What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need to Renew It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your U.S. license is valid when you rent a car or drive in another country. Many car rental companies outside the United States require it, and some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without one.

An IDP expires after one or three years, depending on which type you hold. When it expires, you cannot use it to rent a car or drive legally abroad, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. Renewing it is straightforward and takes about the same time as getting a new one — usually a few days to a week by mail, or same-day in person.

The process differs from renewing your actual state driver's license. You do not go to your DMV. Instead, you explore through one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both charge a small fee and require the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA, not your state DMV, and must be renewed separately from your U.S. driver's license.
  • You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-style photo, and the renewal fee (typically $15 to $20) to renew.
  • You can renew by mail in about one to two weeks or in person at an AAA office or AATA location for same-day service.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on the type you originally received; check your current permit to see which one you hold.
  • You do not need to renew your IDP if you are not planning to drive internationally, but you will need a new one before renting a car abroad.

Check Your Current IDP to See If It Has Expired

Before you start the renewal process, look at your existing International Driving Permit. On the front, you will see an expiration date printed in the lower right corner. If that date has passed, your IDP is no longer valid for use abroad.

The expiration date also tells you which type of IDP you hold. A one-year permit expires exactly one year from the date it was issued. A three-year permit expires three years from the issue date. When you renew, you can request the same type or switch to the other — most people choose the three-year option if they plan to travel internationally more than once in that period, because the cost per year is lower.

If your IDP is not yet expired but will expire within the next few months and you have an international trip planned, you can renew it early. There is no penalty for renewing before the expiration date.

Gather Your Documents Before You explore

Both AAA and AATA require the same set of documents to renew an IDP. Have these ready before you contact either organization:

  • Your valid U.S. driver's license (not expired)
  • Your current International Driving Permit (the one you are renewing)
  • One passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • A completed process form (provided by AAA or AATA)
  • Payment for the renewal fee

Your U.S. driver's license must be valid — an expired license will disqualify you from renewal. If your license has expired or is about to expire, renew it through your state DMV first, then renew your IDP.

The passport-style photo is the most common reason renewals are delayed. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color or black and white, have a plain background, and be taken recently enough that it still looks like you. Drugstores, post offices, and passport photo services can take one for $10 to $15 if you do not have a recent photo available.

Renew by Mail Through AAA or AATA

If you are an AAA member, you can renew your IDP by mail through AAA. Non-members can also renew through AAA by paying a small additional fee. The process takes about one to two weeks from the time AAA receives your process.

To renew by mail through AAA, visit aaa.com or call your local AAA office to request a renewal process. Fill out the form, gather your documents, and mail everything to the address provided. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you are a member). AAA will mail your new IDP back to you.

If you prefer not to use AAA, you can renew through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) by mail as well. Visit aata.org to read the renewal process, or call 1-800-622-7070 to request one. The process and timeline are similar to AAA's mail renewal.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, but it is convenient if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to handle it from home. Plan ahead if you have an international trip coming up — order your renewal at least three weeks before you need to travel.

Renew in Person at an AAA Office for Same-Day Service

If you need your IDP quickly, visit an AAA office in person. AAA can issue a new IDP on the same day you explore, as long as you arrive during business hours and bring all required documents.

To renew in person, locate your nearest AAA office using the store locator on aaa.com. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your current IDP, a passport-style photo, and the renewal fee in cash or card. Fill out the process form at the office, and staff will process it while you wait. You will leave with your new IDP the same day.

Same-day renewal is especially useful if you have a trip planned in the next few days or if you forgot to renew before your current IDP expired. AAA offices are located in most U.S. cities, though hours vary by location. Call ahead to confirm your office is open and has the process forms in stock.

Understand the Renewal Fee and Payment Options

The renewal fee for an International Driving Permit is set by AAA and AATA and does not vary by state. As of the most recent information, the fee is typically $15 to $20 for a renewal, depending on whether you are renewing a one-year or three-year permit and whether you are an AAA member.

AAA members usually pay a lower fee than non-members. If you are not an AAA member but renew through AAA, you will pay a slightly higher fee. Renewing through AATA costs the same whether or not you are a member of any organization.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you renew in person at an AAA office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. AATA mail renewals also accept checks and money orders. No organization accepts payment by phone or online for IDP renewals.

What to Do If Your IDP Was Lost or Stolen

If your International Driving Permit was lost or stolen rather than straightforward expired, the renewal process is the same. You still explore through AAA or AATA using the same documents and fees. The only difference is that you will not have your old IDP to submit with the process.

When you explore, explain in writing that your IDP was lost or stolen. AAA and AATA do not require a police report, but they may ask you to sign a statement confirming the loss. This protects you in case someone finds your old permit and tries to use it.

If your IDP was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, contact your state DMV to report it. Your U.S. driver's license is separate and does not need to be replaced unless it was also stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP if my U.S. driver's license has expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid to renew your IDP. If your license has expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then explore for your IDP renewal. This usually adds one to two weeks to the total time.

Do I need to renew my IDP every time I renew my U.S. driver's license?

No. Your IDP and your U.S. driver's license are separate documents with separate expiration dates. You renew them independently. Your IDP expires on its own schedule, not when your license does.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

You can get one taken at most drugstores, post offices, or passport photo services for $10 to $15. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Some AAA offices can take the photo for you on the spot if you renew in person.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid for international travel?

An IDP is valid for one or three years from the date it was issued, depending on which type you hold. Check the expiration date on your current permit. You cannot drive internationally or rent a car abroad after that date, even if your U.S. license is still valid.

Can I renew my IDP online?

No. AAA and AATA do not offer online renewal for International Driving Permits. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes one to two weeks; in-person renewal at an AAA office is same-day.