Here’s How To Get an International Driving Permit
An international driving license is a document recognized by over 150 countries. It’s a booklet that translates the information on your existing driver’s license into 10 or more languages. An IDP can help make your next trip abroad go more smoothly. Most foreign authorities will appreciate that you carry this document with you, and some even require it. But the US government doesn’t issue an international driver’s license—you’ll need to go to your local AAA branch for that.
How to get an international driver’s license?
U.S. citizens can only obtain an international driver’s license (IDP) through their local AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), according to IDP.org. Applying from abroad can take six weeks or more, so it’s a good idea to check in with an IDP in person before you travel.
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To obtain your international driver’s license, you will need a valid US driver’s license, a $20 fee, and two original passport photos. Some AAA offices are equipped to take these passport photos on the spot, but it’s worth calling ahead to confirm.
All you have to do is fill out an application form with all your details and present your driver’s license. The AAA team will then attach your photo to a new IDP booklet and record your name, place of birth, date of birth and city of residence. Once you’ve signed and stamped it, you’re good to go.
More tips on getting an international driving license
First, an AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for a maximum of one year. So if you’re not going to be traveling for a while, ask the team at AAA to set an approval start date some time in the future. Note that if your domestic driver’s license expires before the end of a year, your IDP will also expire.
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If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you can renew it by post. This should be a quicker process than applying for a brand new IDP from AAA abroad. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to install this application well in advance when you need it.
Finally, make sure you reference any special endorsements you have on your US license so the team at AAA can include them on your IDP. The IDP used by the US was created by a convention of 101 countries held in Geneva in 1949. As such, it considers any vehicle over 7,700 pounds or with more than 8 passengers as a special class.
When I pointed out that even with a standard US driver’s license I could drive vehicles with up to 15 people and a GVW of up to 20,000 pounds, my AAA’s team ticked off that I had those “special” endorsements. I have yet to find out if foreign authorities will recognize these special endorsements, but I can’t imagine there being any harm in having at least the details of my US driver’s license translated.
Do you need an international driving license to drive abroad?
The truth is that many travelers drive in many foreign countries without an international driver’s license. You must check the specific laws of the country you are traveling to. Even if your goal doesn’t require an IDP, it can still be an important document.
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Many countries actually allow you to drive on their roads without IDPs during a short break. But many also require an IDP for long-term travelers or expats.
In any foreign country, the local authorities will appreciate that you carry a translated driver’s license. Anything that can make an awkward stopover abroad smoother is a good investment.
Although a foreign government may not require an IDP, private companies may require one to rent a car. If you’re planning on renting while traveling abroad, be sure to check the fine print before arriving without an IDP.
Next, learn how to unlock an electric scooter abroad, or learn more about how to get an IDP in the video below:
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