Where to renew your international driving permit depends on your citizenship and which country issued it

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not renewed in the traditional sense — it expires and you obtain a new one. Where you get that new permit depends entirely on which country issued your original one. If you hold a U.S.-issued IDP, you renew it through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. If your IDP was issued by another country, you will need to contact that country's equivalent motor vehicle authority or the organization that issued it.

The process is straightforward once you know which organization handles your permit. You do not renew through a government office, and you do not need to pass a test. You straightforward provide your current or expired permit, proof of citizenship, and a valid driver's license, then pay a fee. The new permit is usually ready within days or weeks, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens renew their IDP through AAA or AATA, the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.
  • You will need your current or expired IDP, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of citizenship to obtain a new permit.
  • In-person renewal at an AAA office typically takes minutes, while mail-in renewal takes one to two weeks.
  • If your IDP was issued by another country, contact that country's national motor vehicle authority or the organization that originally issued it.

Renewing a U.S.-issued IDP through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common place to renew a U.S. IDP. You can renew in person at any AAA office or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your current or expired IDP, a valid U.S. driver's license, and one form of proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new permit on the spot or within a few days.

If you renew by mail, you will send AAA your expired or expiring IDP, your driver's license (a copy is usually acceptable), proof of citizenship, and a completed process form. AAA will mail your new permit back to you, which typically takes one to two weeks. The fee for renewal is the same whether you renew in person or by mail, and it covers a three-year permit.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Not all AAA branches handle IDP renewals, so call ahead to confirm that the office near you offers this service.

Renewing through AATA if AAA is not available

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second U.S. organization authorized to issue and renew IDPs. AATA operates primarily through mail-in service, so you will not find a physical office to visit. To renew through AATA, you send your expired or expiring IDP, a valid U.S. driver's license (copy acceptable), proof of citizenship, and a completed process form to their mailing address.

AATA processes renewals within one to two weeks and mails your new permit to you. The fee is comparable to AAA's fee. AATA is a good option if you live far from an AAA office or prefer to handle the renewal entirely by mail. You can find AATA's mailing address and process form on their website.

What documents you need to bring or send

Regardless of whether you renew in person or by mail, you will need the same core documents. Your current or expired IDP is essential — this is what the organization uses to verify your identity and pull up your record. A valid U.S. driver's license (original or copy, depending on the organization) proves you are still licensed to drive. One form of proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate — confirms your may be able to access.

Some organizations may also ask for a completed process form, which you can read from their website or receive in person. A few may request a new passport-style photo if your current IDP photo is very old or damaged, though many will use the photo from your driver's license instead. Call or check the organization's website before you go to confirm exactly what they need.

Renewing an IDP issued by another country

If your IDP was issued by a country other than the United States, you will need to contact that country's national motor vehicle authority or the organization that originally issued your permit. Each country has its own renewal process, fees, and requirements. Some countries allow you to renew by mail if you are living abroad; others require you to renew in person in the country that issued it.

Start by contacting your country's embassy or consulate in the United States — they can direct you to the correct authority or organization. Alternatively, search for "[your country] international driving permit renewal" to find the official process. Be prepared for the possibility that you may need to renew your permit in your home country rather than from the United States.

How long renewal takes and when to start

In-person renewal at an AAA office is the fastest option and can be completed in a single visit, with your new permit ready within days. Mail-in renewal through AAA or AATA typically takes one to two weeks from the time the organization receives your documents. If you are renewing an IDP issued by another country, the timeline varies widely — some countries process renewals within a week, while others may take several weeks or require you to visit in person.

Start the renewal process at least four to six weeks before your permit expires if you are using mail-in service. This gives you a buffer in case documents are delayed or the organization needs to contact you for more information. If you are traveling internationally soon and your IDP is expiring, renew in person at an AAA office to get your new permit when ready.

What happens if your IDP expires before you renew

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving in foreign countries, even if you are in the middle of a trip. However, you can still renew it after it expires — there is no penalty or special process for renewing an expired permit. straightforward follow the same steps as you would for a permit that is about to expire: bring or send your expired IDP, driver's license, and proof of citizenship to AAA, AATA, or your country's motor vehicle authority.

If you are traveling internationally and your IDP expires while you are abroad, you will not be able to drive legally until you obtain a new one. To avoid this situation, renew your IDP before you travel if it will expire during your trip. If you are already abroad and your permit expires, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining a temporary permit or arranging a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP online?

AAA and AATA do not offer full online renewal, but you can start the process on their websites and complete it by mail or in person. Some countries may offer online renewal for their IDPs — check with your country's motor vehicle authority if your permit was issued outside the United States.

How much does it cost to renew an IDP?

The fee varies slightly between AAA and AATA, but both charge roughly $20 to $30 for a three-year permit. Fees for IDPs issued by other countries vary by country. Contact the organization that issued your permit for the exact cost.

Do I need a new photo for my renewed IDP?

Most organizations will use the photo from your current IDP or your driver's license. If your photo is very old or damaged, the organization may ask you to provide a new one. Call ahead to ask whether a new photo is required.

What if I lost my IDP and need to renew it?

If your IDP is lost, you will need to obtain a replacement rather than a renewal. Contact AAA or AATA (or your country's motor vehicle authority) and explain that your permit is missing. They will issue a new one, though the process may take slightly longer than a standard renewal because they will need to verify your information more thoroughly.

Can I renew my IDP if I no longer have a valid driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when paired with a valid driver's license from your home country. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it first before you can renew your IDP.