IDP License
Are you looking to obtain an IDP license? An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a great way for travelers of all ages and backgrounds to drive safely in foreign countries, allowing them to easily explore the world.
An international driving permit provides greater peace of mind knowing that local authorities and law enforcement officers abroad can easily verify your driver’s license information and provide assistance if necessary.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what is IDP license and, how easy it is to get an IDP, what’s involved in the process, and how valuable it is when traveling internationally.
What is an IDP License, and How Can It Benefit You as a Driver
An IDP License is an international permit that allows drivers to operate motor vehicles in countries where they don’t have a valid license.
The IDP can be obtained from the relevant automobile or driver licensing authority in your same country, and it provides a translation of information from your regular driving license into up to 10 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
This makes it easier for foreign authorities to understand and recognize your credentials, helping them to assist if necessary.
Having an IDP License can be extremely beneficial for travelers who intend to drive in a foreign country. It serves as an additional form of identification that foreign authorities can easily recognize, which means they’ll be able to quickly and easily verify.
Types of International Driver’s Permits Available.
The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP.
The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is one of the most common forms of international driver’s permits. This permit validates 12 months and allows holders to drive in most countries.
The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP can be obtained through various organizations, including the American Automobile Association (AAA), the American automobile touring alliance (AATA), and the National Automobile Club (NAC). All you need to do is provide several forms of identification, including your driver’s license, passport, and proof of address. Once these forms are submitted, the IDP will be mailed to your residence in about two weeks.
The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP.
The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is another international driver’s permit form available to travelers. This permit is accepted in dozens of countries, including Canada and most European countries. This permit lasts up to three years, making it ideal for those traveling longer.
To apply for a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, you must provide your driver’s license, passport, and proof of address. Once your documents have been submitted, you’ll receive your permit in the mail within two weeks.
Requirements for Obtaining an IDP License – what documents do you need.
If you want International Driving Permits (IDP) license, certain requirements must be met for the application to be accepted.
The primary requirement is a valid driver’s license issued by an approved government agency in your home country. This is necessary as the IDP is a translation of your existing license information, and therefore it cannot be obtained without having one. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Documents Required For Application
The following documents must be included with your application for an IDP.
- A valid driver’s license issued by an approved government agency in your home country
- Proof of identity, such as a passport or national identity card
- Two passport-sized photographs
- A completed application form, signed and dated
- The relevant application fee
How to apply for an IDP license – a step-by-step guide.
Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a great way for travelers of all ages and backgrounds to drive safely in foreign countries, allowing them to easily explore the world.
Having an IDP provides greater peace of mind knowing that local authorities and law enforcement officers abroad can easily verify your international driver’s license information and provide assistance if necessary.
Determine Eligibility
It’s important to determine whether or not you are eligible to obtain an IDP license before applying. Generally, most countries require applicants to be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license issued in their home country.
Depending on the country you are visiting, there may also be additional requirements or restrictions that would disqualify you from obtaining an IDP. It’s best to research this information beforehand to know exactly what you need to do to be eligible.
Acquire the Necessary Documents
Once you’ve determined your eligibility for an IDP, it’s time to acquire the necessary documents. These include a valid driver’s license from your home country, two passport-size photos, and a completed application form.
The application form is usually found online or at your local motor vehicle office. Additional requirements such as a visa or proof of insurance may also exist depending on your destination country. Having all of these documents ready before applying for an IDP is important.
Choose an Issuing Authority
Now that you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to choose an issuing authority. Two main types of authorities can issue an IDP – the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Automobile Club (NAC). It is important to note that these organizations may not be available in your home country, so it is best to research this information beforehand.
Submit Your Application
Once you’ve chosen an issuing authority, you must submit your application. This usually involves sending all required documents via mail or online. Depending on where you live, a processing fee may also be associated with obtaining an IDP license. Again, it’s best to research this information beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
Receive Your License
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your IDP license in the mail. This usually takes a few weeks, depending on where you live and how quickly the application was processed.
Once you have received your license, keeping it with you while driving abroad is important, as it is proof that you are legally allowed to drive in that country.
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) requires a few simple steps but can make a difference when driving safely abroad. Following these five steps, anyone can apply for and obtain an IDP license quickly and easily.
Tips for making sure your IDP license is valid in other countries.
Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for an IDP, ensure your native driver’s license is valid and eligible for conversion in the country you plan to visit. Most countries only accept licenses from select countries and certain regions.
Verify Your Documents
Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date before submitting your application. This includes verifying that your driver’s license details are correct and that you have an appropriate passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
Gather Necessary Forms
Ensure all necessary forms are filled out correctly and signed before submitting your application. This includes forms such as a medical report, an age declaration form, and other documents required by the issuing authority.
Read the IDP Application Instructions
Carefully read the instructions to ensure you know what is expected of you when applying for an international driving permit.
Submit Complete Applications
Ensure all applications are complete and accurate before submitting them to the issuing authority. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and may lead to delays in processing time or even rejection of your request.
Keep Track of Your Application Status
Once you have submitted your application, it’s important to stay informed about its status so that you can plan accordingly. You can contact the issuing authority to find out if your application has been approved or if any issues need to be addressed before it is issued.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Laws
Before driving in another country, understand the local laws and regulations for driving safely and legally.
Check Your IDP Regularly
Like your native driver’s license, always check that your international driving permit is in valid form before driving in any foreign country. It’s also important to ensure that all information on the IDP is accurate and up-to-date so that you stay compliant while traveling abroad.
Benefits of having an IDP license.
Rent Cars. Easily
An IDP license allows you to easily rent cars from car rental companies in foreign countries, even if your driver’s license is not valid there. This makes it easier to explore a new destination without relying on public transportation or taxis.
No Language Barriers
The IDP license translates the information on your home driver’s license into 10 languages, eliminating language barriers when dealing with local authorities and law enforcement officers abroad.
Increased Peace of Mind
With an IDP license, you can be confident that local police will understand what your driver’s license says and be able to assist if necessary.
Confirmation of Identity
An IDP license is an official government-issued document, making it valid in many countries.
Enjoy More Freedom When Traveling
With an IDP license, you can explore more destinations and experience new cultures without worrying about being unable to drive or needing a translator to understand local laws and regulations.
Safe Driving Practices Abroad
An IDP license helps you drive safely in foreign countries by ensuring that both local authorities and law enforcement officers abroad understand your driver’s license information.
Verification Of Your Driver’s License Information
Having an IDP license helps verify your driver’s information and ensure it matches your home license’s details.
No Delay In Obtaining An IDP License
Obtaining an IDP is straightforward and can be completed online or by visiting a participating issuing office.
FAQs
Is inter american driving permit also known as an IDP license?
Yes. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also known as an inter american driving permit and is valid in over 150 countries worldwide. This document allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public roads without difficulties while traveling abroad.
What is an international driving licence?
An international driving license, or IDL, allows the holder to drive in foreign countries without taking additional tests or obtaining another type of driver’s license. The IDL is valid for 1-3 years and is recognized by over 150 countries worldwide.
Do the united nations accept IDP licenses?
Yes, most countries recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid form of driver identification. The United Nations recognizes the IDP and recommends that travelers carry one when driving abroad.
How long does it take to get my international driving permit?
Getting an international driving permit may vary depending on your country, but typically it takes up to two weeks for processing and delivery. Applying for the permit at least two months in advance is recommended depending on your travel plans.
What does IDP stand for in license?
IDP stands for International Driving Permit. It is an official document issued by the United Nations that verifies the authenticity of a driver’s license in foreign countries and allows you to drive legally abroad without taking additional tests or obtaining another type of driver’s license.
Are there any benefits to getting an IDP?
Yes, there are many benefits to getting an IDP. It makes it easier to drive legally in foreign countries, gives you greater peace of mind knowing that local authorities and law enforcement officers can easily verify your driver’s license information, and assists if necessary.
Additionally, having an IDP can help you avoid paying any driving fines or fees levied against you while traveling abroad.
Do I need to take a driving test to get an IDP and us driver’s license?
You do not need a driving test to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) and us driver’s license. However, you do need to provide proof of identity and residency in your country of residence before applying for the permit.
Conclusion
An International Driver’s Permit license is important to consider if you are an internationally mobile driver. Not only does it open up driving opportunities worldwide, but it can benefit you in other ways. Generally speaking, obtaining an IDP license is a straightforward task – you need the proper identification documents and fees from the issuing authority. When ready to use your IDP license abroad, double-check that your permit remains valid during your travels, as some countries may set different duration restrictions.