How To Get An International Driving License And It’s Benefits

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a specific document that permits travelers to drive in other countries without having to fill out extra documentation. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as an International Driver’s License. It serves as verification that you have a valid driving license granted by your native country’s administration.

It’s useful to consider the IDP as a means of international interaction. A police officer in Sweden, New Zealand, or Cameroon inspecting your standard driver’s license would have no way of knowing whether the card they were examining was genuine or not. When they see an IDP, however, they have faith. An IDP informs them right away that the driver’s license you’re using is valid.

Having one of these gives you an opportunity, as some jurisdictions require you to have a valid IDP in order to drive or rent a car.

Importance of the name

What impact can a single or couple of words have? When it concerns to the International Driving Permit, the importance of words cannot be overstated. While the terms “international driver’s license” and “international driving document” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exclusive to an IDP. In actuality, there is no such thing as an International Driver’s License or International Driving Document in a lawful manner. This tiny discrepancy may not seem significant in ordinary chat amongst friends, yet it is critical while obtaining official paperwork.

And this is the reason why you should be careful and observant about tricksters

Deceivers benefit from the fact that many people mistakenly say “International Driver’s License” for “International Driving Permit.” They’ll issue you an “International Driver’s License” as a result. Unfortunately, it is a pointless declaration with no legal backing. Foreign officials will immediately recognize that it is not the IDP they are familiar with, and rather than assisting you, this forged document may end up getting you into trouble. And a non-IDP type of driver’s license is likely to cost much more than the genuine IDP’s low rate. It serves to be on the lookout!

The real deal behind getting an IDP

It’s simple to obtain an IDP — a legitimate one. Only a few businesses are licensed to offer the International Driving Permit. In most nations, the national automobile association is the authorized seller. That would be AAA in the United States, and CAA in Canada. To apply for an IDP, you need not be a participant in the car organization. There’s no need to arrange a meeting; you can just walk in and deal with things in a short period of time. See? It’s just that simple to work on with.

Occasionally, organizations that appear to be quite “official” promote that they provide international driver’s licenses. You’re not getting offered the correct stuff unless it’s the AAA or CAA. A travel company, a travel site, an airline ticket dealer, or an international chain lodging cannot provide you with an IDP.

The point to note here is, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, not a provisional license permit, in order to apply. If you simply have a temporary license, you can still get an IDP (as in, you are a fully permitted driver but your permanent documents are in transit, so in order to get an IDP you need not be a permanent holder of the documents as well.)

Application Procedure And How It Works

Overall, it’s a rather simple process. Carry your driver’s license, as well as a duplicate of your driver’s license, to your nearest AAA or CAA office (front and back). Most agencies can also provide you with on-site photocopies.

You’ll also need 2 travel documents photographs with your signature on the reverse. They can be in color or black and white, but they have to be under a year old. Getting professional pictures is simple because North America’s authorised IDP providers are automotive groups that provide passport images as part of their services. For a small fee, you can do so on-site. Finally, you must complete out a brief registration form with photocopies and photographs in hand.

You can also send in your IDP application by mail if going in person isn’t possible. If you do so, note that it generally takes less than a week to process the application and mail out your new permit. In case you recently moved and the address on your driver’s license doesn’t match your new home address, include a note to clarify this. While it’s not necessary, it doesn’t hurt to call or email the AAA or CAA office to let them know your application is coming.

Cost procedure

IDPs are among the most cost-effective types of travel records available. The cost is $20 American or $25 Canadian, depending on the country. If your regional AAA or CAA agency is also capturing your picture, you may have to pay a little more.

The validity

IDPs are valid for another year or until the expiration of your normal driver’s license, whichever occurs first. To put it another way, unless you really need one right away, don’t enroll when your driver’s license is about to expire.

Reapplication for a fresh IDP

If you’re abroad, you can reapply for a fresh IDP after 12 months. Because they’d have to give you your updated paperwork by certified post or email, you’d have to call your regular AAA or CAA office to inquire about expenses. Your ordinary driver’s license, as always, must be acceptable in your native country. If it isn’t, you’ll need to submit an application for a new driver’s license as a citizen of the country you’ve moved to and then travel to an approved IDP dealer to process your request.

What countries recognize IDPs?

The IDP applies to all signatory countries of the 1949 Road Traffic Convention. Many countries which are not parties to the Convention recognized it as well.

What is the purpose of having an International Driving Permit?

An IDP accomplishes a great deal for short documentation. It allows you to hire a car and drive in nations that demand it, for example, by translating your driver’s license number into ten languages (useful even if you’re not renting a car). It’s also an internationally recognized green card that will be accepted by foreign authorities. (However, it is not a replacement for your real driver’s license, which you must bring with you!)

In reality, you’ll only need to present your IDP on rare occasions. Most countries, for example, let you lease automobiles without checking if you do have an IDP (or even a driver’s license!) However, if you travel without one in a country that requires it, the consequences are severe. In Japan, for example, you can be rounded up and deported in extreme situations. Do some study on the unique needs of your destination before you fly and make the intention of driving.

That is, in fact, a substantial volume of studies. The laws that regulate the use of IDPs aren’t well-known. In 2012, Florida enacted legislation for all vehicle owners to have an IDP.
If you’re unsure, carry an IDP with you about your trip. It’s cheap, simple to get, and it’s a useful type of documentation in a variety of scenarios. You’ll also have it available if you need to travel or rent a car. There will be no tension, and there will be no mess!

You are not immune from the regulations of the road because of any type of paperwork, including an IDP. You are able to adhere to all alcohol-related rules, as well as speed limits, traffic signs, and other regulations. There are no exams to demonstrate you know the difference between such a freeway on-ramp signal and a side trip sign, so car rental companies will presume you know what you’re doing. You’re in charge of conducting your own preliminary research! However, if you ask, car rental employees will gladly direct you to a calm neighborhood where you may familiarise yourself with your newer car and road signs.