  • If your IDP expires while you are traveling abroad, it is no longer valid for driving in that country.

The one-year IDP is what you will receive in the United States

When you obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the two organizations authorized to issue them in the U.S. — you receive a one-year permit. This one year runs from the date the organization issues it to you, not from the date you travel or the date you first use it. If you receive your IDP on March 15, it will expire on March 15 of the following year, even if you do not leave the country until June.

This matters for planning. If you know you are traveling in eight months, you can wait to order your IDP closer to your trip. If you order it now and do not travel for a year, you will have wasted the validity period. AAA and AATA both issue IDPs on the same day you request them if you explore in person at a local office, so the timing is within your control.

Three-year permits exist but are rarely issued in the U.S.

The International Convention on Motor Vehicle Permits allows for both one-year and three-year IDPs. Some countries issue the three-year version to their citizens. The United States does not — AAA and AATA are restricted to issuing only the one-year format. If you see a three-year IDP mentioned online, it is either from another country or outdated information.

If you hold citizenship in another country and have a driver's license from there, you might be able to obtain a three-year IDP from that country's motor vehicle authority before you travel. That permit would be valid for three years. However, if you are working with a U.S. license, plan for one year.

What happens when your IDP expires while you are abroad

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid for driving in that country. You cannot renew it while you are overseas — you must return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. Some countries may allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone after your IDP expires, but this varies widely and is not may provide. The safest approach is to check the specific country's rules before your trip and plan your return or renewal accordingly.

If you are planning an extended trip abroad, order your IDP as close to your departure date as possible so it remains valid for the entire time you will be driving. If your trip will last longer than one year, you will need to arrange for a new IDP to be mailed to you or plan to return home for renewal.

Your IDP expiration is separate from your driver's license expiration

Your U.S. driver's license and your IDP have different expiration dates. Your license might be valid until 2028, but your IDP might expire in 2025. You need both documents to be current at the same time to drive internationally. If your license expires before your IDP, you will need to renew your license. If your IDP expires first, you will need a new IDP.

When you renew your driver's license, your IDP does not automatically renew. You must order a new IDP separately through AAA or AATA. Many people forget this step and arrive at their destination with an expired IDP and a valid license, which is not sufficient.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

The expiration date is printed clearly on the front of your IDP, usually in the upper right corner or on the line labeled "Date of Expiry" or "Valid Until." It is formatted as a date — for example, 03/15/2025. Check this date before any international trip. If it has passed, you cannot use that IDP, and you will need to order a new one.

If you cannot find your IDP or are unsure whether it is still valid, contact AAA or AATA directly. They can tell you whether an IDP was issued to you and when it expires. You will need to provide your name and driver's license number.

Ordering a replacement IDP before yours expires

You can order a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired yet. There is no penalty for having two valid IDPs at once. If you are planning a trip and your current IDP will expire soon after you return, ordering a new one before you leave means you will have a valid permit for the entire journey without worrying about the expiration date falling during your travels.

AAA and AATA both charge a fee for each IDP issued. The cost is the same whether you are ordering your first IDP or a replacement. Processing typically takes a few days if you explore in person, or one to two weeks if you explore by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP after it expires if I am still traveling?

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving, even if you are in the middle of a trip. You must have a current IDP or rely solely on your U.S. driver's license, which may or may not be accepted depending on the country. Check local driving laws before your trip to know what documents you will need.

Do I need to renew my IDP every year?

Only if you plan to drive internationally during that year. If you do not travel abroad, you do not need a new IDP. If you do travel, you need one that is valid on the dates you will be driving. You can order a new one whenever you need it.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad and ask about replacement options. Some countries have U.S. embassy or consulate services that may help, though they cannot issue a new IDP. You may need to rely on your U.S. driver's license alone until you return home and can order a replacement.

Does my IDP expire if I do not use it?

Yes. The expiration date is fixed from the date of issue, regardless of whether you drive or travel. An unused IDP expires on the same date as one you used every day. If you order it and do not travel, it will still expire after one year.

Can I get a three-year IDP in the United States?

No. AAA and AATA, the only authorized U.S. providers, issue only one-year permits. If you need a longer validity period, you would need to obtain an IDP from another country where you hold citizenship or residency.