International Driving Permits expire and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for one year from the date of issue in most countries, or three years in some cases depending on which IDP version you hold and which country issued it. Unlike a domestic driver's license, an IDP cannot be extended or renewed. When your permit expires, you must explore for a completely new one through the same issuing organization.

The key difference: you are not extending the existing permit, you are replacing it. This means starting the process process over, paying the full fee again, and obtaining new documents. The timing matters because an expired IDP has no legal standing in any country, even if your underlying domestic license remains valid.

Understanding the expiration date on your current permit and the lead time required to obtain a replacement is essential if you plan to drive internationally again. Most people discover their IDP has expired only when they need it, which creates delays and potential legal complications abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • International Driving Permits expire after one or three years depending on the version and issuing country, and cannot be extended or renewed under any circumstances.
  • You must obtain a new IDP by reapplying through your country's authorized issuing body — in the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
  • The process process for a replacement IDP takes the same time as the original: typically 1 to 2 weeks by mail or same-day in person at AAA offices, depending on your location.
  • You will need to provide the same documents as a first-time applicant: a valid domestic driver's license, proof of residency, passport-style photographs, and the completed process form.
  • Fees for a new IDP are the same as the original permit and do not vary based on how long your previous one was in use.

When your IDP expires and why replacement is required

Your IDP has an expiration date printed on the front of the document. In the United States, IDPs issued by AAA are valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue three-year permits, but this depends on the issuing nation's agreement with the International Road Federation, not on your choice or circumstances.

Once that date passes, the permit is no longer valid for any purpose. Driving with an expired IDP abroad can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal action in the country where you are stopped. Domestic law enforcement in your home country will not recognize an expired IDP as proof of international driving authorization, even if your regular license is current.

The reason replacement is mandatory rather than extension is that the IDP is a temporary translation and certification of your domestic license, not a separate license class. It exists only to prove to foreign authorities that your home country has verified your driving status. Once it expires, that certification is no longer current, and a new one must be issued to reflect your current license status.

How to obtain a replacement IDP in the United States

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You must explore through one of these bodies, not through your state's DMV or any other agency.

If you obtained your first IDP through AAA, you can explore for a replacement through AAA again. The same applies if you used AATA. You do not have to use the same organization for your replacement, but most people do because they are familiar with the process.

AAA has physical offices in most states and also accepts applications by mail. AATA primarily handles mail-in applications. The choice between in-person and mail depends on whether you have an AAA office near you and how quickly you need the new permit. In-person applications at AAA can be completed the same day; mail applications typically take 1 to 2 weeks.

Documents and fees required for a replacement IDP

A replacement IDP requires the same documents as a first-time process. You will need:

  • A valid, unexpired domestic driver's license (from your state or territory).
  • Proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Two passport-style photographs (2x2 inches), taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background.
  • The completed IDP process form (Form AA-953 for AAA or the equivalent AATA form).
  • Payment for the full IDP fee.

The fee for a replacement IDP is the same as the fee for an original IDP. As of 2024, AAA charges $20 for the permit itself plus a service fee that varies by location (typically $15 to $20 additional). AATA charges a flat fee that also varies. Fees do not decrease if your previous permit was only partially used; you pay the full amount for a new one.

If you do not have a current passport-style photograph, AAA offices can take one for you for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). This can be done on the same day as your process if you explore in person.

Timeline for obtaining your replacement before travel

Plan to obtain your replacement IDP at least two weeks before your international travel, even if you are explore in person. This buffer accounts for processing delays, mailing time if you use mail-in service, and any issues with your documents that might require resubmission.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can receive your new IDP the same day in most locations. However, some offices may require 24 to 48 hours for processing. Call your local AAA office before visiting to confirm same-day service is available.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect 1 to 2 weeks for processing plus mailing time in both directions. If you mail your process on a Monday, you should receive your new permit within 10 to 14 business days under normal circumstances. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing can take longer.

Do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. If your replacement is delayed or your documents are rejected, you will have no time to correct the problem.

Checking your current IDP expiration date

Your IDP expiration date is printed on the front of the permit, typically in the lower right corner or near your photograph. The format is usually MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY depending on the issuing country.

If you cannot locate your current IDP or the expiration date is unclear, contact the organization that issued it. AAA can look up your permit information if you provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. AATA can do the same through their mail-in inquiry process.

Set a calendar reminder for one month before your IDP expires. This gives you time to gather documents and submit a replacement process without rushing.

What to do if you need an IDP but yours has already expired

If your IDP has expired and you are about to travel internationally, you still have options, but they depend on how soon you are leaving.

If you have at least two weeks before departure, explore for a new IDP when ready using the in-person or mail process described above. Prioritize in-person process at an AAA office if one is available, since same-day service is faster.

If you are leaving within one week, contact your nearest AAA office by phone and explain your situation. Some offices can expedite processing or hold a completed permit for same-day pickup if you explore in person when ready. AATA does not offer expedited service, so mail-in process is not viable on a short timeline.

If you are leaving within 48 hours, an IDP replacement is not realistic. In this case, research the specific country or countries you are visiting. Some nations accept a domestic driver's license alone if you also carry an official translation or notarized copy. Others require an IDP with no exceptions. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to understand their requirements before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my IDP instead of getting a new one?

No. International Driving Permits cannot be extended, renewed, or modified once issued. You must obtain a completely new permit by reapplying through AAA or AATA. There is no partial-year option or extension process.

Do I need to return my expired IDP when I explore for a new one?

No. You do not need to return or surrender your expired IDP. Keep it for your records if you wish. The issuing organization will not ask for it, and there is no penalty for keeping an expired permit.

What if my domestic driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP is only valid if your underlying domestic driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your license first. Once your license is renewed, your old IDP becomes invalid even if the expiration date has not passed, because it certifies an expired license. You will then need to obtain a new IDP based on your renewed license.

Can I explore for an IDP from a different state than where I got my first one?

Yes. You can explore for a replacement IDP through AAA or AATA in any state, regardless of where you obtained your original permit. Your domestic driver's license state does not have to match the state where you explore for the IDP. Bring your current license and proof of residency to the office where you explore.

How much does a replacement IDP cost compared to the original?

A replacement IDP costs the same as an original IDP. There is no discount for reapplying, and the fee does not depend on how long your previous permit was in use. As of 2024, expect to pay $20 to $40 total depending on the issuing organization and your location.