How to Renew Your International Driving Permit Before It Expires

Where and how to renew your IDP

You renew an International Driving Permit (IDP) through the same organization that issued it — either the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a local AAA or AATA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and pay the renewal fee.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You fill out a renewal process (Form IDP-2 for AAA, or the equivalent AATA form), hand over your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new permit on the spot. Some offices may ask you to wait while they process it; others hand it to you when ready. Bring cash or a card — both are usually accepted, though calling ahead to confirm payment methods is wise.

If you do not have an AAA or AATA membership, you can still renew. Non-members pay a slightly higher fee than members do, but the process is identical. You do not need to join to renew.

Key Takeaways

You must renew in person at an AAA or AATA office; mail and online renewal are not available.
Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment (cash or card).
The renewal fee varies by organization and membership status, but typically ranges from $15 to $20.
Your new IDP is issued when ready after you submit your process and payment.
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, so renew before the expiration date on your current permit.

Timing: when to renew and how long it takes

Your IDP expires three years from the date it was issued. You can see the expiration date printed on the front of your permit. Most people renew within a few months before expiration, though you can renew at any time — there is no penalty for renewing early.

The actual renewal takes 15 to 20 minutes at the office. You walk out with your new permit the same day. There is no waiting period, no mail processing, and no background check. If you are traveling internationally soon and your IDP is about to expire, you can renew the day before you leave.

If your IDP has already expired, you can still renew it. An expired permit does not prevent you from getting a new one — you straightforward explore for a renewal as usual. However, an expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad, so do not wait until after the expiration date if you are planning an international trip.

What documents you need to bring

You need three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and payment. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Most CVS, Walgreens, and local photo shops can take a passport photo for $10 to $15 if you do not have one.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you cannot renew your IDP until you renew your driver's license first. The IDP is tied to your U.S. license, so the two must be in sync.

Bring your payment method — cash or a debit or credit card. AAA and AATA offices accept both, but calling ahead to your local office is a good idea if you want to confirm they take the payment method you plan to use.

Renewal fees and membership discounts

The renewal fee is not set by a federal agency — AAA and AATA each set their own prices. AAA members typically pay $15 to $20 for a renewal, while non-members pay $20 to $25. AATA fees are similar. Prices vary slightly by region and can change, so call your local office or check their website for the exact amount before you go.

If you are an AAA member, bring your membership card to get the member rate. If you are not a member and want to save a few dollars, you can join AAA at the same time you renew your IDP. AAA membership costs around $50 to $70 per year depending on the membership level, so the savings on the IDP renewal alone will not pay for membership — but if you use AAA services like roadside information or travel planning, membership may be worth it for other reasons.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are abroad

An expired IDP is not valid for driving in any country. If your permit expires while you are traveling, you cannot legally drive using that permit, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. You must have a current IDP to drive internationally.

If you are abroad and your IDP expires, you cannot renew it remotely. You must return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office in person. This is why it is important to check your expiration date before you travel and renew before you leave if your permit is within a few months of expiring.

If you are planning a long trip and your IDP will expire while you are away, renew it before you depart. There is no penalty for renewing early, and it takes only 20 minutes.

Differences between AAA and AATA renewal

Both AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue and renew IDPs. The process process is nearly identical at both organizations — you bring the same documents, pay a similar fee, and receive your permit on the same day. The main difference is location: AAA has more offices nationwide, so you are more likely to find one near you. AATA has fewer locations, mostly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

If you originally got your IDP from AAA, you can renew it at AAA. If you got it from AATA, renew it at AATA. You cannot cross over — an AATA-issued permit must be renewed at AATA, and an AAA-issued permit at AAA. Check the issuing organization printed on your current permit to know where to go.

Both organizations issue the same IDP document, valid in the same countries, for the same three-year period. The choice between them is straightforward about which office is more convenient for you.

What to do if you lose your IDP before renewal

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement by visiting an AAA or AATA office and requesting a duplicate. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and payment. The fee for a replacement is usually the same as or slightly higher than a renewal fee — typically $15 to $25 depending on the organization.

A replacement IDP is issued on the spot, just like a renewal. The new permit will have a new issue date and a new three-year expiration date, so you will not get extra time beyond the original three years — you start fresh from the date of replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP online or by mail?

No. You must renew in person at an AAA or AATA office. There is no online or mail renewal option. You need to visit a local office, bring your documents, and complete the process face-to-face.

What if I do not have a passport photo?

You can get a passport-style photo taken at most drugstores (CVS, Walgreens) or local photo shops for $10 to $15. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly. Some AAA offices may be able to take the photo for you on-site for an additional fee, but call ahead to confirm.

Can I renew my IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and current to renew your IDP. If your license is expired, renew it at your state's DMV first, then renew your IDP at AAA or AATA.

How long is a renewed IDP valid?

A renewed IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your new permit. You can renew again anytime before or after that date expires.

Do I have to be an AAA member to renew my IDP?

No. Non-members can renew at AAA or AATA offices. Members pay a slightly lower fee, but non-members can renew at the standard rate without joining.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.