2023-04-29 11:43:52
Operating motor vehicles abroad is useful when looking to visit remote areas that are not served by public transportation.
Avid international travelers will likely be interested in discovering the best method of legally operating a motor vehicle abroad. If you fall into this category, you’re in luck!
In this article, we cover everything you need to know regarding the International Driving Permit (IDP).
What is an international driving permit?
The IDP is a form of identification that allows you to drive in over 175 different countries, as long as you already have a valid license in your home country.
The IDP will also translate your English driver’s license into languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and more.
This allows you to identify yourself in foreign countries, even if you cannot speak the native language.
Why is an International Driving Permit necessary?
Possessing an international driving permit has several benefits if you are planning your next vacation abroad.
Even if you don’t plan on driving while on vacation, it might be a good idea to get one anyway. Here’s why you should consider it.
#1 – It is an internationally accepted identification card
The IDP comes in 10 different languages and is accepted in more than 175 different countries around the world.
Having one might help facilitate communication with local authorities, especially when there are language barriers.
#2 – It is required by the main car rental agencies
If your trip includes trips to rural areas, public transportation or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft may not be available.
A rental car may be the only option to get to many of these places.
Some foreign car rental agencies will require non-resident renters to show proof of an International Driving Permit to obtain a vehicle.
To be on the safe side, you may want to acquire an IDP if you plan to leave town for a while.
#3 – It is not difficult to acquire
You may hear the term “International Driving Permit” and assume that applying for one would be a hassle.
That mightn’t be further from the truth! In the next section, we’ll talk regarding how you can get an IDP before your next adventure abroad.
How do you get an international driving permit?
It depends on the country. In the United States, there are only two organizations where you can apply for an IDP: the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and the American Automobile Touring Association (AAA). To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and have a US driver’s license.
The process and requirements for both are essentially the same. However, while AAA offers physical locations to complete your application, AATA’s IDP process is done entirely by mail. This may be something to consider moving forward.
Regardless of the organization you choose, you will be required to submit the following documents to complete your application.
Request for internally displaced persons
Two original passport photos
A copy of your US driver’s license
You will be charged a fee for submitting these documents for review. When you purchase the IDP, you will have six months to use it before it expires.
How long does it take to get an international driving permit?
Both organizations have similar processing times.
After a 10-15 minute visit to the AAA office or post office to turn in your AATA application, you should expect your IDP to arrive approximately two weeks following filing.
How do you use an international driving permit?
Using your IDP is just like using your driver’s license in the states! You can use it as identification when requested by local authorities abroad.
It can also be used to test information regarding you, such as your age, date of birth, country of origin, and more, all without you saying a word.
However, you should always carry your permanent US driver’s license with you while driving with an internally displaced person abroad. An IDP alone is insufficient, your driver’s license will be used to demonstrate your knowledge and skill behind the wheel.
Do all countries require an IDP?
All countries have their own rules and regulations regarding whether an international driving permit is required to operate a motor vehicle as a foreigner.
European countries like Croatia, Austria, and Poland require US drivers to have an IDP with a US license while driving in their country.
Other countries simply allow you to translate your US driver’s license to a local one once you arrive. However, getting an IDP to save time and avoid potential confusion would definitely be the best option.
International Driving Permit vs. international driver’s license
Simply put, there is no such thing as an international driver’s license.
Any company that offers you special privileges when applying for your “international driver’s license” over the standard international driver’s permit is a scam and should be reported to the Better Business Bureau immediately.
As we mentioned earlier, an IDP can only be obtained from two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and the American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA). If you are applying for an IDP elsewhere, you are in the wrong place!
That’s all!
In general, applying for an international driving permit is a great investment of your time and well worth it if you plan to travel abroad in the next six months.
Not only will you be able to drive in any of the 175 countries that accept the IDP, but you’ll also have access to a universal ID card that is translated into 10 different languages.
Source: zutobi
Photo: idlp
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