Planning to rent a car and venturing out into the world on your own? Plan to obtain an International Driving Permit before you go.

Why Carry an IDP? Your IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information. It translates your identification information into 10 languages — so it speaks the language even if you don't. Most countries highly recommend an International Driving Permit. Another country cannot issue an IDP to be used in conjunction with a US driver’s license. An IDP accompaning a US driver’s license can only be issued in the USA.

See Many countries requires require an IDP to drive legally. Fines for driving without an IDP can be quite costly. Check countries requirements before travel. An IDP gives you peace of mind while you're out exploring the world - even if you're not planning to drive!

* International Driving Permits may not be issued more than six (6) months in advance of desired effective date. **Contact the AAA branch office directly to verify IDP Services is available. How to Apply? AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. Authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an IDP.* You will need to provide: • Download and fill out an, and bring it to your nearest. • Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA branch offices**).

• A valid U.S. Driver's license. • Pay $20USD permit fee and you're ready to go! If you are not able to visit your nearest AAA branch office, your IDP can be obtained through the mail.

Simply enclose the following and mail them to the AAA office nearest you (check locally for payment options): • Your completed IDP application form • Two original passport pictures each signed on the back • $20USD permit fee • A photocopy of both sides of your driver's license • If desired, include additional U.S. Funds for expedited return mail service.

See, or for rates. ALREADY OVERSEAS? If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mail Stop #28 Please allow 4-6 weeks for return mail unless additional postage for express mail service is included with the application. Due to the recent change in U.S. Customs law impacting USPS Express International mail, FedEx* will be used to most countries. Go to for additional charges. Please provide a street address for delivery, and expect delivery up to 10 business days after IDP is processed.

*Expedited service to APO and PO Boxes can only be by USPS Express and Priority shipping. Funds must be in U.S. For this option acceptable forms of payment are U.S. Bank check or money order payable to AAA and these major credit cards with expiration date- Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card. Applicants name and mailing address must be printed on the check. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in eleven different languages, including English.

Can a Chinese without the US driving license drive a car in the state of Massachusetts, USA? To travel to and ask them if they will accept your license.

This document came into existence by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the United States and other foreign countries. As an official document, the IDP is recognized in over 150 countries today.

Carried in conjunction with a regular drivers license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries. In addition, the IDP provides an additional source of identification. Thin Book Of Soar Pdf Editor. The $20 charge for an IDP is a small price to pay for such peace of mind. Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries? There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP (e.g. There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation (e.g.

The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles. NOTE: If you are living permanently in a foreign country, even though you may still hold a U.S. State issued driver's license, you must abide by local driver's licensing laws.

Many countries require that you obtain a local license once you take up employment and/or residency. What happens if I am stopped and given a citation against my IDP? The IDP does not hold any powers of its own apart from your drivers license, and therefore, you do not have a separate driving record with an IDP. The IDP is valid only when carried in conjunction with and acts as a translation of a drivers license. If you are traveling in a foreign country and were to be stopped by a law enforcement officer, your U.S.

Drivers license and IDP should be presented to the officer. If a citation is issued to you, it will be reflected on the driving record that is with your drivers license. Since Hong Kong was transferred from Great Britain to China, do I still need an IDP to drive there? The United Nations provided official notification to the U.S. State Department indicating that the treaty which applies to Hong Kong at present will continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the name given to the territory by China. Such notification should not be misconstrued to mean that China now recognizes IDPs, as the People’s Republic of China has never become a party to the treaty. Does possession of the IDP/IADP along with my U.

Issued driver’s license override any local laws? Each state has its own provisions for extending the validity of state driving licenses for active duty military. Though valid in a home state, an expired U.S. License held by active duty military may not be valid or acceptable in a foreign country per that country’s driving requirements.

See for state information on renewals, keeping in mind that an IDP is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive. Military applicants must understand the conditions under which an IDP is valid if insisting upon issuance of a permit against an expired U.S. License that may be considered valid in their home state until discharged from active duty. NOTE: If a state DMV allows renewal online or by mail for active duty military personnel stationed out of state, applicants should renew their license prior to issuance of an IDP. Some states will issue a DL236 card to be presented with an expired license to extend validity.

I am traveling to South America, so which permit should I issue? You need to complete a brief application form (available through this Internet web site, or your nearest AAA office), provide 2 passport-sized photographs with your signature on the back of them, a photocopy of the front and back of your valid U.S. Issued driver’s license, and a check or money order for $20 in U.S. If transacting by mail, these items would need to be mailed to a AAA office in the United States. Otherwise, everything can be handled in a single office visit. NOTE: If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address: AAA/IDP, 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746 Attn: Mailstop #28 • • • • • • • • © 2017 AAA •.