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General Information
Are you a U.S. resident planning to travel abroad?
Are you a foreigner planning to visit the United States?
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
The International Driving Permit is accepted in more than 179 countries, to include the United States.
The IDP is an identification document that translates the local language driver license into English and 10 other languages.
The permit is valid for up to one year from the date of issue and must be accompanied by a valid United States driver license at all times.
The IDP is simply a translation of the local country's driver license and is only valid when accompanied by the home country's driver license.
There is no such document as an International Driving License or an International Driver License.
Beware that any such document sold is fraudulent.
Drivers who wish to obtain an IDP must purchase the permit from the country where the driver permanently resides and where
he/she maintains a driver license. It cannot be purchased in the country that the driver visits. The permit is valid for one
year from the date of issue and cannot be extended in the destination country.
The International Driving Permit is issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention in International Road Traffic
(1949 Geneva), which encompassed more than 100 countries. In April 1952, the U.S. Department of State officially authorized AAA
and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (currently called the National Automobile Club) as the only two entities (to include their branches)
to issue the International Driving Permit as a service to the general public.
AAA was selected for the authorization because it is a not-for-profit organization with member clubs in all parts of the country,
giving wide local coverage for information and service. Equally important, AAA maintains branch offices and affiliates in motoring
associations in all other countries that have likewise been authorized by their respective governments to provide the service for international travelers.
In countries where an International Driving Permit is required by law, there is no guarantee that holders will be asked to disclose it.
In countries where it is not required by law, holders may benefit from disclosing the additional form of identification. Thus, the permit
serves as an inexpensive form of insurance in the sense that it provides international travelers with backup identification.
U.S. Residents Travelling Abroad
Regardless of legal requirements, AAA recommends that all U.S. residents travelling abroad carry an International Driving Permit
when traveling in countries where a language other than English is spoken. You must purchase the permit in the United States before you leave the country.
When U.S. driver license holders are traveling in international destinations and asked to show proof of driving eligibility,
the permit can prevent time delays, fines or bail charges.
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| When U.S. driver license holders traveling in international destinations are asked to show an official form of identification,
the permit can help overcome language barriers. |
Issued through the U.S. State Department, the International Driving Permit for travelers who hold a United States driver license is only
available in Florida at AAA offices. All AAA
club offices must offer the permit for sale to members and non-members at the standard fee of $15.
Travelers with a Canadian driver license must purchase a separate permit at CAA offices.
Purchasing Requirements for U.S. Residents Travelling Abroad
- Applicant must be at least 18
years of age.
- Applicant must hold a current
U.S. state, territorial, or U.S. Department of State drivers
license which is not under revocation or suspension and which
is valid at the time the permit is issued. (State side license
must remain valid for permit to be valid.)
- The application must be completed
in its entirety showing the date on which the application is made
and be signed by the applicant in the same manner as his or her
signature appears on the supporting home state or territorial
license.
- Applicant must furnish two recent
passport type photographs (2" X 2") with the applicant's signature
on the back.
- A fee of $15 must be collected
and retained by the issuing AAA club.
- The permit is issued for
a one-year period. It is valid for one year from effective date
provided the state license is still valid throughout that period.
- If the applicant's state license
expires before the one-year expiration date, the applicant should
be aware that the permit is only valid for the length of time
that the domestic drivers license is valid, but the permit will
be issued for a one-year period based on the intention to have
the state license renewed at the appropriate time.
- The permit cannot be issued on
the basis of a U.S. Government License which is limited to the
operation of government-owned vehicles only.
- The permit cannot be renewed on
the strength of a previously issued permit. Each applicant must
reapply for a new permit.
- The permit is not valid for driving
in the United States or its territories.
- The permit is not valid by itself
for driving and must be carried with the applicant's regular driver
license.
Foreign Visitors Travelling in the United States
Florida law allows foreign visitors to drive in the state with their home country's driver license (Section 322.04, Florida Stature).
However, if the foreign country is a non-English-speaking country, then local law enforcement officers may not be able to determine
that the document shown is a driver license and as a result may issue a citation, requiring one to prove the validity of their
driver license in court. The IDP helps foreign drivers avoid such problems when purchased in the home country and carried with the
driver when visiting the U.S. Visitors should keep it with them along with the home country driver license.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I definitely need to have an International Driving Permit?
There is no guarantee that anyone will ask you for it, whether you are traveling in the U.S. or elsewhere.
But if you are asked to demonstrate proof of driving eligibility, the permit can save you considerable time, trouble and money.
2. If I do not use my International Driving Permit, can I get a refund?
As with insurance, there is no refund for non-use. However, the permit is valid for up to one year from the date of issue,
so you may be able to use it on a future trip. Please remember that you cannot extend it in the destination country.
3. Suppose I do not want to spend the extra $15, what could happen?
If you are asked to show proof of driving eligibility, the potential fines or bond charges could be costly, and may be
required in local currency. The $15 permit charge is a small amount to pay for the security a permit provides through identification.
In some countries drivers could be imprisoned for driving without a license if the U.S. license is not recognized by local law enforcement.
4. I'm a cautious driver. Isn't my U.S. driver license really enough?
You may be asked to disclose your proof of driving eligibility if you rent a car or pass through a routine highway patrol checkpoint.
Further, because driving practices vary by country, you could unknowingly break a law or become involved in a traffic crash.
Regardless of the reason you need to communicate with authorities, the permit can help you get on your way more quickly.
Most importantly, local authorities may be unable to recognize it as a driver license.
5. If I'm not sure, can I purchase the International Driving permit later?
International Driving Permits are issued through the U.S. Department of State ONLY at
AAA offices during regular business hours.
Permits are available while you wait if you apply in person with the necessary documentation and fee. If applying by mail, allow at
least two weeks for processing and delivery. IDPs must be purchased in the home country, not in the country you are visiting.
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