An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a form of identification that is recognized in 150 countries and includes your name, photo, and driver information. It will allow you to legally drive a car while you’re visiting a foreign country. An IDP is only valid for one year from the date of issue and it must be carried with your driver’s license while driving abroad.
Keep reading for why an International Driving Permit could be right for you and when you should get yours!
Why Do You Need One?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that acts as a supplement to your domestic driver’s license. Moreover, it allows you to drive legally in many different international cities. Keep in mind that in Australia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Japan, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Thailand, Spain, Slovenia, and Serbia are countries that require an IDP. There are several reasons why an International Driving Permit is required:
- It will eliminate potential language barriers. This can be incredibly helpful if you’re in a country you cannot speak their language. An International Driving Permit shows the information on your US driver’s license in 10 different languages. These languages include English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Swedish, German, and Arabic.
- The permit is also required by several rental car agencies when picking up your rental car overseas. Yes, in some countries it is mandatory to have, but it’s highly recommended to always have one when traveling outside of your home country.
- You can be fined for driving without an IDP and it can be quite costly.
- It will make driving outside of your home country easier and will offer you peace of mind. Not having to worry about being fined or communicating with law enforcement.
What’s the Process?
Thankfully, the process to getting an International Driving Permit is very simple! That is because you don’t have to fill out a ton of paperwork to send off and hope you get it all back in time for your trip. First, you’ll need to visit the AAA website and download the paperwork. Don’t worry, it’s only 1 page that needs to be completed! Next, visit your local AAA store and tell them you are applying for an International Driving Permit. There’s no need to make an appointment ahead of time – you can just show up.
All you need to bring with you to your visit is your current (valid) driver’s license, 2 identical recent passport photos (that have been signed on the back) and your wallet. You can mail in your application, but I highly recommend trying to find an office near you since the process took 15 minutes maximum.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind
Here are a few more things to keep in the back of your head though as you begin the process:
- You must be eighteen (18) years and/or older.
- You must currently have a valid US or territorial driver’s license.
- The permit is only valid for one (1) year. Additionally, it may not be issued more than six (6) months advance of your preferred effective date.
- The International Driving Permit is only valid in conjunction with a current driver’s license.
- It’s not valid for driving within the United States and does not give you driving privileges.
- Make sure to contact the AAA office closest to you to confirm they offer IDP services.
- Lastly, the permit is $20, and sales tax is applicable when paying for your service.
Bonus tip: if you’re an AAA member, there’s a good chance they will take your passport photos for FREE. That way, you can do everything in one visit!