How to get an International Driver's License or International Driver's Permit

Get the green light on driving abroad

If you travel abroad, you may find yourself needing an international driver's license. There is a bit of confusion on the title- most people refer to it as an international driver's license but technically it is called the international driver's permit and sites offering to sell you an international driver's license are usually a scam.

The international driver's permit will allow you to drive in one of more than 150 countries. It is simply a verification that you are legal to drive in the country you are from, with all of the information contained in your driver's license translated into ten languages in case you have the misfortune of being stopped by the police while driving abroad. An international driver's permit is valid for one year.

Things You'll Need

• valid U.S. driver's license
• two passport photos
• $15

Instructions

1. Ensure that your current U.S. driver's license is valid for the duration of your trip. Normally your international driver's permit will be valid for one year, but if your current driver's license expires sooner, your international driver's license will expire the same date as your current license. If this is going to cause a problem, renew your U.S. driver's license before applying for the international driver's permit.

2. Take photos of yourself- you will need to provide 2 2x2"passport-type photos to obtain the international driver's license. Sign each photo on the back.

3. Write a check or money order for $15 to AAA. You do not need to be a member of AAA to receive an international driver's permit through them. There are other companies that offer the international driver's license, but there are also many scams out there. AAA is legitimate and affordable. Never apply for an international driver's license that claims it can be used without or in place of a valid U.S. driver's license.

4. If applying by mail, you will also need to provide a photocopy of the front and back of your current U.S. driver's license. You also have the option of sending them additional funds for expedited return of your international driver's permit. If applying in person, they will make the photocopy in the AAA office.

5. Fill out the application. You can print the application from the AAA website listed below. The application can either be mailed or presented in person at your local AAA office. If you wish to mail it, send it to:
   AAA/IDP
   1000 AAA Dr.
   Heathrow, FL
   32746
   Attn: Mailstop #28

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer to apply in person, please be aware that some people have been asked to provide further information depending on the office and the discretion of the employees, such as proof of insurance. The easiest and most straightforward way to apply for the International Driver's Permit is by mail.

• Your international driver's permit will allow you to drive the same type of vehicle your U.S. driver's license is valid for (motorcycle, passenger car, truck, etc.)

• Your international driver's permit will allow you to drive the same type of vehicle your U.S. driver's license is valid for (motorcycle, passenger car, truck, etc.)

• In the application, you must sign a declaration that your U.S. license has not been revoked or suspended.

• The permit can only be used to legally drive in a country you are visiting. Should you become a resident of that country, you will need to follow the local regulations regarding obtaining a driver's license in that country.

Resources

• Official application and list of countries the international driver's permit is valid in