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Thread: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

  1. #1
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    INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details




    The United States is a party to a United Nations treaty that gives residents of one country the right to drive in other countries using the driver's license issued by the government where they live. This treaty created the International Driving Permit (IDP) to make this arrangement easier.

    An IDP translates your state-issued driver's license into 10 languages so you can show it to officials in foreign countries to help them interpret your driver's license.

    If you're a U.S. resident, an IDP is useless within the U.S. IDPs are not intended to replace state-issued driver's licenses and should be used only as a supplement to a valid license when traveling in a foreign country.

    In addition, IDPs are not proof of identity.

    The U.S. Department of State has authorized only two organizations to issue IDPs to U.S. residents. The organizations:

    1. The American Automobile Association (AAA)

    2. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)


    They are permitted to sell IDPs only to people who are at least 18 years old and only to those who have a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory.

    The AAA and the AATA charge $10 for each IDP.



    How Does an IDP Differ from a State-issued Driver's License?

    An IDP is a supplement which translates a State-Issued Driver's License.

    Therefore, a driver's license is
    1. A card that lets you drive a motor vehicle legally.

    2. It is issued by the state where you live, but allows you to drive anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

    3. A driver's license also serves as valid proof of your identity to law enforcement officials.

    4. States require that you pass a series of exams to get your first license:
      1. a written exam on the "rules of the road,"
      2. an eye test,
      3. and a road test.


    5. States also require that you provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, a valid driver's license from another state, or a birth certificate.

    6. The fee for a license varies by state.




    Other Resources:

    Click here to PRINT YOUR IDP APPLICATION:
    http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html

    FREE IDP & PASSPORT PHOTOS for AAA-Plus Members:
    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8610

    AAMVA's Driver's License/Identification Security Framework

    REAL ID ACT (H.R. 418)

    www.ag.state.mn.us
    Although the IDP was authorized in 1949 when the UnitedStates signed the United Nations Convention on International Road Traffic, it is not valid by itself and mustbe presented with a valid driver’slicense issued from the driver’s country of residence.The IDP looks similar to a passport. It is multi-paged and contains two (2) passport photos. It is also printed in nearly a dozen languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese and Arabic. You cannot use an IDP whileyou are in your own country. Further-more, because you do not get a new or separate driving record with an IDP, it cannot be used to hide speeding tickets or other traffic violations.
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  2. #2
    Steven D Mahan -'s Avatar
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    Interesting,this would save time in a different country for driving privilages.

  3. #3
    Omar Castro's Avatar
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    IDP & state DL

    It is my understanding my DL must be accompanied by the IDP, I am curious if it must be a DL or is a permit also ok, for example my nephew has a permit due to him being 16, in other countries he is legally able to drive. He is able to obtain an IDP?
    I plan on doing some more research, thanks.
    O.A.C.V. Sr.

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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    This is very interesting.I had heard of this international permit but had no idea where you would obtain one.very good info. to have.

  5. #5
    Edward Taguba's Avatar
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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    This is great, I'm planning to visit another area. Filling out application and printing as I type

    Ed

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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    This is very informative information, as I will be traveling to Brazil next year. I will definitely put this information to good use.

    Thanks,

    Myra D. Price

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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    I have searched the internet for IDP sites and have been quite concerned about the number of sites which offer permits. How do I know which ones are true/legal entities? I don't belong to AAA as I don't need it (private coverage) but at least I would trust them to issue one?

  8. #8
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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    Quote Originally Posted by Heather Young View Post
    I have searched the internet for IDP sites and have been quite concerned about the number of sites which offer permits. How do I know which ones are true/legal entities? I don't belong to AAA as I don't need it (private coverage) but at least I would trust them to issue one?
    Yes. AAA and the AATA, as Robert mentioned, are the only organizations that have been authorized by the U.S. State Dept. to issue IDPs to U.S. residents.

  9. #9
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    Re: INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT: Application Details

    Quote Originally Posted by Heather Young View Post
    I don't belong to AAA as I don't need it (private coverage) but at least I would trust them to issue one?
    Also, you do not need to be an AAA member.

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