What an international driving permit is and when you need to renew it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your domestic driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid home-country license. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to carry both documents together when driving.

You need to renew your IDP when it expires. IDPs issued by most countries are valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you obtained. Unlike your domestic license, an IDP does not renew automatically, and you cannot drive legally on an expired permit in countries that recognize it.

The renewal process differs significantly depending on which country issued your original permit. The steps, fees, and required documents vary by issuing nation. This guide covers the general structure of renewal in major English-speaking countries and explains where to find the specific requirements for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one or three years and must be renewed before expiration; an expired IDP is not recognized in most countries.
  • Renewal requirements and fees depend entirely on which country issued your original permit, not where you currently live.
  • Most countries allow you to renew by mail or online if your domestic license remains valid and unchanged.
  • You will need your current domestic driver's license, a recent passport-style photograph, and proof of your address to renew in most jurisdictions.
  • Processing times range from one week to several weeks depending on the issuing country and whether you choose standard or expedited service.

Where to renew based on your country of origin

The organization that issued your original IDP is the only one that can renew it. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two bodies authorized by the State Department to issue and renew IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles IDP renewal. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the RAC are the primary issuers.

If you obtained your IDP from a different country, you will need to contact that country's equivalent motoring organization or government transport authority. The back of your current IDP lists the issuing country and organization. You can also check your IDP's issue date and country code — the country code appears as a two-letter abbreviation on the front of the permit.

Some countries allow renewal through their embassy or consulate if you are living abroad. Others require you to renew in person in your home country or through their official website. Contact the issuing organization directly to confirm whether you can renew from your current location.

Documents and information you will need to gather

Most IDP renewals require your current, valid domestic driver's license. If your license has expired or will expire before your new IDP is issued, you must renew your domestic license first. The issuing organization will not process an IDP renewal if your home license is invalid.

You will also need a recent passport-style photograph, usually in color and taken within the last six months. The exact specifications — size, background color, and whether glasses are permitted — vary by country. Check the renewal process form or the issuing organization's website for their photograph requirements before you have one taken.

Proof of your current address is required by most countries. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government-issued document showing your name and address. Some organizations accept a recent tax return or vehicle registration. The document must typically be dated within the last three months.

You will also need to provide your passport number or national identification number. Have your current passport or ID card available when you begin the renewal process. If you have changed your name since your original IDP was issued, bring a copy of the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How to renew by mail or online

Most countries now offer online renewal if your domestic license and personal details have not changed. In the United States, you can renew through the AAA or AATA websites if you are a member (AAA membership is not required, but members often receive faster processing). You upload a photograph, provide your license number and address, and pay the renewal fee by credit card. Processing typically takes five to ten business days.

If online renewal is not available in your country, you can renew by mail. read the renewal process form from the issuing organization's website or request one by phone. Complete the form, attach your photograph and proof of address, and mail the package along with your current IDP and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a prepaid return envelope or allow for return postage. Mail renewal usually takes two to four weeks.

Some organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee. In the United States, AAA offers a three-business-day expedited service for an extra charge. In Canada, CAA offers both standard and expedited options. Check the issuing organization's website for current processing times and expedited fees before you submit your renewal.

Fees and payment methods

IDP renewal fees vary by country and issuing organization. In the United States, AAA charges approximately $20 for a standard three-year renewal and $15 for a one-year renewal as of 2024, though prices may change. AATA charges similar amounts. In Canada, CAA charges approximately $25 CAD for renewal. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC charge between £5 and £10 for renewal.

Most organizations accept payment by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Some accept payment by check if you are renewing by mail. A few organizations accept PayPal or other digital payment methods. Confirm the accepted payment methods on the renewal process or the issuing organization's website before you submit your renewal.

Some organizations charge an additional fee if you need your new IDP mailed to an address outside your home country. If you are living abroad, ask about international mailing fees when you contact the issuing organization. A few countries offer in-person renewal at their embassies or consulates, which may have different fees than domestic renewal.

What happens if your IDP expires before you renew

An expired IDP is not recognized as valid in any country that recognizes the International Driving Permit system. If you are caught driving with an expired permit, you may face the same penalties as driving without a permit — fines, vehicle impoundment, or other legal consequences depending on local law.

If your IDP has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process as a standard renewal. There is no separate "late renewal" procedure in most countries. However, some organizations may require you to provide a reason for the delay or may charge a small additional fee. Contact the issuing organization to confirm their policy on expired permits before you submit your renewal.

If you need to drive internationally before your renewed IDP arrives, you cannot legally use an expired permit. Your only option is to carry your valid domestic license and hope that local authorities recognize it — but this is not may provide and is not recommended. Plan your renewal at least four to six weeks before your permit expires to avoid this situation.

Renewing when your domestic license has changed

If your domestic driver's license has been renewed, suspended, or revoked since your IDP was issued, you must inform the issuing organization. If your license was renewed but remains valid, you can renew your IDP using the standard process. Provide your new license number on the renewal process.

If your domestic license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew your IDP. The issuing organization will not issue a new permit if your home license is not valid. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your home country's licensing authority first, then renew your IDP.

If your license has been upgraded to a different category (for example, from a standard car license to a motorcycle license), you do not need to renew your IDP unless it has expired. An IDP covers all vehicle categories that your domestic license permits. However, if you want your new IDP to reflect the updated license category, you can renew early and request the updated version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP if I no longer live in the country that issued it?

Most countries allow renewal by mail or online from abroad. Some require you to renew in person at their embassy or consulate. Contact the issuing organization directly to confirm whether they accept renewals from your current location and what additional documents you may need to provide.

How long does it take to renew an International Driving Permit?

Standard processing takes one to four weeks depending on the issuing country and method. Online renewal in the United States typically takes five to ten business days. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks. Expedited options, where available, can reduce this to three to five business days for an additional fee.

What if I lost my current IDP and need to renew it?

Contact the issuing organization and report the loss. You will need to renew your IDP rather than replace it. Provide the same documents as a standard renewal, and mention that your original permit was lost. Some organizations may charge a small additional fee for a replacement renewal.

Do I need to renew my IDP if I renew my domestic driver's license?

No. Your IDP and domestic license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. Renewing your domestic license does not renew your IDP. However, you must provide your new license number when you renew your IDP, and your domestic license must be valid at the time of renewal.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. Most countries allow early renewal if your permit is still valid. Early renewal is useful if you are planning international travel and want to may support your permit does not expire during your trip. Contact the issuing organization to confirm their early renewal policy.