TPG has received emails from readers who are unaware that some foreign countries require an International Driving Permit when renting a car. (Hint: Italy is one of them.) It’s a missed detail that can derail an otherwise well-planned getaway.
Without an IDP, the car rental agency may turn you away, leaving you dependent on public transportation, private car services Or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft,
The good news is that you can now submit the IDP application online. It will take a few minutes to complete the paperwork and provide supporting documents.
What is an International Driving Permit?
At its simplest, an International Driving Permit translates your English language driver’s license into 10 other languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish). This verifies that you have a valid driver’s license issued where you live. For travelers coming from the US, this means a driver’s license issued by a state or US territory.
When you drive a car abroad, you carry the IDP – which contains your name, driving details and photo – along with your valid driver’s license. IDP is accepted in more than 150 UN member countries It is considered a valid form of identification worldwide and in more than 175 countries. Wherever you’re traveling, IDP probably has you covered.
Is an IDP required to drive abroad?
Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but many do. For example, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand require IDPs. Germany and Hungary do not specifically require an IDP, but do require a translation of your driver’s license into German and Hungarian respectively, so an IDP is still the easiest solution for you. Other countries may also have this requirement, so check before planning to rent or borrow a car in a foreign destination.
Some rental car agencies may let you rent a vehicle without an IDP, while others will not. However, if you are caught driving without an IDP in a country where an IDP is required, you may have to pay a hefty fine from the local authorities. The car may also be impounded – and who wants to deal with that headache? Finally, if you get into a car accident in a country that requires an IDP and you don’t have an IDP, your insurance policy may be void.
How to get an International Driving Permit
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only private organization in the US authorized by the US Department of State to issue international driving permits.
You do not need to be a AAA member or a U.S. citizen to apply for an IDP, but you must be a permanent resident of a U.S. state or territory and have a driver’s license issued by that entity. You must also be 18 years of age or older and have held a driving license for at least six months.
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Your license must be valid for at least six months after the issue date of your IDP. You cannot apply for an International Driver’s Permit if your license has been suspended or revoked.
AAA offers an online application process, so applying for a permit is quick and easy.
go to aaa international driving permit landing pageYou will begin the process there and then will be asked to continue in the govWorks app. AAA will send you a link and provide a QR code for access.
My total cost for the IDP was $42.99. The IDP fee is $20 plus a $10 “Digital Passport Photo” fee.
Unfortunately, you have to use the system’s app to take your photo; It is not possible to just use one from your photo library.
Shipping costs vary depending on where you live and what type of shipment you choose. My shipping options to east coast addresses were:
- FedEx 2 days: $12.99
- USPS Priority Mail: $14.99
- USPS Express Mail: $31.20
- FedEx Standard Overnight: $61.03
An International Driver’s Permit is usually valid for one year or until your current driver’s license expires.
Once you place your IDP order, it will take approximately 5 business days to be processed and then time will be added for any shipment method you choose.
When to apply for IDP
It takes a week or two for the IDP to be sent to you, but plan in advance. You can get the IDP issued within six months of your desired effective date. So, if you are planning to travel on July 1, you can apply for IDP as early as last January. You probably won’t need as much time to get the documents, but you’ll have that leeway if necessary.
Know IDP and rules of the road
It is your responsibility to make sure that the country or countries you are visiting recognizes the International Driving Permit.
You should also research local rules of the road and follow them to the T. This may involve purchasing a “vignette”, a sticker that authorizes you to drive in certain countries. Rental cars usually already have stickers on them, or the rental agency can tell you where to buy one.
Whatever you do, remember to pack your driver’s license. IDP is a “permit” not a “license;” It is not valid unless it is combined with your driver’s license from home.
Can you drive in another country without IDP?
Getting an International Driving Permit isn’t the only way to drive in a foreign country. Many destinations also have a provision for you to carry a translated version of your driver’s license. But why bother getting your license translated into several different languages when the IDP is accepted in many places?
ground level
Getting an International Driving Permit is easy and relatively inexpensive.
You may want to arrange this whether or not you plan to drive on your next trip abroad. This can be a useful additional means of identification, with all your details translated into the format the authorities are used to seeing.
