An International Driving Permit (IDP) is used by U.S. citizens who hold valid driver's licenses( driver's licence ) when they are traveling overseas and want to drive an automobile during their visit to a foreign country. The IDP is valid in more than 150 countries and can only be issued by the American Automobile Association, more commonly referred to as AAA. The permit is valid for one year from date of issue for foreign driving, but cannot be used as a driver's license in the United States
. The permit contains your name, photograph, and pertinent driver information.
Step 1 Complete the
Application for an International Driving Permit. The application is available from your local AAA office, on the AAA website, and below under Resources. You must be age 18 or above in order to apply for an International Driving Permit.
Step 2 Sign the back of your two passport-size photos.
Step 3 Make a copy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license.
Step 4 Bring your completed application, photos, driver's license copy, and $15 to your local AAA office for immediate processing. If you prefer, you can mail your documents to your local AAA office. If mailing, the fee is $20 and you can expect a three-to-five day return of your permit in the mail. Do not send
cash when mailing but enclose a check payable to "AAA" for $20. Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue as long as your current U.S. driver's license is valid during that period.
Things You'll Need:
- Application
- 2 passport-sized photos
- $15 permit fee
- Photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license