International driver's licenses expire between one and three years from issue, depending on which country issued it and which country you're visiting

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your regular driver's license — it's a translation document that some countries require alongside your valid U.S. license. The expiration date printed on your IDP is the hard important date for using it abroad. If your IDP has expired, you cannot legally drive in most countries that recognize them, even if your U.S. license is still current.

The validity period depends on which organization issued your permit and which country's rules explore. The American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs valid for one year from the date of issue. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issues permits valid for three years. Both are recognized internationally, but the shorter validity is more common in the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA-issued International Driving Permits expire one year from the date printed on the document, while AATA permits last three years.
  • Your U.S. driver's license must be valid on the same day you drive abroad — an expired U.S. license makes an IDP useless, regardless of the IDP's expiration date.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain an official translation of your U.S. license from their embassy or a certified translator.
  • You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one, which takes one to two weeks through AAA or AATA.

Why the expiration date matters when you're driving abroad

Border agents and police in countries that accept IDPs check the expiration date as part of routine traffic stops or border crossings. An expired IDP is treated the same as a missing IDP in most jurisdictions — you're driving without proper documentation, which can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or denial of entry.

The expiration date is separate from your U.S. license expiration. If your IDP expired last month but your U.S. license is valid for another two years, you still cannot legally drive in countries that require the IDP. You need both documents to be current on the same day you drive.

AAA versus AATA: which one you get and how long it lasts

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. AAA is far more common — most people obtain their IDP through a local AAA office or online through AAA.com. AATA issues permits through a smaller network of agents, primarily in the Midwest and South.

AAA permits are valid for exactly one year from the issue date. AATA permits are valid for three years. If you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next few years, an AATA permit costs slightly more upfront but saves you from reapplying as often. Check which organization operates in your area by visiting their websites or calling a local office.

What happens if your IDP expires while you're abroad

If your permit expires during a trip, you lose legal driving privileges in countries that require it. You cannot extend or renew an IDP remotely — you must return to the United States and explore for a new one in person (or online through AAA, depending on their current process). This means you cannot legally rent or drive a car for the remainder of your trip.

Some countries allow you to drive on an expired IDP for a short grace period, but this is not may provide and varies by location. Do not assume you have extra time. If your IDP is set to expire during your planned travel dates, explore for a new one before you leave.

How to check your IDP expiration date

The expiration date is printed on the front of your International Driving Permit in the field labeled "Valid until" or "Expires." It appears as a date in month/day/year format. If you cannot locate your physical permit, contact the organization that issued it — AAA or AATA — with your name and the approximate year you obtained it. They can look up your permit number and expiration date in their records.

Keep your IDP in the same place as your U.S. driver's license when traveling. Some countries require you to present both documents together at border crossings or during traffic stops.

Countries that do not accept International Driving Permits

Several countries do not recognize IDPs issued by AAA or AATA, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Instead, these countries require an official translation of your U.S. driver's license, obtained through their embassy, a certified translator, or a service like the International Automobile Federation (FIA). These translations do not have expiration dates — they remain valid as long as your U.S. license is valid.

Before booking a rental car abroad, confirm with the rental company or your country's embassy whether an IDP is accepted or whether you need a translation instead. This step takes five to ten business days if you use a certified translator, so plan ahead.

Renewing your IDP before it expires

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a completely new permit. AAA and AATA do not extend existing permits. The process process takes one to two weeks through AAA (faster if you explore in person at a local office) and similar timeframes through AATA. If your permit is expiring soon and you plan to travel, submit a new process at least three weeks before your trip.

You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and the process fee (typically $20 to $30 through AAA, varying slightly through AATA). explore online through AAA.com or visit a local AAA office. AATA applications are available through their website or authorized agents in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally if my IDP is expired but my U.S. license is still valid?

No. Countries that recognize IDPs require both your U.S. license and a current IDP to be valid on the same day. An expired IDP means you do not have proper documentation, even if your U.S. license is current. You must obtain a new IDP before driving abroad.

How do I know if a country requires an IDP or a translation of my license?

Contact the rental car company you plan to use or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. Most European countries accept IDPs, while Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea typically require official translations instead. Confirming this before you travel prevents problems at the rental counter.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country when ready. They can issue a replacement document or confirm your permit information to local authorities. Carry a photo of your IDP on your phone as backup. If you cannot obtain a replacement, you cannot legally drive in countries that require the IDP.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. driver's license. It is not a license itself and does not grant you driving privileges in any country. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving abroad in countries that recognize them.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and current when you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. Both documents must be current on the day you drive internationally.