Thought your U.S. Driver’s License is good enough to drive anywhere? Think again.
Many countries do not accept driver’s licenses from home countries. Doing so, can land you in really big trouble with serious legal challenges. For example, China and Ethiopia issue their own temporary driving permits. Brazil and Uruguay only recognizes a special type of called the InterAmerican Permit.
It is worth the time to get an International Driver’s License, also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Recognized in 174 countries, it will include the following information translated into nine languages:
– You photo
– You name
– Your driver information
The IDP must be used in conjunction with your valid U.S. driver’s license.
International Driver’s Permits can be obtained from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and membership is not required. Before traveling, please check out official U.S. embassy websites for destination-specific requirements. To apply, you must be 18 years of age, a U.S. resident and in possession of a U.S. state or territory-issued driver’s license that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the start of your trip.
IDP’s are valid for one year and not renewable. The easiest way to get one is to make an appointment at your nearest AAA office and show up with two passport pictures, a valid driver’s license and a completed application. It is worth the $20 in cost. Note that the AAA can postdate your permit up to six months to coincide with your travels. Make sure to mark your application with the date you want the permit to become effective. Both the AAA and AATA accept applications via mail for the same price, but expect a 15-day or longer delay.
In a pinch while overseas? Both organizations will process applications from abroad for the same fee, but expect $75 to $100 in expense to expedite it. Otherwise it will take four to six weeks to reach you. Still a bargain to prevent being locked up anywhere!