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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Pertaining
to the International Driving Permit (IDP):
International Driving Permits are a recognizable form of identification which can help you communicate with foreign authorities. The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in 174 countries around the world. IDPs are not a replacement for your U.S. license, but should be used as a supplement to it. Experienced travelers always carry the International Driving Permit while traveling outside the USA.
Although many foreign countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses, most countries require and recognize a valid International Driving Permit. While the IDP is not valid within the United States, one is needed for travel of more than 50 miles into Canada or 300 miles into Mexico. Whether driving your own car, a rental, or someone else’s vehicle (with permission) abroad it pays to have the peace of mind an IDP provides.
Issuance of International Driving Permits are restricted to persons 18 years and older who hold a valid U.S. license. Your U.S. license must be valid for at least 6 months past the issuance of the IDP.
Simply print the International Driving Permit Application, complete the application entirely, enclose two (2) original passport size photos and a signed clear photocopy of the front and back of your U.S. driving license, include IDP fee payment of $15.00 along with applicable shipping & handling fees, and mail everything together to: The National Automobile Club, 1151 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404.
The International Driving Permit is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. A new IDP must be applied for each year. The permit is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid U.S. drivers license.
The International Driving Permit fee is $15.00. Payment for the IDP (as well as applicable shipping & handling fees) must be received along with the completed application and required supporting documents. Payment may be made by check, money order, or major credit card.
Via U.S. Postal Service:
First Class Mail = $3.00
Priority Mail = $6.00
Via Courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.):
Expedited Service = $30.00 for U.S. domestic delivery
$75.00 for international delivery
Normal processing time is 10 to 15 business days from the date the completed application and payment are received. Expedited Service processing time is 1 day. This will allow for next day delivery within the United States, and international delivery between 5 to 7 days (depending on the courier).
Payment may be made by check, money order, or major credit card (i.e. Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). Payment for the IDP fee and desired shipping & handling must be made together and received along with the completed International Driving Permit application and supporting documents.
Yes you may. As long as your U.S. driving license is valid for at least 6 months beyond the requested issuance date of the International Driving Permit. U.S. Government and military personnel may apply as long as you have a valid U.S. driver’s license with the corresponding extension documents of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The IDP provides an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license into 9 foreign languages and is acknowledged as valid identification in 174 countries around the world. International Driving Permits are also a recognizable form of identification which help you communicate with foreign authorities (especially in non-English speaking countries) and get you on your way more quickly. Major car rental companies require that renters have a valid International Driving Permit.
International Driving Permits must be issued in the same country as the drivers license of the traveler. For example; if someone from Italy has an Italian drivers license, their IDP must also be issued in Italy.
If you are traveling in a foreign country and are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you should present both your U.S. drivers license and IDP. If a citation is issued to you, it will reflect on the driving record of your driver’s license, not the IDP. While the various states Departments of Motor Vehicles access a national database for traffic citations within the United States, they do not have an international database. Any traffic violation penalties incurred in a foreign country would apply to the country in which you received the citation.
No. Due to the requirements that hard copy supporting documents (i.e. original photos and signed copy of driver’s license) and payment be included in the complete submission, only applications received by mail (or in person at 1151 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA) will be accepted.
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