Obtaining an International Driving Permit in the U.S.
Before Frank and I went on our trip to Italy last month I decided to get a new International Driving Permit (IDP) in case we decided to rent a car while we were over there. Since the permits are only good for a year at a time I have gotten several over the years and thought I would share some details about obtaining one.
Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license but they do accept an IDP. Recognised by over 150 countries, an IDP is an official translation of your driver's license into ten languages. Because the IDP is a translation, you also need to carry your U.S. driver's license for the IDP to be valid.
An IDP is intended for short term driving for visitors on travel. If you are planning to become a resident overseas you should confirm the local regulations regarding driving as you may be required to get a license in that country within a set period of time.
It is really important to check the rules for the specific country or countries that you plan on driving in on your vacation. A rental car agency may allow you to rent a car with just your U.S. license but that does not mean you wouldn't be in trouble with the law if you were pulled over and did not have an IDP. The U.S. Department of State has Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section that you can look up under their Country Specific Information. In addition to sharing what licensing requirements are necessary (if IDP is needed or other certification is necessary) there is some great basic information about how that specific country's traffic rules differ from the U.S. If the requirement does not state that an IDP is needed but an official translation is required, an IDP can act in that role.
Currently in the U.S. there are two ways to get an IDP, through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or National Automobile Club (NAC). In both cases you do not need to be a member and the current fee for the IDP is $15.00. There are several internet scams claiming they can provide international driver's licenses but if you are a holder of a U.S. driver's license, currently the only way authorized by the U.S. Department of State is with an IDP through AAA or NAC.
To obtain an IDP from NAC, you apply by mail, submitting a signed photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license, a completed application, two original passport photos and the IDP fee payment of $15.00 along with applicable shipping and handling fees. I've never applied through NAC, but according to their website you can expect to receive your IDP back within about two weeks.
I've always applied for my IDP at AAA because you can just do it in person at a local AAA which means no waiting and no shipping fees. Another benefit of going to AAA is that you can take your required passport photos there and if you are a AAA Plus member (which I am) you get up to two sets of passport photos free per year. If you are not a member you can still get your pictures taken there for a fee (currently $12 at my local AAA) and AAA Basic members can get the pictures for a discounted fee (currently $8 at my local AAA). If you choose not to get your photos at the AAA, just bring a set of two original passport photos with you when you apply.
To get your IDP at AAA bring your driver's license, AAA card if you have one, a set of original passport photos if you don't plan to get them at AAA and a form of payment to your local AAA office. You can fill out the application at the office once you are there. Being able to get your pictures and IDP at one place makes it really convenient and if there is no line at AAA, you can have everything done within 15 minutes and walk out the door with your IDP. If you would rather apply by mail, AAA also provides that option like NAC.
Happy international driving!
Disclaimer: This information was true to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing and information may have changed. It is each person's individual responsibility to check the driving regulations for any country they intend to visit.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 6:35AM | Posted by Lisa | 5 Comments | Share Article | Email Article | Print Article 
Reader Comments (5)
I had no idea something like this existed. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy- I'm glad you enjoyed it!
aldtangw e3d3fd1842 https://www.frenchwomenorg.com/tricevenir
aldtangw e3d3fd1842 https://www.frenchwomenorg.com/tricevenir
aldtangw e3d3fd1842 https://www.frenchwomenorg.com/tricevenir