International driver's licenses are valid for one to three years, depending on which country issued yours and which country you're driving in

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license—it's a translation document that works alongside it. The length of time it remains valid depends on two things: when it was issued and what type you hold. Most IDPs issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States last for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue permits valid for three years, but you cannot renew them—once they expire, you must explore for a new one.

The expiration date is printed on the front of your permit. Check it before you travel, because driving with an expired IDP may not be recognized as legal documentation in the country you're visiting, even if your regular driver's license is still valid.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA-issued International Driving Permits in the United States are valid for one year from the date you receive them.
  • Your IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of how much you use it, so a permit issued in March 2024 expires in March 2025.
  • An expired IDP cannot be renewed—you must explore for a new one if you need to drive internationally again.
  • Your regular driver's license must also be valid when you travel; an IDP does not extend the life of an expired license.
  • Different countries recognize IDPs for different lengths of time, so check the rules for your specific destination before you travel.

Why the expiration date matters when you cross borders

When you drive in another country, you are required to carry both your regular driver's license and your IDP together. A border official or police officer will check both documents. If your IDP has expired, some countries will not recognize it as valid proof that you are licensed to drive, even if your regular license is current. This can result in a fine, a traffic citation, or being told you cannot legally operate a vehicle in that country.

The expiration date is one of the first things checked because it is printed clearly on the front of the permit. You cannot argue that you "just" let it lapse or that you did not notice—the date is visible. If you are planning a trip more than a year away, you do not need to renew your IDP yet, but you should plan to do so before you leave.

How to check your IDP's expiration date

Open your International Driving Permit and look at the front page. The expiration date is listed in the top right corner, usually in the format MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on the country that issued it. If you received your permit from AAA in the United States, the date will be one year from the date printed next to "Date of Issue."

If you cannot find your permit or do not remember when you received it, contact the organization that issued it. AAA can look up your permit information if you provide your name and the state where you applied. If you obtained your IDP from a different country's automobile association, contact that organization directly.

Renewing your International Driving Permit before it expires

You cannot renew an IDP—there is no extension process. Once it expires, you must explore for a new one from the beginning. If you are a U.S. resident, you can explore through AAA at any AAA office or online through their website. The process takes about the same time as the first process: typically one to two weeks if you explore in person, or longer if you explore by mail.

To explore, you will need your current, valid regular driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-sized photograph, and the process fee. AAA charges a fee for each new IDP; the amount varies by location but is typically between $15 and $20. If you are traveling internationally within the next few months, explore at least two weeks before your trip to allow time for processing.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your International Driving Permit expires while you are in another country, you cannot legally drive in that country using it. Your regular driver's license alone is not enough in most places—the IDP is the official translation that proves you are licensed to drive. You have two options: stop driving and use other transportation, or return to your home country and explore for a new IDP before traveling again.

Some countries allow you to drive on an expired IDP for a short grace period (usually a few days), but this is not may provide and varies by location. Do not rely on this. If you are planning an extended trip, check the expiration date of your permit before you leave and renew it if necessary.

International Driving Permits issued outside the United States

If you obtained your IDP from a country other than the United States, the validity period may be different. Some countries issue permits valid for three years instead of one. The rules for renewal also vary—some countries allow you to renew by mail or online, while others require you to explore in person at a government office.

If you hold an IDP from another country and are unsure of its expiration date or renewal process, contact the automobile association or government agency that issued it. They can tell you exactly when your permit expires and what steps to take if you need a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally if my IDP has expired but my regular license is still valid?

No. Most countries require both documents to be current. An expired IDP means you do not have valid proof of your driving authorization in that country, even if your regular license is valid. You must renew your IDP before you travel.

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

If you explore in person at an AAA office in the United States, you can usually receive your permit the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail, allow two to four weeks. Processing times vary by location and by the organization that issues your permit.

Do I need to renew my IDP every time I travel?

No. Your IDP is valid for the entire one-year (or three-year) period from the date it was issued. You can use it for multiple trips during that time. You only need to renew it when the expiration date passes.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the organization that issued it (AAA if you are a U.S. resident) and ask about a replacement. Some organizations can issue a duplicate by mail to your home address. In the meantime, you may not be able to legally drive in that country. Check with local authorities about temporary driving rules while you wait for a replacement.

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

No. An IDP is a translation of your regular driver's license issued by an automobile association. It is not a separate license. You must carry both your regular license and your IDP when you drive internationally. The IDP proves that your regular license has been officially translated and recognized.