How to Apply International Driving Permit ?
Even when you don’t speak the language, your international driving permit does! Considering driving a rental car and exploring the world by yourself? Before you travel, make a plan to get an international driving permit. Only two private organisations in the US are permitted to issue IDPs by the US Department of State, and AAA is one of them.
Also Read:- International Driving Permit in Portugal- How to Apply
Why Carry an IDP?
Your IDP, which includes your name, picture, and driver information, is recognised as legal identification in 150 nations across the world. It transforms your identity data into ten different languages, so even if you don’t speak the language, it can communicate. Most nations strongly advise getting an international driving permit.
An IDP issued by a different nation cannot be used in conjunction with a US driver’s licence. A US driver’s licence with an IDP attached can only be issued there.
AREA SEEN OVERSEAS
An IDP is frequently needed in order to legally drive. Driving without an IDP can result in severe fines. Before travelling, check the country’s regulations.
Even if you don’t intend to drive, an IDP gives you peace of mind while you’re out travelling.
* International driving permits cannot be granted more than six months before the desired effective date.
To confirm that IDP Services are offered, please immediately contact the AAA branch office.
*** + any applicable sales taxes. For detailed costs, contact the nearby branch office.
How to Apply?
To apply in person at a AAA Branch.
You will need to provide:
- Download and fill out an application (new tab), and bring it to your nearest AAA branch office** (new tab).
- Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices**).
- A valid U.S. driver’s licence.
- Pay a $20 USD permit fee and you’re ready to go!***
Apply by Mail
Your IDP can be obtained via mail if you are unable to visit your nearby AAA branch office. The following should be enclosed and mailed to the AAA office closest to you (see your local area for payment options):
- Your completed IDP application form
- Two original passport pictures each signed on the back
- $20 USD permit fee***
- A photocopy of both sides of your driver’s licence
- If desired, include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service. See USPS.com (new tab) or Fedex.com (new tab) for rates.
Already Overseas?
You can mail your completed application to the following office and address if you are currently abroad:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mail Stop #28
Please give the return mail 5-7 weeks.
FedEx* will be used for most international mail to avoid the recent change in U.S. Customs law that affects USPS Express International mail. Visit FedEx.com to find more about extra fees. Please include a street address for delivery, and after IDP is processed, delivery could take up to 10 business days.
Even when you don’t speak the language, your international driving permit does!
Considering driving a rental car and exploring the world by yourself? Before you travel, make a plan to get an international driving permit. Only two private organisations in the US are permitted to issue IDPs by the US Department of State, and AAA is one of them.
Why Carry an IDP?
Your IDP, which includes your name, picture, and driver information, is recognised as legal identification in 150 nations across the world. It transforms your identity data into ten different languages, so even if you don’t speak the language, it can communicate. Most nations strongly advise getting an international driving permit.
An IDP issued by a different nation cannot be used in conjunction with a US driver’s licence. A US driver’s licence with an IDP attached can only be issued there.
AREA SEEN OVERSEAS
An IDP is frequently needed in order to legally drive. Driving without an IDP can result in severe fines. Before travelling, check the country’s regulations.
Even if you don’t intend to drive, an IDP gives you peace of mind while you’re out travelling.
* International driving permits cannot be granted more than six months before the desired effective date.
To confirm that IDP Services are offered, please immediately contact the AAA branch office.
*** + any applicable sales taxes. For detailed costs, contact the nearby branch office.
How to Apply?
To apply in person at a AAA Branch.
You will need to provide:
Download and fill out an application (new tab), and bring it to your nearest AAA branch office** (new tab).
Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices**).
A valid U.S. driver’s licence.
Pay a $20 USD permit fee and you’re ready to go!***
Apply by Mail
Your IDP can be obtained via mail if you are unable to visit your nearby AAA branch office. The following should be enclosed and mailed to the AAA office closest to you (see your local area for payment options):
Your completed IDP application form
Two original passport pictures each signed on the back
$20 USD permit fee***
A photocopy of both sides of your driver’s licence
If desired, include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service. See USPS.com (new tab) or Fedex.com (new tab) for rates.
International Driving Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have an IDP when travelling abroad?
There are certain nations that do not legally accept an American driver’s licence yet do so for an IDP (e.g. Hungary). Other nations accept a US driver’s licence but demand a translation into their own tongue (e.g. Spain). These kinds of situations can be satisfied by the IDP. However, keep in mind that even though a nation’s government might not need an IDP, local automobile rental businesses might, like Hertz. Prior to leaving, getting an IDP might help you avoid a lot of potential issues.
NOTE: Even if you have a driver’s licence from a U.S. state, you must follow local regulations if you intend to live permanently in a foreign nation. Once you start working or relocating, many nations require that you get a local licence.
If someone visits the United States from a foreign country and discovers that they need an IDP, can they purchase one from AAA?
An IDP must be issued in the same nation as the traveller’s driver’s licence. As a result, if a person is from the UK and already possesses a UK driver’s licence, their IDP must also be granted there.
If someone has a driver’s licence from a U.S. territory such as Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, how would an IDP work for them?
Their IDP would likewise be granted in the US since their driver’s licence was issued by a US territory. The IDP can be obtained and mailed by contacting a AAA office in the US.
I am on active duty in the military and my U.S. licence has or is due to expire.
Can I apply for an IDP?
The length of time that a state driver’s licence is valid for service members is governed by state law. A military member who is on active service may still be able to drive in their home state, but the driving laws of another country may prevent them from doing so. An IDP is merely a translation of the licence; it is not a licence to drive. For state information on renewals, go to DMV.org (new tab). If military applicants demand an issue of a permit against an expired U.S. licence that may be regarded valid in their home state until release from active duty, they must be aware of the circumstances under which an IDP is authorised.
I am travelling to South America, so which permit should I issue?
Except for Brazil and Uruguay, the International Driving Permit is valid throughout South America. For those two nations, the Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) must be issued.
