How to apply for an International Driving Permit online
Editor's Note
TPG has received emails from readers unaware that they needed an International Driving Permit when renting a car in some foreign countries. (Hint: Italy is one of them.) It is a missed detail that can derail an otherwise well-planned getaway.
Without an IDP, the car rental agency may turn you away, leaving you dependent on public transportation, private car services or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
The good news is that you can now submit an IDP application online. Filling out the paperwork and providing supporting documents will take a few minutes.
What is an International Driving Permit?
At its simplest, an International Driving Permit translates your English-language driver's license into 10 other languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish). It verifies that you have a valid driver's license issued where you live. For travelers from the U.S., that means a driver's license issued by a state or U.S. territory.
When you drive a car overseas, you carry the IDP — which includes your name, driving details and photo — along with your valid driver's license. The IDP is accepted in more than 150 United Nations member countries worldwide and is considered a valid form of identification in more than 175 countries. Wherever you're traveling, the IDP likely has you covered.
Is an IDP required to drive in foreign countries?
Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but many do. For example, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand require the IDP. Germany and Hungary don't require the IDP, specifically, but do require a translation of your driver's license in German and Hungarian, respectively, so the IDP is still the easiest solution for you. Other countries may also have this requirement, so check before you plan to rent or borrow a car in a foreign destination.
Some rental car agencies may let you rent a vehicle without an IDP, while others won't. However, if you get caught driving without an IDP in a country that requires one, you could face a steep fine from the local authorities. The car may also be impounded — and who wants to deal with that headache? Finally, if you're in a car accident in a country that requires an IDP and you don't have one, your insurance policy may be voided.
How to get the International Driving Permit
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only private entity in America authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue International Driving Permits.
You don't need to be a AAA member or a U.S. citizen to apply for an IDP, but you do need to be a permanent resident of a U.S. state or territory and have a driver's license issued by that entity. You also must be 18 or older and have had your driver's license for at least six months.
Your license must also be valid for at least six months after the issuance date of your IDP. You cannot apply for an International Driver's Permit if your license has been suspended or revoked.
AAA offers an online application process, so it's quick and easy to apply for the permit.
Go to the AAA International Driving Permits landing page. You'll start the process there and then be prompted to continue within the govWorks app. AAA will text you a link and provide a QR code for access.
My all-in cost for the IDP was $42.99. The IDP fee is $20 plus a $10 "digital passport photo" fee.
Unfortunately, you must use the system's app to take your photo; it is not possible to simply use one from your photo library.
Shipping costs are based on where you live and what type of shipment you select. My shipping options to an East Coast address were:
- FedEx 2 Day: $12.99
- USPS Priority Mail: $14.99
- USPS Express Mail: $31.20
- FedEx Standard Overnight: $61.03
An International Driver's Permit is usually valid for a year, or until your current driver's license expires.
Once you place your IDP order, it will take about 5 business days to process and then add on time for whatever shipment method you selected.
When to apply for the IDP
It takes a week or two to get the IDP shipped to you, but plan ahead. You can get an IDP issued within six months of your desired effective date. So, if you plan to travel on July 1, you can apply for the IDP as soon as the previous January. You probably won't need that much time to get the document, but you will have that leeway if needed.
Know the rules of the IDP and the road
It's your responsibility to ensure the country or countries where you're going recognize the International Driving Permit.
You should also research the local rules of the road and follow them to a T. That may include buying a "vignette," a sticker that authorizes you to drive in certain countries. Rental cars generally already have stickers on them, or the rental agency can tell you where to purchase one.
Whatever you do, remember to pack your driver's license. The IDP is a "permit" and not a "license;" it's not valid unless paired with your driver's license from home.
Can you drive in another country without having an IDP?
Getting an International Driving Permit isn't the only way to drive in a foreign country. Many destinations also have a provision for you to carry a translated version of your driver's license. But why bother having your license translated into many different languages when the IDP is accepted in so many places?
Bottom line
It's easy and relatively inexpensive to get an International Driving Permit.
You may want to arrange for one, whether or not you plan to drive on your next overseas trip. It can be a handy additional means of identification, with all your details translated in a format that officials are used to seeing.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.