What do I do if my International Driving Permit expired while abroad?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

You cannot renew an IDP from abroad — they're only issued by your home country's authorised issuer, and IDPs can't be renewed at all (each is a fresh application). While overseas, you can keep driving on your original national licence where it's accepted, and a certified translation is the fastest way to restore the legibility your expired IDP provided until you're home.

At a glance

Renew an IDP abroad?: No — only your home country issues it
IDPs renewable?: No — each is a new application
Keep driving on: Your original licence, where accepted
Fast fix: A certified translation of your licence
Long stays: Consider a local 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 you can't fix it the obvious way

An IDP is only valid for its term (one year for a 1949 permit, up to three for a 1968), cannot be renewed, and is only issued by an authorised body in your own country before you travel. So once it expires while you're abroad, there's no way to get a replacement IDP on the spot — and any local website offering an 'instant IDP' is a private seller, often a scam.

Your immediate options, by situation

Your original national licence is what actually grants you the right to drive, so where it's accepted you can keep driving on it. To restore the legibility your IDP provided — especially for a non-English or non-Latin-script licence — order a certified translation, delivered digitally in minutes, and carry it with your licence. Where a country specifically requires the IDP booklet, limit driving there until you can obtain a fresh IDP back home.

If you're staying long term

If your trip has turned into a longer stay, the durable fix is usually a local licence — most countries expect residents to convert within a grace period. In the meantime, your original licence plus a certified translation keeps you legible to police and rental desks in places that accept a translation. Plan to re-apply for a new IDP at home before your next trip that needs one.

What to prepare

Keep your original national licence with you
Order a certified translation to restore legibility fast
Don't buy a local 'instant IDP' — they're often scams
Limit driving where the IDP booklet is specifically required
For long stays, look into a local licence

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 renew my IDP while I'm abroad?

No. IDPs can't be renewed at all, and only your home country's authorised issuer can issue one — before travel. Abroad, a certified translation of your original licence is the practical stand-in where accepted.

Can I keep driving on an expired IDP?

An expired IDP is void, but your underlying national licence still grants the right to drive where it's accepted. Carry a certified translation to keep it readable to officials and rental desks.

What's the fastest way to get driving again?

A certified translation of your licence — delivered digitally in minutes — restores the legibility the IDP provided, where a translation is accepted. For booklet-required countries you'll need a new IDP from home.

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.