International Drivers Permit Application: How To Apply

International Drivers Permit Application: How To Apply

International Drivers Permit Application: How To Apply – An International Driver’s Permit allows
you to drive a vehicle in another country, as long as you’ve a valid driver’s license issued by your state.
It’s also seen as a proper means of identification in over 175 countries and by many car rental companies internationally.

Getting an International Driver’s Permit or sometimes called an International Driver’s License, can
take anywhere from a day to a few weeks, depending on whether you’re going through walk-in
process or applying via email, so make sure to plan ahead if you’re planning to drive on international
trip. There are only two locations that issues these documents: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Where To Get One

In the United States, International Driver’s Permits are only issued by the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance, and the State Department
recommends against purchasing an IDP from all other outlets as they are all entirely illegal to buy,
sell or carry.

IDPs can be issued to anyone over the age of 18 and has a valid driver’s license for six months or
longer. They typically remain valid for one year or the expiration of your existing state driving license. It’s essential to investigate an IDP before your trip and make sure you know the requirements.

See Also: MICROSERVICES: IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES OF USING IT

Both the AAA and the AATA are excellent sources for these documents, so once you’ve selected
a provider, go to either the AAA’s or AATA’s website, print out the International Driving Permit Application.
Once you have the application completed, you can send it in via the mail or visit a local office of
an organization like AAA; you’ll also need two original passport-sized photos and a signed copy of your valid U.S. driver’s license as well as an enclosed check for the fee.

Tips To Getting And Using Your Permit

AAA offices can process IDPs during your visit, but processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days
if you send the application in. However, expedited services may be available to get your license within one or two business days for an additional fee.

When applying, you’ll need a computer and printer, a completed application, a copy of your valid U.S. driver’s license, two passport photos, and a check money order, or credit card to complete the process. Remember to bring these with you if you’re applying in person.

See Also: LAW ENFORCEMENT DRONES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Always make sure to carry your valid United States driver’s license when driving internationally, as
your IDP is invalid without this accompanying proof of eligibility to drive. IDPs an only translate domestically-accepted licenses and do not allow those without government-issued driver’s licenses to drive abroad.

You’ll also want to make sure to enclose the proper fees (the fee for the IDP, as well as any shipping
and handling fee), photos an photocopies of your license when submitting your application to AAA
or AATA as omitting any of these necessary documents will result in your application being decline.
You should also check the driving requirements and laws for the countries you’ll be driving in on your vacation, so you’ll know what to expect in the event you get across with local authorities.

Culled from tripsavvy