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| Meta Title | How to Get an International Driver's Permit (IDP) | Zutobi |
| Meta Description | A complete guide on international driver's permit (IDP). What it is, why it's neccesary, how to get it, and International driving permit vs international driver's license. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Operating motor vehicles abroad is useful when looking to visit remote areas that are not served by public transportation. Avid international travelers will likely be interested in figuring out the best method to legally operate a motor vehicle overseas. If you fall into this category, youâre in luck!
In this article, we cover
everything about everything you need to know about the international driverâs permit (IDP)
.
Letâs get straight into it!
What Is an International Driverâs Permit?
The IDP is a form of identification that allows you to drive in over 175 different countries, as long as you already have a valid license in your home country. The IDP will also translate your English-language driverâs license into languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and several more. This allows you to identify yourself in foreign countries, even if youâre not able to speak the native language.Â
Traveling to Europe? An IDP will allow you to drive in most European countries.
Why Is an International Driving Permit Necessary?
There are several benefits to owning an international driving permit if youâre planning your next vacation overseas. Even if you donât plan on driving while on vacation, it may be a good idea to get one anyway. Hereâs why you should consider it.
#1 â
It Is an Internationally Accepted Identification Card
The IDP comes in 10 different languages and is accepted in
over 175 different countries across the globe
. Having one could help ease communication with local authorities, especially when language barriers are present.Â
It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
#2 â
It Is Required by Major Car Rental Agencies
If your journey includes trips to rural areas, public transport or ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may be unavailable. A rented car may be the only option for getting to many of these places. Some foreign car rental agencies will require nonresident renters to provide proof of an international driverâs permit to obtain a vehicle. To be on the safe side, you may want to acquire an IDP if you plan to leave the city for some time.
#3 â
It Is Not Hard to Acquire
You may hear the term âInternational Driverâs Permitâ and assume applying for one would be a pain. That couldnât be further from the truth! In the next section, weâll talk about how you can get your hands on an IDP before your next adventure abroad.
How Do You Get an International Driverâs Permit?
In the United States, there are only two organizations where you can apply for an IDP â
the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
and the
American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)
. To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and a licensed US driver.
The process and requirements for both are essentially the same. However, while AAA offers physical locations to complete your application, AATAâs IDP process is conducted entirely through mail. This may be something to consider when moving forward.
Regardless of the organization you choose, you will be required to present the following documents to complete your application.
IDP Appl
i
cation
Two original passport pictures
A copy of your U.S. driverâs license
You will be charged a fee when submitting these documents for review. Upon acquiring the IDP, you will have six months to use it before it expires.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US driverâs license to apply.
How Long Does It Take to Get an International Driverâs Permit?
Both organizations have similar processing times. After a 10-15 minute visit to the AAA office, or the post office to deliver your AATA application, you should anticipate your IDP arriving about
two weeks after submission
.Â
How Do You Use an International Driverâs Permit?
Using your IDP is just like using your driverâs license in the states! You can use it as identification when asked by local authorities abroad. It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
However, you must
always
carry your permanent US driverâs license with you while driving with an IDP abroad. An IDP alone is insufficient, your driverâs license will be used to prove your knowledge and skill behind the wheel.
You must always carry your license + IDP when driving abroad.
Are you looking to get your US driverâs license? Youâre in luck. Zutobi provides a number of resources designed to help student drivers in all fifty states
pass their driving test
and stay safe on the road. Utilizing a gamified experience for all users, Zutobi is a great way to study core driving concepts without being super overwhelmed by a dense driverâs handbook.
Do All Countries Require an IDP?
All countries have their own rules and regulations regarding whether an international driverâs permit is required to operate a motor vehicle as a foreigner. European countries such as Croatia, Austria, and Poland all require American drivers to hold an IDP with an American license while driving their country.
Other countries simply allow you to translate your American driverâs license into a local one once you arrive. However, getting an IDP to save time and avoid any potential confusion would undoubtedly be the best option.
International Driverâs Permit vs. International Driverâs License
Simply put, there is
no such thing as an international driverâs license.
Any company offering you special privileges by applying for their âinternational driverâs licenseâ over the standard international driverâs permit is a
scam and should be reported to the Better Business Bureau immediately
.
As we mentioned earlier, an IDP can only be obtained from two organizations in the United States â
the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
and the
American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)
. If youâre applying for an IDP elsewhere, youâre in the wrong place!
Thatâs It!
All in all, applying for an international driverâs permit is a great investment of your time and worth it if youâre anticipating going abroad in the next six months. Not only will you be able to drive in any of the 175 countries that accept the IDP, but you will also have access to a universal identification card that translates to 10 different languages. |
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### Contents
- [What Is an International Driverâs Permit?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#what-is-an-international-drivers-permit)
- [Why Is an International Driving Permit Necessary?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#why-is-an-international-driving-permit-necessary)
- [How Do You Get an International Driverâs Permit?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#how-do-you-get-an-international-drivers-permit)
- [How Long Does It Take to Get an International Driverâs Permit?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#how-long-does-it-take-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit)
- [How Do You Use an International Driverâs Permit?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#how-do-you-use-an-international-drivers-permit)
- [Do All Countries Require an IDP?](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#do-all-countries-require-an-idp)
- [International Driverâs Permit vs. International Driverâs License](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#international-drivers-permit-vs-international-drivers-license)
- [Thatâs It\!](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit#thats-it)

