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World Driving Permit

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

It depends on the convention: an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid for 1 year, while a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid for up to 3 years. Either way, the IDP is only valid while your underlying national licence is valid — when the licence expires, the IDP becomes void immediately.

At a glance

1949 Geneva IDP
Valid 1 year from issue
1968 Vienna IDP
Valid up to 3 years from issue
Hard limit
Voids when your national licence expires
Renewable?
No — each IDP is a fresh application
After renewal
Re-translate your licence to keep it current
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.

The two validity periods

International Driving Permits come in two flavours tied to the UN convention they're issued under. The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. Which one you need depends on the destination's convention membership, which is why matching the permit to the country matters.

The catch everyone misses: it tracks your licence

An IDP is a translation of your national licence, so it can never outlive it. The moment your underlying licence expires, is suspended, or is replaced, the IDP is void — regardless of the date printed on the booklet. This is the single most common surprise at rental desks: a permit that 'looks' valid but is dead because the home licence lapsed.

There's no renewal — and how a translation stays current

IDPs cannot be renewed; every one is a brand-new application and a fresh fee. A certified translation companion works the same way — it reflects your current licence, so when you renew your national licence you simply re-issue the translation. If you drive abroad regularly, keeping a current translation (or re-issuing on each licence renewal) avoids the 'expired underlying licence' trap entirely.

What to prepare

  • Match the IDP to the destination's convention (1949 vs 1968)
  • Check your national licence won't expire mid-trip
  • Remember the IDP dies the day your licence expires
  • Re-apply (not renew) for a new IDP when needed
  • Re-issue your certified translation after any licence renewal

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

Is an IDP valid for 1 year or 3 years?
One year if it's a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, up to three years if it's a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP — but never longer than your national licence's own validity.
Does an IDP expire when my licence does?
Yes. Because the IDP only translates your national licence, it becomes void the instant that licence expires, is suspended or is replaced — even if the booklet's printed date is still in the future.
Can I renew an International Driving Permit?
No. IDPs can't be renewed; you apply for a new one each time. A certified translation works similarly — you re-issue it to match your current licence after a renewal.

Government and authority sources

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

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