International driving permits expire on a fixed date, usually one to three years from when you receive them

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 in other countries can read it. Unlike your actual license, which may be valid for five, eight, or ten years depending on your state, an IDP has a much shorter lifespan. Most IDPs issued in the United States expire one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue permits valid for two or three years. The expiration date is printed directly on the front of your permit.

The reason for the short validity period is practical: an IDP is meant to accompany your current, valid home license. If your home license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes useless even if the permit itself hasn't reached its expiration date. This is why you cannot renew an IDP the way you renew a regular license — you have to get a new one issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Most U.S.-issued International Driving Permits expire one year from the issue date, and the expiration date is printed on the front of the document.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or your state's motor vehicle department.
  • An expired IDP is not valid for driving or renting a car abroad, even if your home license is still current.
  • You should request a new IDP at least two to four weeks before your trip if your current one has expired or will expire during your travels.

Where to check your IDP expiration date

Your expiration date appears on the front of your International Driving Permit, usually in the upper right corner or near your photograph. It is formatted as a month and year (for example, 05/2025). If you cannot locate your permit or have lost it, you can contact the organization that issued it — in most cases, the American Automobile Association (AAA) — and they can tell you the expiration date and issue number over the phone.

If you obtained your IDP through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles rather than AAA, call that office directly. Some states issue IDPs through their own channels, and they will have your records on file. Keep in mind that you will need to provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number to confirm your identity.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your International Driving Permit expires during a trip, you lose the legal protection it provides in most countries. A rental car company may refuse to rent to you, or they may rent to you but charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Police who stop you for a traffic violation will see an expired permit and may treat it as if you have no valid international driving document at all, which can result in fines or other penalties depending on local law.

The safest approach is to check your expiration date before you book travel. If your IDP will expire during your trip, obtain a new one before you leave. If you are already abroad and your permit expires, contact your country's embassy or consulate — they may be able to issue a temporary document or provide guidance on local requirements, though this varies by country and is not may provide.

How to get a new International Driving Permit before it expires

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for International Driving Permits in the United States. You can visit an AAA office in person, call their IDP service line, or order online through their website. In-person service typically takes a few minutes, and you will receive your new permit the same day. By mail, processing usually takes one to two weeks. Online orders may take slightly longer depending on shipping.

To obtain an IDP through AAA, you will need your current, valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (which AAA provides). There is a fee, which varies but is typically between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit. Some state Departments of Motor Vehicles also issue IDPs directly; check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.

Plan to request your new permit at least two to four weeks before your trip. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you order remotely, and it ensures you are not rushed if there are any delays or if you need to visit an office in person.

The difference between an expired IDP and an expired home license

Your home driver's license and your International Driving Permit are separate documents with separate expiration dates. If your home license expires but your IDP is still valid, the IDP is no longer useful — it only works when paired with a current home license. Conversely, if your IDP expires but your home license is still valid, you cannot use the expired IDP to drive or rent a car abroad, even though your home license itself is current.

This is why it is important to check both documents before international travel. You need your home license to be valid, and you need your IDP to be valid. If either one has expired, you will need to renew it before you travel.

What to do if you need an IDP but do not have time to get one

If your trip is coming up and your IDP has expired or you never obtained one, your options depend on how soon you are leaving. If you have at least one week, you can visit an AAA office in person or use expedited mail service, though expedited fees explore. If you have only a few days, an in-person visit to AAA is your fastest option.

If you cannot obtain an IDP in time, some countries will accept your home driver's license alone, especially if it is in English or has a photo. However, this is not may provide, and rental car companies often require an IDP. Before you travel without one, contact your rental car company and the embassy of the country you are visiting to understand what documents they will accept. This is not a substitute for having an IDP, but it can help you understand your actual options if time is very short.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An expired IDP is not valid for driving or renting a car abroad, regardless of whether your home license is current. You must have a valid IDP to accompany your home license when driving in most countries.

How long does it take to get a new International Driving Permit?

In-person service at an AAA office usually takes a few minutes, and you receive your permit the same day. By mail, processing typically takes one to two weeks. Online orders may take longer depending on shipping time.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They may issue a temporary document or provide guidance on local requirements. Some countries allow you to drive on your home license alone if your IDP is lost, but this varies and is not may provide.

Do I need to renew my IDP every year?

Yes, most U.S.-issued IDPs expire one year from the issue date. You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must obtain a new one. If you travel internationally regularly, you may want to request a new IDP before your current one expires.

Can I get an International Driving Permit through my state's DMV instead of AAA?

Some states issue IDPs through their Department of Motor Vehicles. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available. If it is, the process and fees may differ from AAA's service.