Your international permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your regular driver's license expires — whichever comes first

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your regular driver's license into multiple languages. It does not replace your license; you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. The permit itself lasts for one year from the day you receive it, but if your regular license expires before that year is up, your IDP expires at the same time.

This one-year window is set by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which most countries follow. Some countries issue IDPs valid for three years, but the United States issues only one-year permits through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it, or until your regular driver's license expires, whichever happens first.
  • You must carry both your IDP and your regular driver's license together; the permit is not a standalone document.
  • The permit does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your regular license allows — it only translates your license information.
  • If you plan to drive abroad for longer than one year, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires.

What happens when your IDP expires

Once your International Driving Permit expires, you can no longer use it to drive in foreign countries. If you are still abroad and your permit has expired, you lose the legal protection it provides in countries that require it. Some rental car companies will refuse to rent to you if your IDP is expired, even if your regular license is still valid.

If your regular driver's license expires before your IDP does, both documents stop being valid on the same day. You cannot renew just the IDP — you must first renew your regular license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, then obtain a new IDP if you still need one.

Renewing your permit before it expires

You can renew your IDP at any time before it expires. The AAA and AATA both accept renewal applications in person at their offices, by mail, or online through their websites. You will need to submit a new process, a new passport-style photo, your current IDP, your valid driver's license, and the renewal fee (which varies but is typically between $15 and $20).

If you renew by mail, allow two to four weeks for processing. In-person renewal at an AAA office usually takes the same day. Online renewal through AAA's website can be completed in minutes, though you will still need to mail in your photo and documents, or visit an office to complete the process.

When your IDP is no longer needed

If you return to the United States and no longer plan to drive abroad, you do not need to renew your IDP. The permit has no value within the U.S. — only your regular driver's license matters for driving here. You can straightforward let it expire naturally.

However, if you think you might travel and drive again within the next year, it is often easier to renew before you leave rather than scrambling to get one while you are abroad or just before departure.

How the one-year limit works with your regular license

The one-year validity of your IDP is separate from the validity of your regular driver's license. If you have a regular license that does not expire for five more years, your IDP still expires after one year. Conversely, if your regular license expires in six months, your IDP will also expire in six months, even though you just received it.

This is why it matters to check both expiration dates before you travel. Some countries will not accept an IDP if your regular license has expired, even if the IDP itself is still technically valid. Always verify that both documents are current before you rent a car or drive abroad.

Getting an IDP for the first time

If you do not yet have an International Driving Permit and you are planning to drive abroad, you can obtain one through the AAA (if you are a member) or through the AATA (which does not require membership). Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the process fee.

Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day in person at an AAA office. Some AAA locations also offer expedited service for an additional fee. The AATA processes applications by mail only and typically takes two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once your IDP expires, it is no longer valid for driving in any country. If you are abroad and your permit expires, you should stop driving and renew it before continuing. Some countries may fine you or refuse to recognize your driving authority if your IDP is expired.

Does my IDP expire if I do not use it?

Yes. Your IDP expires one year from the date of issue regardless of whether you use it. The expiration date is fixed and does not reset based on how often you drive or travel.

What if my regular driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your regular license expires. You cannot drive legally abroad with an expired regular license, even if your IDP has not yet reached its one-year mark. Renew your regular license first through your state's DMV, then obtain a new IDP if you need one.

Can I get an IDP that lasts longer than one year?

Not through U.S. organizations. The AAA and AATA only issue one-year permits. Some other countries issue three-year permits, but if you are a U.S. citizen, you must use the one-year permit issued by these authorized organizations.

Do I need to renew my IDP every year if I travel frequently?

Yes, if you plan to drive abroad more than once per year, you will need to renew your IDP before each trip or keep a current one on hand. Many frequent travelers renew their IDP as soon as it expires so they always have a valid one available.