Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.
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If you plan on driving while traveling abroad, you should definitely get an International Driving Permit (IDP). In fact, it’s a good idea to get one even if you don't plan to drive when traveling—just in case! It’s a very simple process to get one from AAA in the U.S., and we’ll walk you through the process and answer any IDP questions you may have.
Things You Should Know
- An IDP is a document that translates your existing U.S.-based driving license into other languages.
- More than 150 nations accept IDPs, so long as you carry it along with your valid driving license.
- AAA is the only organization authorized to provide IDPs in the U.S. You can apply by mail or in person at your local AAA office.
Steps
Getting an IDP
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Confirm that you’re eligible for an IDP. You can only get an IDP if you currently hold a valid driving license. An IDP will not be issued if your license is suspended or revoked. In addition, there are a few other requirements:[3]- Your U.S. state/territory/etc. driving license must be valid for at least 6 months after your IDP is issued. If your license will expire during the 6 month period, renew it before applying for the IDP.
- You must be 18 years old to get an IDP, regardless of the minimum age to get a driving license where you live.
Complete the AAA application for an IDP. Follow this link to the AAA application form, or search for “IDP” at https://www.ace.aaa.com/. Type in all the required information and print out the application, or print out the application and fill it out legibly in pen. Be sure to sign the application after printing it. Also gather the following items to accompany your application:[4]- 2 recent passport style photos, 2 in × 2 in (5.1 cm × 5.1 cm) in size, both signed on the back. You can get passport photos taken at any AAA office for a small fee.
- Your valid driving license (if applying in person), or a legible photocopy of both the front and back of your license (if applying by mail).
- The application fee of $20 USD, by check or money order (if applying by mail). You can also pay by cash or credit if you apply in person.
Mail your application or take it to AAA in person. Visit https://www.aaa.com/office/ to find the address of your closest AAA office, then either send your completed application there or bring it yourself. There is no waiting period, so if you go in person everything can be handled in a single visit. However, applications sent through the mail are normally processed in 10 to 15 business days.[5]- You can choose an effective date (starting date) for your IDP up to 6 months ahead, so plan ahead and get this important task done well before your travel date.
- If you’re already outside the U.S., mail your application to:
- AAA/IDP
- Attn: Mailstop #28
- 1000 AAA Drive
- Heathrow, FL 32746
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/get-a-drivers-license-ct?language=en_US
- ↑ https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
- ↑ https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
- ↑ https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/guide-to-international-driving-permits.html
- ↑ https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/advocacy/guide-to-international-driving-permits.html
- ↑ http://aataidp.com/
- ↑ http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/safety/driving.html
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/sos/license-id/license-and-id
- ↑ https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
About This Article
If you want to drive outside of the U.S., you’ll need an international driving license. To get one, you’ll need to be 18 years old and have a U.S. driver's license that's valid for at least the next 6 months. You should obtain your international license either from the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. You can download an application form online and take it to a local office or mail it to the right organization. If you need your license in a hurry, go in person so you don’t have to wait on the mail. Once you receive your international driver’s license, you can use it to drive outside the U.S. but you’ll always need to carry your domestic license with it. For more tips from our Legal co-author, including how to avoid scams for international driver’s licenses, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I wasn't sure if I could get an international driving permit in the USA. Most people I asked give different answers, but now I have a clear idea as to how I can obtain one."..." more
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