# How to Get an International Driverâs Permit â The Definitive Guide

by Zutobi *¡* Updated Mar 01, 2022
Operating motor vehicles abroad is useful when looking to visit remote areas that are not served by public transportation. Avid international travelers will likely be interested in figuring out the best method to legally operate a motor vehicle overseas. If you fall into this category, youâre in luck\!
In this article, we cover **everything about everything you need to know about the international driverâs permit (IDP)**.
Letâs get straight into it\!
## What Is an International Driverâs Permit?
The IDP is a form of identification that allows you to drive in over 175 different countries, as long as you already have a valid license in your home country. The IDP will also translate your English-language driverâs license into languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and several more. This allows you to identify yourself in foreign countries, even if youâre not able to speak the native language.

Traveling to Europe? An IDP will allow you to drive in most European countries.
## Why Is an International Driving Permit Necessary?
There are several benefits to owning an international driving permit if youâre planning your next vacation overseas. Even if you donât plan on driving while on vacation, it may be a good idea to get one anyway. Hereâs why you should consider it.
### \#1 â **It Is an Internationally Accepted Identification Card**
The IDP comes in 10 different languages and is accepted in [over 175 different countries across the globe](http://aataidp.com/countries/). Having one could help ease communication with local authorities, especially when language barriers are present.

It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
### \#2 â **It Is Required by Major Car Rental Agencies**
If your journey includes trips to rural areas, public transport or ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may be unavailable. A rented car may be the only option for getting to many of these places. Some foreign car rental agencies will require nonresident renters to provide proof of an international driverâs permit to obtain a vehicle. To be on the safe side, you may want to acquire an IDP if you plan to leave the city for some time.
### \#3 â **It Is Not Hard to Acquire**
You may hear the term âInternational Driverâs Permitâ and assume applying for one would be a pain. That couldnât be further from the truth! In the next section, weâll talk about how you can get your hands on an IDP before your next adventure abroad.
## How Do You Get an International Driverâs Permit?

In the United States, there are only two organizations where you can apply for an IDP â [the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)](http://aataidp.com/) and the [American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html). To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and a licensed US driver.
The process and requirements for both are essentially the same. However, while AAA offers physical locations to complete your application, AATAâs IDP process is conducted entirely through mail. This may be something to consider when moving forward.
Regardless of the organization you choose, you will be required to present the following documents to complete your application.
- [IDP Appl](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)[i](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)[cation](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)
- Two original passport pictures
- A copy of your U.S. driverâs license
You will be charged a fee when submitting these documents for review. Upon acquiring the IDP, you will have six months to use it before it expires.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US driverâs license to apply.
## How Long Does It Take to Get an International Driverâs Permit?
Both organizations have similar processing times. After a 10-15 minute visit to the AAA office, or the post office to deliver your AATA application, you should anticipate your IDP arriving about **two weeks after submission**.
## How Do You Use an International Driverâs Permit?
Using your IDP is just like using your driverâs license in the states! You can use it as identification when asked by local authorities abroad. It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
However, you must **always** carry your permanent US driverâs license with you while driving with an IDP abroad. An IDP alone is insufficient, your driverâs license will be used to prove your knowledge and skill behind the wheel.

You must always carry your license + IDP when driving abroad.
Are you looking to get your US driverâs license? Youâre in luck. Zutobi provides a number of resources designed to help student drivers in all fifty states [pass their driving test](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-pass-your-driving-test-first-time) and stay safe on the road. Utilizing a gamified experience for all users, Zutobi is a great way to study core driving concepts without being super overwhelmed by a dense driverâs handbook.
## Do All Countries Require an IDP?
All countries have their own rules and regulations regarding whether an international driverâs permit is required to operate a motor vehicle as a foreigner. European countries such as Croatia, Austria, and Poland all require American drivers to hold an IDP with an American license while driving their country.
Other countries simply allow you to translate your American driverâs license into a local one once you arrive. However, getting an IDP to save time and avoid any potential confusion would undoubtedly be the best option.
## International Driverâs Permit vs. International Driverâs License
Simply put, there is **no such thing as an international driverâs license.** Any company offering you special privileges by applying for their âinternational driverâs licenseâ over the standard international driverâs permit is a [scam and should be reported to the Better Business Bureau immediately](https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/reportscam).
As we mentioned earlier, an IDP can only be obtained from two organizations in the United States â [the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)](http://aataidp.com/) and the [American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html). If youâre applying for an IDP elsewhere, youâre in the wrong place\!
## Thatâs It\!
All in all, applying for an international driverâs permit is a great investment of your time and worth it if youâre anticipating going abroad in the next six months. Not only will you be able to drive in any of the 175 countries that accept the IDP, but you will also have access to a universal identification card that translates to 10 different languages.

