International Driving Permit

You can cut down on time and effort by obtaining an international driving license prior to you travel across the globe. You can also overcome language barriers with local authorities and car rental companies.

You can apply for an IDP from either the US Department of State, or from AAA. The application process is easy and simple.

How do I get an IDP

If you plan to drive overseas, an international driving permit (IDP) is required. It is a document that allows drivers to legally drive in a majority of countries without having to pass an exam or apply for an additional permit. It is valid in more than 150 countries and contains your name along with your driver's photo and name in ten languages. It is a great way to overcome the language barrier and improve communication with officials. IDPs are recommended for those who plan to rent a vehicle.

It's easy to obtain an IDP However, you must research the requirements of your country of choice prior to your departure. Some countries require IDPs from all foreign drivers while others only require them if you are renting a vehicle or staying for a longer time. You can also go to the Department of State's website to find out more about your destination's driving regulations.

You must be at minimum 18 years old and possess an active driver's license in order to obtain an IDP. permis a – permis a2 must also have a passport-sized picture and proof of insurance. You can apply online or at your local AAA branch (American Automobile Association). You can find the nearest branch by using the AAA website's location tool. Bring your driver's license and two passport-sized original photos If you choose to apply in person. Complete the application on-site and pay a cost of around $20.

You can also apply for an IDP by mail if you don't live near a AAA branch. It's important to note that an IDP is only valid for as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. Therefore, ensure you keep your U.S. driver's license current. Be wary of websites offering IDPs at a low cost or offering driving privileges as a reward for an IDP. These websites are likely scams. To avoid these scams you must always apply for an IDP through AAA or AATA.

Getting an IDP from the U.S.

Having a valid driver's license is required to legally drive in many countries. However, the procedure for obtaining an international driving permit (IDP) varies by country. In the United States, an IDP is issued by the Automobile Association of America (AAA). The document is a translation of your license information into several languages and may be used in place of your state license while you're traveling across the world. Anyone visiting the United States who is from one of the countries that has an agreement with the U.S. Department of State can apply for an IDP.

Before you travel overseas be sure to check the requirements of the country you are visiting. The Department of State's website has the list of each country's driver's licence requirements for tourists. German citizens who are planning to travel to the United States will need to be aware that New York does not have reciprocal agreements with Germany. However, German drivers can obtain an IDP which allows them to drive across the majority of the United States.

Do your research about the process of applying before you apply. In the United States you can get an IDP by visiting an AAA branch or by mailing in a completed form along with two passport photographs, along with a copy of your state's driver's licence. Include the permit fee of $20 along with a check or money order made payable to AAA and the completed form.

If you are applying for an IDP You must be at minimum 18 years old, and a citizen of your country of origin. You must also possess a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country. If your driver's licence isn't in English it must be it with an official translation from the Department of State.

It is crucial to understand the limitations of your IDP. In the majority of cases, your IDP will only be recognized as a translation of your original driver's license. It doesn't grant you any additional driving privileges. It is also important to think about an additional insurance policy for your vehicle when you travel abroad. Your current insurance policy likely won't cover you in the case of an accident or theft.

Get an IDP from Canada

An international driving permit (IDP) is an international translation of your national driver's license which permits you to drive vehicles in foreign countries. It is valid in more than 175 countries, however it must be accompanied by your driver's license from your country at all times. You can get an IDP in Canada through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) by visiting a branch, or by mailing an application form. The process is quick and easy, however it can take up to 10 days to receive your IDP.

A driver's license can help you overcome the language barrier with law enforcement officers as well as car rental agencies and other foreigners. It can translate your driver's license into multiple languages to ensure that foreign officials and car rental agents can understand it. This will help prevent confusion and possible issues in the event of a traffic violation or accident.

There is a common misconception that the IDP replaces the U.S. Driver's License. This is not the case and could pose a danger. If you're involved in an accident of a minor nature with a policeman who does not speak English and is able to conclude that you do not have a driver's license, and then arrest you. This could be a very frustrating experience and you may end with a night in jail.

It is recommended for drivers who frequently travel internationally however, it is not suitable for all drivers. An IDP is not required if you are going to stay in your home country less than 90 days. It's crucial to be aware of the driving laws and regulations in the country you're heading to before leaving.

Check the expiry date on your U.S. Driver's License to make sure it doesn't expire when you travel abroad. If it does, you'll have to renew it prior to your trip. You can also apply for an extension if your stay in the U.S. will exceed the period specified on your license. The extension is usually granted for a period of three months. You should apply well in advance.

How to get an IDP from Europe

If you are planning to drive in another country, it is important to obtain an international driving permit. This document permits you to translate your driver's license from your home country into the local tongue, so that foreign authorities can better comprehend your rights to drive. The document should be obtained from your home country before you travel and must always be accompanied by your valid driver's license.

The IDP isn't just a translation service, but also a document that certifies you as a licensed driver in your country of origin. This is essential to car rental companies as well as other officials abroad. It also identifies the kinds of vehicles you are able to drive, which will aid in avoiding confusion and improve road security. The IDP is available from government-authorized organizations (such as national automobile associations) in 150 countries.

It is easy to obtain an IDP in your home country. The procedure involves contacting your national driving authority and filling out the required paperwork. In the majority of instances, administrative expenses are covered by a modest fee. After the application is completed, you will receive your IDP within a few weeks.

If you're a resident of the United States, you can get an IDP through the American Automobile Association. To qualify, you must hold a valid driver's license issued by a state. Additionally to that, the IDP must be approved by a provincial or state driving authority. Once you have your IDP, you can travel on the road in any country.

The IDP is not required in all European countries, but it could be very useful in the event that you require additional identification for any reason or are stopped by the police for a traffic offense. The IDP can help you save money and time in some situations by eliminating the requirement to visit an office to get the driver's license of your national.


Many people believe that only those who travel to Europe require an international driver's permit. However, an IDP is an excellent idea for anyone who is not a European citizen and is planning to drive in Europe particularly when the trip is long or you're not an EU citizen.