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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your home country. Most countries recognize it for temporary visits, usually up to one year, though some accept it for longer.

You renew an IDP the same way you first obtained one: through an authorized issuing organization in your home country, not through any international body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles renewals. The process and timeline differ slightly depending on which country issues your permit and which organization you use.

An IDP typically lasts one year from the date of issue, though some countries issue them for three years. Check your current permit to see the expiration date printed on it. You can renew before it expires, but the new permit will not be valid until your old one runs out — the validity periods do not overlap.

Key Takeaways

  • In the U.S., only AAA and AATA can issue or renew an International Driving Permit; no other organization or online service is authorized to do so.
  • You must have a valid driver's license from your home country to renew an IDP, and your license must not expire within six months of your IDP renewal request.
  • The renewal process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA or AATA offices, depending on which method you choose.
  • You will need your current IDP, your valid driver's license, a passport or government-issued ID, and a passport-style photo for most renewals.
  • The cost varies by country and issuing organization, but U.S. renewals through AAA typically cost between $15 and $20.

Gather your documents before you contact the issuing organization

Before you reach out to AAA, AATA, or your country's equivalent, collect the documents you will need. The exact list depends on your country and which organization handles renewals there, but most require the same core items.

You will need your current International Driving Permit, your valid driver's license from your home country, and a government-issued photo ID such as a passport. Some organizations also ask for a recent passport-style photograph — typically 2x2 inches — though this requirement varies. Check the organization's website or call ahead to confirm what they need, because missing documents can delay your renewal by weeks.

Your home-country driver's license must be valid and not expire within the next six months. If your license expires soon, renew it first through your state's DMV or your country's equivalent before you renew your IDP. An IDP cannot be issued on an expired or soon-to-expire license.

Choose between mail renewal and in-person renewal

In the United States, AAA and AATA both offer two renewal paths: by mail or in person at their offices. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your documents. In-person renewal at an AAA or AATA office is usually same-day, though you may wait a few hours depending on how busy the office is.

Mail renewal works well if you do not need the new permit urgently and your office is far away. You send your documents and payment by mail, and the organization mails the new permit back to you. In-person renewal is faster if you need the permit within days or if you want to confirm when ready that everything is correct.

If you are renewing outside the United States, contact your country's automobile association or the government body that handles driving permits. Canada's CAA, for example, offers both mail and in-person renewals at CAA offices across the country. The timeline and process are similar to the U.S., but fees and required documents may differ.

Submit your renewal request and payment

For mail renewal in the U.S., visit the AAA or AATA website and read their IDP renewal form. Fill it out completely — incomplete forms are returned without processing. Include your current IDP, your valid driver's license, your government-issued ID, and a recent passport-style photo if required. Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with your payment.

Payment methods vary by organization. AAA accepts check, money order, and credit card by mail. Some AAA offices also accept payment in person. AATA accepts similar methods. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return address on your envelope so the organization can contact you if documents are missing.

For in-person renewal, locate an AAA or AATA office near you using their website. Bring all required documents and your payment method. The staff will review your documents on the spot, take a new photo if needed, and issue your permit the same day in most cases. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times or ask whether they need anything beyond the standard documents.

Track your renewal and receive your new permit

If you renewed by mail, the organization will send your new IDP to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes five to ten business days after the organization processes your request. If you chose in-person renewal, you receive the permit when ready when you leave the office.

Your new IDP is valid from the date of issue, but only after your old one expires. Do not use the new permit for travel until the expiration date on your old permit has passed. Attempting to use both permits simultaneously can cause problems at border crossings or with rental car companies, as they may see conflicting documents.

Keep your new IDP in a safe place with your passport and driver's license. You do not need to register it anywhere or notify any government body — it is straightforward a translation document that you carry with you when you travel internationally.

What to do if your renewal is delayed or documents are rejected

If more than two weeks have passed since you mailed your renewal and you have not received a confirmation, contact the issuing organization directly. Call their customer service line or visit an office in person. They can tell you whether your documents arrived, whether anything is missing, and when you can expect your new permit.

If your documents were rejected, the organization will usually contact you by phone or mail to explain why. Common reasons include an expired or soon-to-expire driver's license, a missing or illegible document, or an incorrect form. Once you fix the issue, you can resubmit your renewal request. There is usually no additional fee for resubmission if the rejection was due to a missing document rather than an error on your part.

If you need your IDP urgently and the mail process is too slow, visit an AAA or AATA office in person. Same-day renewal is available at most locations, though you may need to wait several hours during busy times.

Renewing an IDP from outside the United States

If you hold an IDP issued by another country, the renewal process is similar but the organization you contact depends on where you live. Canada's CAA handles renewals for Canadian residents. The United Kingdom's AA (Automobile Association) handles renewals for British residents. France's FFAC and Germany's ADAC handle renewals in their respective countries.

Contact the automobile association or government body in your country to learn their specific renewal process, required documents, and fees. Many countries allow mail renewal, but some require in-person renewal at an office. The timeline is usually one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person, similar to the U.S. process.

If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, you can still renew through AAA or AATA by mail. You will need to mail your documents to a U.S. address, which may take longer due to international mail delays. Some U.S. embassies and consulates can also help with IDP renewals — contact your nearest embassy to ask whether they offer this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes, you can renew before the expiration date. However, your new IDP will not become valid until your old one expires. The validity periods do not overlap, so you cannot use both permits at the same time. Renew early only if you want to have the new permit ready to use when ready after the old one expires.

What if my driver's license expires soon?

Your home-country driver's license must be valid and not expire within six months of your IDP renewal request. If your license expires soon, renew it first through your state's DMV or your country's equivalent. Then renew your IDP once your new license is in hand.

Do I need a new photo for my IDP renewal?

Most organizations accept your old photo from your current IDP and do not require a new one. However, some organizations ask for a recent passport-style photo. Check with AAA, AATA, or your country's issuing organization before you submit your renewal to confirm whether a new photo is required.

How long is a renewed IDP valid?

In the United States, a renewed IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue IDPs valid for three years. Check the expiration date printed on your new permit when you receive it.

Can I renew my IDP online?

No. AAA and AATA do not offer online renewal for IDPs. You must renew by mail or in person at an office. Websites claiming to offer online IDP renewal are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and should not be used.