International Driving Permit

An international Driving Permit is one way of bridging the gaps of international travel and communication. Valid in over 150 countries, the permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into ten languages. Even if you do not plan on driving to that particular foreign country, you can get this permit to serve as a valid id or identity in communicating with foreign authorities. An international driving permit is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It is used for short term stay to any foreign country accepting it. However, this is not issued by any US embassy or consulate.

Before you go out and discover the world, visit your nearest AAA office and apply for an International Driver's Permit. It is advisable that you must apply for this BEFORE going abroad. Should you want to stay long term in a certain foreign country, you should be able to convert your IDP into that particular country's local driver's license. Also take note that IDP's are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. In other words, you must also have a valid U.S. state license in addition to an IDP.

When applying for an IDP, bring the following requirements to any AAA offices:

• Bring your valid U.S. driver's license,
• $15 for fee,
• 2 ORIGINAL passport-type photos (also available at AAA offices), and
• International Driver's Permit Application Form (You can fill out in advance)

Important Guidelines:

• Digital passport photos are accepted but must be in a certain quality. Refer to for digital photo guidelines.
• You can apply by mail. Simply enclose your completed application form, two ORIGINAL passport-type photos each signed on the back, a $15 permit fee and a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license and mail them to the AAA office nearest you. Include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service, if desired. See USPS.com, Fedex.com or UPS.com for rates. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks return Mail.
• Funds must be in U.S. dollars. 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, and Discover Card.
• Take note that there are increasing numbers of IDP internet application scams that make you pay a high price of about $300. Please be cautious of these things when applying. Only apply to any AAA office near you.

In order for you to find the nearest AAA office click here. If you have other inquiries regarding IDP̢۪s you can contact:

AAA (American Automobile Association)
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32745-5063

American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
1151 E. Hillsdale Blvd
Foster City, CA94404
Tel: 800-622-7070
FAX: 650-294-7040

It is also good to remember the Road Safety Tips of the American Automobile Association so that even if you are driving out of the areas of the US, you still have a safe and meaningful international driving experience. Apply online for an international driving permit.

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