How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

Three different clocks decide how long you can use an IDP: the limit set by the convention it follows, the expiry date of your national licence, and the period the country you're visiting allows a visitor to drive. The shortest of the three is the one that counts.

Clock 1: what the conventions set

• 1949 Geneva Convention — an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue.
• 1968 Vienna Convention — valid for up to three years from issue, and never beyond the expiry of your national licence.

Check the dates printed on your document — the validity is stated on it.

Clock 2: your national licence

An IDP translates your licence, so it can't outlive it. If your national licence expires, is suspended or is withdrawn, the IDP stops being usable that day, whatever date is printed on it. Before you travel, check your licence won't expire during the trip — renewing from abroad can be slow.

Clock 3: how long the country lets a visitor drive

Many countries let a visitor drive on a foreign licence only for a set period, after which a local licence is required. These countries' published rules set a specific limit:

Those periods usually start on arrival, not on the IDP's issue date. Check the destination's country page for the current rule.

Renewing an IDP

You don't renew an IDP — when it expires you get a new one, as long as your national licence is still valid. The process is the same as the first time: from the authorised issuer where your licence was issued, or online as a certified translation.

Plan your dates

1. Note your national licence's expiry date.
2. Check the visitor period for each country on your route.
3. Make sure your IDP covers the whole trip — and apply before you collect a rental car.