What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need Renewal

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your driving privileges are legitimate in countries where officials may not read English. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to carry both your U.S. license and the permit together.

The IDP itself does not expire in the traditional sense. However, it is valid only as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license remains valid. If your state license expires, your IDP becomes worthless, even if the permit itself shows a later expiration date. This is why renewal timing matters: you renew your state license first, then obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot renew through your state DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Your International Driving Permit is valid only while your U.S. state driver's license is valid, so you must renew your state license first.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue International Driving Permits in the United States; your state DMV cannot renew or issue one.
  • You need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-style photo, and the process form to obtain a new IDP.
  • AAA and AATA charge different fees and have different processing times, so compare both before you choose.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries recognize the three-year version if you obtain it.

Renewing Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can renew your IDP in person at any AAA office. Bring your current U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), and the completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. You can read the form from the AAA website or request one at the office.

AAA processes IDP applications on the spot in most locations. You pay the fee at the time of process, and you receive the permit when ready or within a few days, depending on the office. AAA charges a flat fee for the one-year permit; the three-year option costs more but is not available at all locations. Call your local AAA office before you visit to confirm they offer the term length you need and to ask about current wait times.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore through AAA, but you will pay a non-member surcharge on top of the standard fee. Membership for one year may cost less than the surcharge if you plan to use AAA services again.

Renewing Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail only. You cannot explore in person. read the AATA process form from their website, complete it, and mail it along with your U.S. driver's license, passport or passport card, one passport-style photograph, and a check or money order for the fee.

AATA processes applications in the order they arrive. Standard processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date they receive your process. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and typically takes five to seven business days. Mail your process to the address listed on the form; do not send it to a general AATA office address, as it may be delayed.

AATA charges a lower base fee than AAA for the one-year permit, but you must factor in the cost of mailing your documents and the time spent waiting. If you need the IDP quickly, the expedited option may be worth the extra cost.

Documents You Must Provide

Both AAA and AATA require the same core documents. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid — expired or suspended licenses will be rejected. If your license is expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

You must provide proof of citizenship or legal residency. A valid U.S. passport or passport card satisfies this requirement. A passport book and a passport card are equally acceptable; you do not need both. If you do not have a passport, you cannot obtain an IDP — neither AAA nor AATA will accept other forms of ID in its place.

The photograph must be passport-style: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, and showing your full face looking directly at the camera. Photographs from a passport office, AAA office, or professional photographer typically meet these standards. Selfies and informal photos are usually rejected.

You must complete the official process form for either AAA or AATA. Both forms ask for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport number. Incomplete or illegible forms will be returned without processing.

Timing and Processing

Plan to renew your IDP at least two weeks before you travel internationally, even if you choose expedited processing. This buffer accounts for mail delays, processing time, and the possibility that your process may be returned for corrections.

If you explore in person at AAA, you may receive the permit the same day or within a few days. If you mail your process to AATA, add five to seven business days for standard processing, or two to three business days for expedited. Neither organization guarantees a specific delivery date once the permit is issued, so do not rely on the IDP arriving by a particular date.

If you are renewing your state driver's license at the same time, complete that renewal first. Your state DMV may take several weeks to issue a new license, and you cannot explore for an IDP until you have the renewed license in hand.

Fees and Payment Methods

AAA and AATA charge different fees, and fees vary slightly by location and membership status. As of the most recent updates, AAA typically charges between $20 and $30 for a one-year IDP for members, with a non-member surcharge of $10 to $15. The three-year option, where available, costs roughly double the one-year fee.

AATA typically charges $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP, with expedited processing adding $10 to $15. These amounts may change, so check the AAA or AATA website for current pricing before you explore.

AAA accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards at in-person locations. AATA accepts checks and money orders by mail only; they do not accept credit cards or electronic payments. If you choose AATA, allow extra time for your check to clear.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is explore for an IDP with an expired or soon-to-expire U.S. driver's license. Both AAA and AATA will reject the process. Renew your state license first, wait for it to arrive, and then explore for the IDP.

Another common mistake is submitting a photograph that does not meet passport-style standards. If your photo has a colored background, is more than six months old, or shows you at an angle, it will be rejected. Use a recent photo from a professional source or take a new one that meets the specifications.

Some applicants mail their documents to the wrong address or fail to include all required paperwork. Before you mail anything to AATA, print the process form from their official website and verify the mailing address on that form. Include your driver's license, passport, photograph, completed form, and payment in the same envelope.

Do not assume your IDP is valid in every country. Some nations do not recognize the IDP, and a few require additional documentation or a separate national permit. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before you travel.

What Happens If Your IDP Expires While You Are Abroad

An expired IDP has no legal value. If your permit expires while you are traveling, you can still drive using your valid U.S. driver's license alone in most countries, but you lose the translation benefit. Some countries may view an expired IDP as a sign that your driving privileges have lapsed, even if your U.S. license is still valid. To avoid this confusion, renew your IDP before it expires.

If you are abroad and your IDP expires, you cannot renew it remotely. You must return to the United States, visit an AAA office or mail an process to AATA, and wait for processing. Plan your international travel so that your IDP does not expire during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

Many car rental companies require an IDP in addition to your U.S. driver's license, especially in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Some will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but you may face higher insurance costs or be denied coverage if you are in an accident. Check your rental company's requirements before you book.

Can I renew my IDP by mail through AAA?

No. AAA only issues IDPs in person at their offices. If you cannot visit an AAA location, use AATA, which processes applications by mail.

What if my passport expires soon after I get my IDP?

Your IDP is valid as long as both your U.S. driver's license and your passport remain valid. If your passport expires, your IDP becomes invalid, even if the permit itself shows a later expiration date. Renew your passport before it expires, and if necessary, obtain a new IDP after your passport is renewed.

Is the three-year International Driving Permit worth the extra cost?

The three-year option costs roughly twice as much as the one-year permit. If you travel internationally more than once a year, the three-year option may save money over time. If you travel less frequently, the one-year permit is usually the better choice. Check current pricing from both AAA and AATA to compare.

Can I use an expired International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is still valid?

No. An expired IDP is not valid, regardless of your U.S. license status. You must obtain a new IDP before you travel. Some countries may also question why your IDP is expired, even if your U.S. license is current.