Can you renew an International Driving Permit?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

No. International Driving Permits cannot be renewed — when one expires you apply for a brand-new one from your country's authorised issuer. There is no extension or renewal process. A certified translation works the same way: you re-issue it to match your current licence whenever you renew, so it never lapses unexpectedly mid-trip.

At a glance

Renewable?: No — every IDP is a fresh application
When it expires: Apply again from your authorised issuer
Also voids if: Your national licence expires
1949 vs 1968: Valid 1 year vs up to 3 years
Translation route: Re-issue to match your current licence

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

2 authority sources

1 · Verify the rule

Choose your license country, destination, dates, and vehicle type.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

Why there's no renewal

An IDP isn't a standing credential you top up — it's a one-off translation of your licence, valid for a fixed period (one year for a 1949 Geneva permit, up to three for a 1968 Vienna permit). When that period ends, the document is simply finished, and you start a new application with your authorised issuer. There's no online 'renew' button at any legitimate issuer; anything claiming to 'renew' your IDP for a fee is a private reseller.

It also dies with your licence

Even within its printed validity, an IDP becomes void the moment your underlying national licence expires, is replaced or is suspended — because it only translates that licence. Many travellers are caught out by this: the IDP looks current, but it's dead because the home licence lapsed. Always check your national licence's expiry before relying on an IDP for a trip.

How a certified translation stays current

A certified translation reflects your licence as it is now, so keeping it current is just a matter of re-issuing it after any licence renewal — quick and instant, with no application queue. If you drive abroad regularly, this avoids both the 'no renewal' hassle and the 'expired underlying licence' trap. Use an official IDP where a country requires the booklet, and keep a current translation for everywhere a translation is accepted.

What to prepare

Don't expect to renew — apply for a new IDP when one expires
Check your national licence won't expire mid-trip
Avoid sites offering to 'renew' your IDP for a fee
Re-issue your certified translation after each licence renewal
Match the permit type (1949 vs 1968) to your destination

Check your exact route

License country × destination × vehicle — free, 1 minute.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend or renew my IDP?

No. IDPs cannot be extended or renewed — you apply for a new one each time from your country's authorised issuer. Any 'renew your IDP' offer online is a private reseller, not an official issuer.

How long before it expires should I get a new one?

Apply close to your trip, since the clock starts at issue (1 year for 1949, up to 3 for 1968). Also confirm your national licence won't expire during travel, or the IDP voids with it.

Is a certified translation easier to keep current?

Yes — you simply re-issue it to match your current licence after a renewal, instantly, with no application process. Use it where a translation is accepted, and an official IDP where a booklet is required.

Government and authority sources

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.