How to Spot International Driver's License Scams

An international driver's license is often confused with an international driver's permit. Only the permit is real; the license represents a scam. The person who mistakes the difference between these two items can end up out of cash and even behind bars if the police catch you driving without a valid license.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Spot the claim that an international driver's license can substitute for a state-issued driver's license. These scams target people who don't possess state-issued driver's license or identification. A person using an international license in place of a state-issued license can be jailed if caught.

2. Understand that an international driver's permit is real, but you can only receive one if you already have a state-issued license. The permit translates your state-issued driver's license into foreign languages so that officials in other countries can interpret your license.

3. Check the source. Only the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance have the authority to distribute international driver's permits. See the Resources below to find contact information for these organizations.

4. Realize that any claim that you can avoid paying traffic tickets or losing points on your state-issued driver's license or that you can establish a different identity without going through the proper government agency is a scam.

5. Report fraudulent license scams to the Federal Trade Commission (see Resources below).

Resources

• AAA
• National Automobile Club
• Federal Trade Commission: FTC Consumer Alert