Intl. Driving Permit

INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS PERMIT (IDP)

Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an international drivers license also called an international drivers permit (IDP). IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the U.S. (click for the list of countries). They function as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into 10 foreign languages.

These licenses are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. IDPs are not valid in an individual's country of residence. For example if you have an IDP and live in the USA you cannot drive without a license. The IDP does not replace the lincese in your country of residence.

For more information about IDP visit the U.S. State Department website.

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT:

Before departure, you can obtain one at a local office of one of the two automobile associations authorized by the U.S. Department of State: the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

* AAA (American Automobile Association) , 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32745-5063. The application is available on-line.

* National Auto Club, 1151 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404, tel: 800-622-2136 or 800-294-7000 ; fax: 650-294-7040

To apply for an international driving permit, you must be at least age 18, and you will need to present two passport-size photographs and your valid U.S. license. The cost of an international driving permit from these U.S. State Department-authorized organizations is under $20.00.