The International Drivers Permit: Not Just for Driving

If you’re traveling overseas, don’t just take your primary driver’s license, also make sure to carry an International Driving Permit. The International Drivers Permit, or IDP contains your name, photo and driver information, translated into 10 languages and is valid in over 150 countries.  Even if you’re not planning to drive, this is an internationally recognized form of identification and can be very helpful if you’re in a situation where you have to communicate with foreign authorities.

In order to apply for an International Drivers Permit in the United States, you must go to one of the two automobile associations authorized by the U.S. Department of State: the American Automobile Association (AAA),  or the American Automobile Touring Alliance.   AAA has the application  available online.  AAA charges a fee of $15.00  and you can simply bring it in to AAA office near you.  

If you prefer to obtain your International Driving Permit through the mail, here is what you will need to enclose: The completed application form, two ORIGINAL passport-type photos each signed on the back, a $15USD permit fee and a photocopy of both sides of your driver’s license. Mail everything to AAA office near you or simply walk it in to a local AAA office.

Remember that the IDP  is not intended to replace a valid U.S. state license and should only be used as a supplement to your own valid license.  They are also NOT valid in the individual’s country of residence.

If you ARE planning on driving overseas and are renting a car, check with the rental company first to see if they require an International Drivers Permit and allow yourself plenty of time to apply for one before you depart on your trip.   

Here are also some helpful tips for driving abroad from the U.S. State Department.

 

TIPS ON DRIVING ABROAD

• Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Carry both your IDP and your state driver’s license with you at all times. As many countries have different driving rules. If possible, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s rules before you begin driving in that country. Information may be available from the foreign embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices, or from a car rental company in the foreign country.
• Some countries have a minimum and maximum driving age.
• Certain countries require road permits, instead of tolls, to use on their divided highways, and they will fine those found driving without a permit.
• Always “buckle up.” Some countries have penalties for people who violate this law.
• Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
• Before you start your journey, find out who has the right of way in a traffic circle.
• If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance. If you do not, this could lead to financial disaster.
• If the drivers in the country you are visiting drive on the opposite side of the road than in the U.S., it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive in heavy traffic.
• Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
• When entering your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

 

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Pre-Trip Checklist #2: Before You Leave

Documentation and Itineraries:

Make 2 copies of the following:
(Take one set of copies with you and leave one set with a friend or family member back home.

• Passport, visas, itineraries, credit card and travelers checks.  Also include copies of your health insurance cards as well as any Travel Insurance coverage you might have purchased

Are you renting a car while overseas? 

• Make sure to bring your driver’s license and check to see if the country you are visiting requires and International Driving Permit.

Cash and Credit Cards:

• Check the current exchange rate for the currency of the country(s) that you will be visiting. (See our Useful Links section for an easy to use Currency Converter).
• Decide which credit card you are going to use for your trip and research what the transaction fees will be for international purchases.
• Do the same for the debit card on your checking account.  It may be less expensive to just use an ATM oversees to get cash in the local currency.

Health and Medical

• Schedule an appointment to see your doctor for a checkup and get any immunizations required for your trip.
• Make sure that you have enough of your prescription medications to last your entire trip.  You can have your prescriptions filled and delivered to your door at drugstore.com.
• Make inquiries with your current health insurance provider to see what kind of coverage (if any) you have if you have to see a doctor or fill a prescription while on your trip.  If you find you have little or no coverage with your insurance provider, consider purchasing travel insurance  that includes medical coverage.

Suspend Newspaper and Mail Service:

• The USPS will hold your mail for you while you are away.  You can request this service online by clicking HERE.
• If you have a newspaper subscription.  Call them and have them suspend delivery for the time you will be on vacation.

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Visas - get information on travel documents needed for the area(s) you will be visiting.

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