When traveling abroad, an International Driving Permit (IDP) serves as a vital translation document for your driver’s license. International Travel Permits offers a convenient online application service for IDPs, processing requests from over 180 countries worldwide. The application process is straightforward – simply upload your valid driver’s license (front and back), provide a digital passport photo and signature. All applications undergo verification, and invalid submissions receive full refunds. Upon approval, you’ll receive a digital version within 24 hours and a physical permit within two business days. Your personal data remains secure throughout the process and is permanently deleted within 48 hours of order completion. Remember that an IDP is a supplementary document that must be presented alongside your original driver’s license and does not grant additional driving privileges or legal rights.
Key Takeaways
- In the United States, International Driving Permits are only available through AAA or AATA offices.
- Visit your local AAA or AATA office in person or apply by mail with required documentation.
- Bring a valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport photos, completed application form, and $20 fee.
- Mail applications must include photocopies of both sides of your driver’s license with other required materials.
- Applications submitted in person are processed within 1-2 days, while mail applications take up to 15 days.
Official IDP Issuing Organizations and Requirements
International Driving Permits (IDPs) can only be obtained through authorized organizations recognized by the United Nations.
In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the sole entities authorized to issue IDPs.
To obtain an IDP, applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. The application process requires submitting two passport-sized photos, a completed application form, and the current fee.
Most countries require IDPs to conform to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, while some nations follow the 1968 Vienna Convention standards.
Applicants should verify which convention their destination country follows before applying, as the wrong permit type could result in denial of driving privileges abroad.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Documentation
Obtaining an IDP involves several straightforward steps at AAA or AATA offices. Applicants must bring a valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport-sized photos, and a completed IDP application form. The photos must be 2×2 inches, in color, and taken within the last six months.
The application process requires payment of the permit fee, typically around $20. Applicants can submit their documents in person at local offices or by mail.
When applying by mail, all documentation must be accompanied by a photocopy of both sides of the driver’s license. Processing time usually takes 1-2 business days for in-person applications and up to 15 days for mail applications.
The issued IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issuance.
FAQ
How Long Does an International Driving Permit Remain Valid?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) remains valid for one year from the date of issue.
This document serves as a translation of a valid driver’s license and cannot be renewed or extended beyond its one-year validity period.
After expiration, drivers must apply for a new IDP if they wish to continue driving abroad.
The permit must be carried alongside the original driver’s license when operating vehicles internationally.
Can I Get an IDP if My Regular License Is About to Expire?
A traveler planning a European road trip discovers her driver’s license expires in two weeks, creating uncertainty about her IDP application.
Obtaining an International Driving Permit requires a valid domestic driver’s license at the time of application. If the regular license is near expiration, the driver should renew it first before applying for an IDP, as the permit’s validity is directly tied to the domestic license’s status.
Which Countries Do Not Accept International Driving Permits?
Most countries accept International Driving Permits (IDPs), but a few nations have specific restrictions.
China and Brazil do not recognize IDPs and require visitors to obtain local licenses.
Taiwan only accepts IDPs issued by specific countries, while Japan requires an official Japanese translation of a foreign license instead of an IDP.
Some countries may change their policies, so travelers should verify requirements before departure.
Do I Need Both My Regular License and IDP While Driving Abroad?
Imagine having a passport but leaving your ID at home – that’s the equivalent of carrying only an IDP while driving abroad.
Yes, drivers must carry both their valid domestic driver’s license and International Driving Permit when operating vehicles in foreign countries.
The IDP serves as an official translation of the domestic license and is not a standalone document.
Both documents work together to guarantee legal driving privileges internationally.
Can I Apply for an IDP After Arriving in Another Country?
One cannot apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) after arriving in another country.
IDPs must be obtained in the same country where the driver’s regular license was issued, before departure.
It’s recommended to secure an IDP at least several weeks before international travel.
Most countries require travelers to have both their valid home country license and IDP ready before driving abroad.
Conclusion
With mountains of paperwork conquered and a shiny new International Driving Permit in hand, adventurous drivers can now cruise through a thousand foreign lands without breaking a single traffic law. While the application process may feel like scaling Mount Everest, obtaining an IDP through authorized organizations transforms ordinary motorists into globally-approved road warriors ready to tackle any highway on Earth.
