Where to Renew Your International Driver's License

Your country of residence issues the renewal, not an international body

An international driver's license is not a separate document you renew through a global organization. It is issued by your home country's transportation or motor vehicle department, and you renew it through that same agency using the same process as a domestic license renewal. The International Driving Permit (IDP), which is what most people mean by "international license," is a translation booklet that accompanies your regular license and must be renewed alongside it.

Where you go depends on which country issued your license. If you hold a U.S. driver's license, you renew through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If you hold a Canadian license, you renew through your province's transportation ministry. If you hold a license from another country, you renew through that country's equivalent agency. The IDP itself is obtained from an authorized issuer in your country, often the same office that handles license renewal.

Key Takeaways

Your home country's motor vehicle or transportation department handles renewal of both your regular license and your International Driving Permit.
In the United States, you renew through your state's DMV; in Canada, through your province's transportation ministry; in other countries, through the equivalent national agency.
The International Driving Permit is a companion document to your regular license and expires on the same schedule, usually every 5 to 10 years depending on your country.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and sometimes a medical certificate or vision test, depending on your country's rules.
Some countries allow online renewal for the regular license but require in-person visits for the IDP booklet.

How renewal works in the United States

U.S. residents renew through their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Each state sets its own renewal schedule—some renew every 4 years, others every 8 years—and each state has different office locations and appointment systems. You can find your state DMV's website by searching "[your state] DMV" or visiting the National Association of State Directors of Motor Vehicles (AADHQ) website, which links to every state agency.

To renew your regular U.S. driver's license, you typically need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. Some states require a vision test or medical certificate if you are over a certain age. Once your regular license is renewed, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized issuers. You will need your new regular license, a passport, and a completed process form. The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for three years.

How renewal works in Canada

Canadian residents renew through their province's transportation or motor vehicle ministry. Each province has its own renewal schedule, office locations, and requirements. You can find your provincial agency by searching "[your province] driver's license renewal" or visiting the Government of Canada's official portal, which lists all provincial contacts.

To renew your regular Canadian license, you typically need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Some provinces require a vision test or medical exam depending on your age. Once your regular license is renewed, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) or through your provincial transportation ministry directly. You will need your new regular license, a passport, and a completed process. The IDP costs between $20 and $35 CAD and is valid for three years.

How renewal works in other countries

If you hold a license from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or another country, you renew through that country's national or regional transportation authority. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) handles U.K. renewals; the state-based transport departments handle Australian renewals; the NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) handles New Zealand renewals. Search "[country] driver's license renewal" to find the official agency website.

Most countries require your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and sometimes a medical certificate or vision test. The International Driving Permit is obtained from an authorized issuer in your country—often the same office that issues your regular license, or through an automobile association like the AA (United Kingdom) or RACV (Victoria, Australia). Processing times and costs vary by country, but most IDPs are valid for three years and cost between $15 and $50 in local currency.

Documents you will need for renewal

The exact documents depend on your country and age, but most renewals require a current or expired license, proof of identity (passport or national ID), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some countries require a medical certificate or vision test, especially if you are renewing after age 70 or if your previous license was suspended or restricted.

For the International Driving Permit specifically, you will need your new or renewed regular license, a valid passport, and a completed process form. Some issuers also require a passport-sized photograph. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the agency specifically says photocopies are acceptable. If you are renewing by mail or online, the agency will tell you which documents to send or upload.

In-person versus mail and online renewal options

Many countries now offer mail or online renewal for regular driver's licenses if you meet certain conditions—usually that your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your address. The International Driving Permit, however, often requires an in-person visit or notarized process because it involves a physical booklet and sometimes a photograph. Check your country's agency website to see which parts of the renewal can be done remotely.

In the United States, most states allow online or mail renewal for regular licenses but require you to visit an AAA or AATA office in person to obtain the IDP. In Canada, most provinces allow online renewal for regular licenses but require an in-person visit to the CAA or provincial office for the IDP. Processing times vary: online renewals often take 1 to 2 weeks, mail renewals 2 to 4 weeks, and in-person renewals can be same-day or next-day depending on the office.

What happens if you renew late or let your license expire

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive in most countries, and your International Driving Permit is also invalid. Some countries allow a grace period—usually 30 to 90 days—during which you can renew without penalty. After that grace period, you may face a fine or be required to retake the driving test. Check your country's agency website for the specific grace period and any late fees.

If you are traveling and your license is about to expire, renew before you leave. If you are already abroad and your license has expired, you can sometimes renew by mail or through your country's embassy or consulate, but this process is slower and may require notarized documents. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my International Driving Permit without renewing my regular license?

No. The IDP is valid only as long as your regular license is valid. If your regular license is expired, your IDP is also expired, even if the IDP booklet itself has not reached its expiration date. You must renew your regular license first, then obtain a new IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit after I renew my regular license?

If you explore in person at an authorized issuer (AAA, AATA, CAA, or your provincial office), you can often receive the IDP the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail, expect 2 to 4 weeks. Check your issuer's website for current processing times.

Do I need to renew my International Driving Permit if I renew my regular license in a different state or province?

Yes. Your IDP is tied to your regular license, so if your license number or address changes, you should obtain a new IDP. Some issuers will issue a new IDP with your updated information; others may allow you to update the existing booklet. Contact your issuer to confirm.

What if I lost my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can sometimes issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license status. When you return home, you can obtain a replacement IDP from your authorized issuer by providing your regular license and a completed process.

Is the International Driving Permit recognized in every country?

The IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, some countries do not recognize it or have restrictions on its use. Before traveling, check the embassy website of your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is accepted there.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.