Apply For International Drivers License
If you are planning to drive your vehicle while traveling abroad, it is extremely important for you to apply for an IDP before leaving the United States.
Well, the process to apply for international drivers license is relatively simple and can be done in person or online.
International Driver’s License
What is an International Driving License and How Does it Work?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver’s license information into several languages, making it much easier for foreign authorities to read and understand.
In the United States, IDPs can be acquired through two organizations.
Some people call it IDP (International Driving Permit), and some call it IDL (International Driving License). But these both are the same.
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How Can I Get International Driving License in the USA?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for IDP in the USA:
1) Meet The IDP Requirements
It is important to check the IDP requirements for the country or countries you are planning to visit.
Some countries do not recognize International Driving Permits, so it is important to check beforehand to avoid any inconvenience in other countries.
2) Collect The Required Documents
To apply for an IDL, you must provide a proper driver’s license, a passport-sized photo, and proof of US citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate).
If you don’t have any of these documents currently, you must arrange them first.
3) Select The Issuing Organization
As mentioned earlier, an international driver’s license can be obtained through AAA or AATA.
Both organizations have offices across the whole United States, and some of them also offer online application forms.
4) Complete The Application Form
Next, you have to fill out the application form and provide all the required documents.
Provide all of your details such as your name, address, occupation, ID number, social security number, etc.
5) Pay the Appropriate Fee
Once you complete your application for an international drivers license, you must pay the fees. The application fee is usually around $20 to $25.
The fee structure may vary from state to state.
6) Wait For Your IDP To Arrive.
Once you pay the fees, the issuing authority will process your application and mail your newly generated International Drivers Permit to you.
Getting your IDP can take a few days or sometimes a few weeks, so be sure to apply well in advance of your foreign trip.
It is extremely important to note that an international driving license is not a substitute for a valid driver’s license. This is just an additional document that must be carried along with a valid driver’s license.
Furthermore, an IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and it is only valid when used in conjunction with a valid driving license issued by the country where the IDP was issued.
Suppose you are from the US, and you want an international driving license for Russia. In this case, you will have to possess an American Driving License first, only then will you be able to apply for international drivers license in America.
In short, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) in America is a relatively easy process and can be done through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States.
It is necessary to check the IDP requirements for the particular country you are planning to visit.
So, gather all the essential documents, choose an issuing organization, complete the application, and wait for your IDP to arrive before your trip.
And do not forget to carry your International Driving Permit with your valid driving license when driving abroad.
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Things Need To Be Done For International Drivers Permit
Well, we discussed what you need to do in order to apply for international drivers license in America.
But now it is time to discuss some other important things about the IDL so that you won’t have any other confusion.
1) Carrying The IDP
Some people think that once you get an IDP, you won’t need to carry a physical copy of the license while driving.
It is not true! You should always carry your IDP along with your valid driving license. You must present both your IDP and your driving license when driving abroad.
Sure, here are some additional points to consider when applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the United States:
2) Make sure your driver’s license is valid.
An International driver’s Permit can be issued only to those individuals who have a valid driving license. If your driver’s license has expired or is about to expire, you must renew it before applying for an IDP.
3) Verify the expiry date of your IDP.
As I said earlier, The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so be sure to plan accordingly. If you are planning a really long trip, you may need to renew your IDP before it expires.
4) Recheck The Countries You Are Visiting.
If you plan to travel to more than one country, make sure your International Driver’s License is valid for each country. Some countries may not recognize IDLs issued by certain institutions, so check this before starting your journey.
5) IDP and Country Of Issue
Keep in mind that the International Driving Permit is not valid in the country of issue. IDP is an international document that is recognized by other countries but is not valid in the country where it was issued.
Therefore, if you plan to drive in the United States, you will need to have both your IDP and your valid driver’s license with you.
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6) Legal Age is Important
Before trying to apply for international drivers license, be aware of the legal driving age in the country you are visiting.
The legal driving age may differ in other countries, and if you are not of legal age to drive in that country, you will not be able to drive even if you have an IDP.
So, do some research about it.
7) IDP Is Not Everything
Always keep this thing in mind that the IDP is not a guarantee of driving privileges. Even if you have an IDP, you may still require to take a local driving test or pass other conditions before you can lawfully drive in a foreign country.
8) Different Countries, Different Rules
You have to understand that there are several countries in the world. And each country has different rules and regulations from other.
So, before you leave, you should research the traffic laws and regulations of the country you are planning to give a visit.
Do not forget to check the information on road signs, traffic signals, and speed limits.
So these were the things that you should know about when you apply for an international driving license in the USA.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, an International Driver’s License is a valuable document to have when touring abroad and driving in foreign countries.
It is surely easy to obtain an IDP, but it is also important to have a valid driver’s license in the country.
You need to collect all your required documents, pay the fee, and submit the application to the right institution. And, always check the laws and regulations of the countries you plan on visiting before your journey.
With IDL in your hand, you can certainly feel confident and secure as you drive on your next international adventure.
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How To Apply For International Drivers License In The USA 2023