If you hold a valid driver’s license that is issued by your home state and an International Driver’s license then you can drive or rent a car in another country.
This International Driver’s Permit is also accepted as valid identification in more than 175 countries. Also, it is accepted by many big rental car firms all around the world.
Your government-issued driver's license is translated into ten languages with an International Driving Permit (IDP): English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Swedish, and Portuguese.
However, don’t worry if you have booked your car rental without knowing about an International Driver’s Permit as they are expensive or difficult to get.
How You Can Get an International Driver's Permit?
You can your IDP from the same place you get your national driver’s license. So, it means that you need to have your IDP before you travel to some other country as you cannot get one from the country you’re going to.
Moreover, IDPs are available to everyone over the age of 18 who has held a valid driver's license for at least six months. They are usually good for one year or until your current state driver's license expires. It's always important to research an IDP before you travel and make sure you understand the criteria.
Where You Can Get Your IDP From?
The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are the only two places approved by the US Department of State to issue IDPs (AATA).
Both AAA and AATA can be excellent choices for you when it comes to your International Driver’s Permit. However, after you have selected the provider for your IDP then go to either of their websites and print out the International Driving Permit application and fill all of the fields of the form and submit it.
To apply for an IDP, what would you need?
When applying for an IDP, you must have the following:
- A legitimate driver's license.
- There is a $20 permit cost.
- 2 passport-style pictures (originals).
- Application for an International Driver's Permit.
Also, keep in mind that this permit will only be valid for a year if you have your regular driver's license. As a result, you must always have both of your licenses with you whether traveling or renting a car anywhere in the world.
And your International Driving Permit is only an authorized translation of your driver's license and it does not, in any way, invalidate your driver's license.
