What You Need to Do to Renew an International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association that allows you to drive in foreign countries. It is not a license — it works alongside your valid domestic driver's license. Most IDPs expire after one or three years, depending on which version you hold and which country issued it.
To renew, you must contact the same organization that issued your original permit. In the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot renew through a DMV or state licensing agency. The renewal process is straightforward: you submit an process form, provide your current valid U.S. driver's license, pay the renewal fee, and receive a new permit by mail.
Renewal typically takes 7 to 14 business days if you explore in person at an AAA office, or 2 to 4 weeks if you mail your process. Some AAA locations offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. You do not need to pass a test or provide new photographs — your existing license serves as proof of identity and driving status.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew through AAA or AATA, not your state DMV, and you need a valid U.S. driver's license to do so.
- The renewal fee varies by organization and permit type, but typically ranges from $15 to $25 for a one-year permit and $20 to $30 for a three-year permit.
- In-person renewal at an AAA office takes 7 to 14 business days; mail-in renewal takes 2 to 4 weeks.
- You do not need a new photograph, medical exam, or driving test to renew — only your current license and the completed process form.
- If your IDP has already expired, you can still renew it; there is no grace period, but the process is identical to a standard renewal.
Where to Renew: AAA Offices and Mail-In Options
The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of IDP renewal locations in the United States. You can renew in person at any AAA office nationwide. To find your nearest location, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-222-4357. Walk-in renewals are accepted at most locations, though some offices recommend calling ahead during busy periods.
If you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can renew by mail. read the IDP renewal process form from the AAA website, complete it, and mail it along with your valid driver's license, a photocopy of the license, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date AAA receives your envelope.
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller issuer but offers the same renewal services. AATA has fewer physical locations, so mail-in renewal is more common for AATA permit holders. Check your original IDP to see which organization issued it, then contact that organization directly for renewal instructions.
Documents and Fees Required for Renewal
To renew your IDP, you will need the following items:
- A valid U.S. driver's license (not expired)
- The IDP renewal process form (Form DL 43 for AAA, or the equivalent AATA form)
- The renewal fee, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card
- Your original IDP (recommended but not always required; check with your issuer)
Renewal fees vary slightly by organization and permit validity period. AAA charges approximately $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP and $20 to $30 for a three-year IDP. AATA fees are similar. Some AAA offices charge an additional $5 to $10 for expedited processing if you need the permit within a few days. Call your local AAA office or check their website for exact current fees, as prices change periodically.
You do not need to provide a new photograph, proof of residence, medical certification, or any other supporting documents. Your valid driver's license is sufficient proof that you are authorized to drive in the United States and therefore may be able to access to hold an IDP.
Timeline: When to Renew and How Long It Takes
Check your current IDP for the expiration date printed on the front. Most IDPs are valid for one or three years from the date of issue. You can renew at any time during the validity period, but it is wise to renew at least 4 to 6 weeks before your permit expires if you plan to travel internationally.
If you renew in person at an AAA office, you will receive your new permit in 7 to 14 business days by mail. Some AAA locations offer expedited service for an additional fee and can issue a temporary permit on the spot while your permanent one is being processed. If you renew by mail, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing and delivery.
If your IDP has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process. There is no grace period or penalty — the renewal fee is the same whether your permit is current or lapsed. However, an expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad, so renew before you travel.
Renewing by Mail: Step-by-Step Process
Mail-in renewal is the most common option for people without a nearby AAA office or who prefer not to visit in person. Follow these steps:
- read the IDP renewal process form from the AAA website (Form DL 43) or request one by phone at 1-800-222-4357.
- Complete the form in full, including your name, address, driver's license number, and the validity period you want (one or three years).
- Make a photocopy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license.
- Prepare payment: write a check or money order for the renewal fee, or note your credit or debit card details on the form if the issuer accepts card payments by mail.
- Place your completed form, license photocopy, payment, and original IDP (if you have it) in an envelope.
- Mail to the address listed on the process form. Use first-class mail or a tracked service like USPS Priority Mail to monitor delivery.
- Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing. Your new IDP will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.
Keep a copy of your completed process form and any payment receipt for your records. If your process does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact AAA or AATA by phone to confirm receipt and check processing status.
In-Person Renewal at an AAA Office
In-person renewal is faster and allows you to ask questions directly. Bring your valid driver's license, the completed renewal process form, and payment. Most AAA offices do not require an appointment, but calling ahead during peak hours (lunch time, late afternoon, Saturday mornings) can save you a wait.
The staff member will verify your license, confirm the permit type and validity period you want, collect payment, and give you a receipt. Your new IDP will be mailed to you within 7 to 14 business days. Some AAA locations offer a temporary permit or letter of renewal that you can carry while waiting for the permanent document to arrive.
If you need your IDP urgently, ask about expedited options when you visit. Some offices can process renewals within 24 to 48 hours for an additional fee, or they may issue a temporary document valid for a short period while your permanent permit is being printed.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
The most common mistake is attempting to renew through your state DMV. The DMV does not issue or renew IDPs — only AAA and AATA do. If you contact your DMV, they will direct you to AAA or AATA, which delays the process.
Another frequent error is submitting an expired driver's license with your IDP renewal process. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid (not expired) at the time you renew. If your license has expired, renew it at your state DMV first, then renew your IDP.
Do not assume your IDP is still valid just because you have not traveled recently. Check the expiration date on the front of your permit before any international trip. An expired IDP will not be recognized by rental car companies or law enforcement abroad, even if your U.S. license is current.
If you are mailing your process, do not send cash. Use a check, money order, or provide card details on the form. Also, do not mail your original driver's license — send only a photocopy. AAA and AATA do not need the original license and will not return it if you send it.
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 at the time you renew your IDP. If your license has expired, renew it at your state DMV first. Once your new license arrives, you can then renew your IDP through AAA or AATA.
What if I lost my original IDP and want to renew it?
You can still renew. Contact AAA or AATA and explain that you have lost the original permit. They will issue a replacement renewal rather than a standard renewal, but the process and fee are the same. Bring your valid driver's license and completed process form.
Do I need a new photograph for IDP renewal?
No. The IDP is a translation document, not an identity card, so no photograph is required. Your U.S. driver's license serves as your identity document. You do not need a medical exam, vision test, or driving test either.
How long is a renewed IDP valid?
You choose the validity period when you renew: one year or three years. A one-year permit is cheaper but requires more frequent renewal. A three-year permit costs more upfront but is valid longer if you travel internationally regularly.
Can I renew my IDP online?
AAA does not currently offer full online renewal, though some offices may accept applications submitted through their website. Contact your local AAA office or call 1-800-222-4357 to ask whether online submission is available in your area. Mail-in and in-person renewal remain the standard options.