How to Get an International Driver's Permit

You've done it!! You've planned your dream vacation...driving through the European countryside, winding your way from Germany to France to Italy...where ever your muse takes you.

Before you leave though, there's one document you'll need no matter where you drive...an International Driver's Permit.

The International Driver's Permit provides proof that you have a valid driver's license in the United States. It is also becoming a necessity to provide your IDP in order to rent a car in a foreign country. One thing it does not, however, is show proof of your identity.

It's critical to understand the difference between an International Driver's Permit, and something called an International Driver's License, which is a scam. Sites offering a License cost more, and give you a document that is essentially worthless.

The Permit is the only document that is recognized by the United Nations and U.S. State Department, and that is valid in over 150 foreign countries. It's also important to understand that the International Driver's Permit does not replace your driver's license, which you will still need to carry with your IDP. Its main purpose is to translate your United States driver's license information into almost a dozen different languages, allowing officials in other countries to essentially "read" your license, even if they do not read English.

The actual process for getting an IDP is quite straight forward. This article walks you through the steps to take to obtain your International Driver's Permit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two passport sized photos
• $15.00 US dollars
• International Driver's Permit application
• Photocopy of both sides of your valid United States driver's license

1. Visit the American Automobile Association site listed in Resources. There are only two associations that are authorized by the United States Department of State to issue an International Driver's Permit, AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. The AAA has an online application that can be printed to get an International Driver's Permit.

2. Complete the application. You can take the application and necessary documentation to the nearest AAA office. Keep in mind the permit cannot be obtained more than six months before the effective date; in other words, the date you plan to start your vacation. It is then valid for one year from the date of issuance.

3. Get your passport photos. You'll need to enclose two passport (2" x 2") photos if you're mailing your application. You can have these taken at most United States Post Offices. If you're taking your application and documentation to the AAA office in person, they can take the photos at that time.

4. Mail your application. You can find the address of the nearest AAA office via their website and mail your application, your two passport photos, a photocopy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license, and $15.00 U.S. dollars. The payment can be money order, U.S. bank check, or by credit card.
   
   It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to get the international driving permit. If you wish an expedited return via U.S. mail, or Federal Express, enclose the associated funds for return delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be 18 years of age to obtain an International Driver's Permit.
• The AAA site is the most convenient to use, with a printable application at their site, without requiring membership to the AAA.
• The NAC site requires membership to access the application.
• Any other site that offers an application online is not an authorized site.
• From the U.S. Department of State Website. "Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses. The Department designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance as the only authorized distributors of IDPs."
• Do not obtain any license or permit online. The AAA only issues permits via mail or in person. Any other method may result in a license that will not be valid overseas and can lead to imprisonment if you are found in possession of an invalid license.

Resources

• AAA
• American Automobile Touring Alliance (through the National Automobile Club)
• United States Department of State Overseas Travel Page
• How to Spot International Driver's License Scams

[1960texan]

on 8/22/2009 Great tips and thanks for the scam alert!

[hnatalieann]

on 8/5/2009 Great article! 5*

[kittycooks]

on 7/6/2009 Great tip before traveling overseas. I wouldn't have thought about needing an international drivers permit. Thanks for sharing!