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| Readable Markdown | Operating motor vehicles abroad is useful when looking to visit remote areas that are not served by public transportation. Avid international travelers will likely be interested in figuring out the best method to legally operate a motor vehicle overseas. If you fall into this category, youâre in luck\!
In this article, we cover **everything about everything you need to know about the international driverâs permit (IDP)**.
Letâs get straight into it\!
## What Is an International Driverâs Permit?
The IDP is a form of identification that allows you to drive in over 175 different countries, as long as you already have a valid license in your home country. The IDP will also translate your English-language driverâs license into languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and several more. This allows you to identify yourself in foreign countries, even if youâre not able to speak the native language.

Traveling to Europe? An IDP will allow you to drive in most European countries.
## Why Is an International Driving Permit Necessary?
There are several benefits to owning an international driving permit if youâre planning your next vacation overseas. Even if you donât plan on driving while on vacation, it may be a good idea to get one anyway. Hereâs why you should consider it.
### \#1 â **It Is an Internationally Accepted Identification Card**
The IDP comes in 10 different languages and is accepted in [over 175 different countries across the globe](http://aataidp.com/countries/). Having one could help ease communication with local authorities, especially when language barriers are present.

It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
### \#2 â **It Is Required by Major Car Rental Agencies**
If your journey includes trips to rural areas, public transport or ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft may be unavailable. A rented car may be the only option for getting to many of these places. Some foreign car rental agencies will require nonresident renters to provide proof of an international driverâs permit to obtain a vehicle. To be on the safe side, you may want to acquire an IDP if you plan to leave the city for some time.
### \#3 â **It Is Not Hard to Acquire**
You may hear the term âInternational Driverâs Permitâ and assume applying for one would be a pain. That couldnât be further from the truth! In the next section, weâll talk about how you can get your hands on an IDP before your next adventure abroad.
## How Do You Get an International Driverâs Permit?

In the United States, there are only two organizations where you can apply for an IDP â [the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)](http://aataidp.com/) and the [American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html). To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and a licensed US driver.
The process and requirements for both are essentially the same. However, while AAA offers physical locations to complete your application, AATAâs IDP process is conducted entirely through mail. This may be something to consider when moving forward.
Regardless of the organization you choose, you will be required to present the following documents to complete your application.
- [IDP Appl](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)[i](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)[cation](http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf)
- Two original passport pictures
- A copy of your U.S. driverâs license
You will be charged a fee when submitting these documents for review. Upon acquiring the IDP, you will have six months to use it before it expires.

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US driverâs license to apply.
## How Long Does It Take to Get an International Driverâs Permit?
Both organizations have similar processing times. After a 10-15 minute visit to the AAA office, or the post office to deliver your AATA application, you should anticipate your IDP arriving about **two weeks after submission**.
## How Do You Use an International Driverâs Permit?
Using your IDP is just like using your driverâs license in the states! You can use it as identification when asked by local authorities abroad. It can also be used to prove information about you such as your age, date of birth, home country, and more â all without you saying a single word.
However, you must **always** carry your permanent US driverâs license with you while driving with an IDP abroad. An IDP alone is insufficient, your driverâs license will be used to prove your knowledge and skill behind the wheel.

You must always carry your license + IDP when driving abroad.
Are you looking to get your US driverâs license? Youâre in luck. Zutobi provides a number of resources designed to help student drivers in all fifty states [pass their driving test](https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/how-to-pass-your-driving-test-first-time) and stay safe on the road. Utilizing a gamified experience for all users, Zutobi is a great way to study core driving concepts without being super overwhelmed by a dense driverâs handbook.
## Do All Countries Require an IDP?
All countries have their own rules and regulations regarding whether an international driverâs permit is required to operate a motor vehicle as a foreigner. European countries such as Croatia, Austria, and Poland all require American drivers to hold an IDP with an American license while driving their country.
Other countries simply allow you to translate your American driverâs license into a local one once you arrive. However, getting an IDP to save time and avoid any potential confusion would undoubtedly be the best option.
## International Driverâs Permit vs. International Driverâs License
Simply put, there is **no such thing as an international driverâs license.** Any company offering you special privileges by applying for their âinternational driverâs licenseâ over the standard international driverâs permit is a [scam and should be reported to the Better Business Bureau immediately](https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/reportscam).
As we mentioned earlier, an IDP can only be obtained from two organizations in the United States â [the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)](http://aataidp.com/) and the [American Automobile Automobile Association (AAA)](https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html). If youâre applying for an IDP elsewhere, youâre in the wrong place\!
## Thatâs It\!
All in all, applying for an international driverâs permit is a great investment of your time and worth it if youâre anticipating going abroad in the next six months. Not only will you be able to drive in any of the 175 countries that accept the IDP, but you will also have access to a universal identification card that translates to 10 different languages. |
| Shard | 86 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 10886372885012879486 |
| Unparsed URL | com,zutobi!/us/driver-guides/how-to-get-an-international-drivers-permit s443 |