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Here’s How to Get an International Driving Permit

by | Jun 13, 2018 | International, Travel tips

Want to be able to rent a car in another country? A number of nations won't allow car rentals to people who just have U.S. driver's licenses. Before you go, get an international driving permit. It's easier and cheaper than you might think.

Imagine you’re off to see one of the great sights—the Eiffel Tower, perhaps. You’re bubbling with anticipation and excitement to see the famed wrought-iron symbol of France. You even have your “I Love Paris” shirt on. But after bumping elbows with sweaty passengers and weaving through foot traffic for minutes to hours, the tower somehow feels slightly less majestic.

While public transportation is perfect for the daily grind for locals, subways and buses aren’t always the most luxurious form of transport for Americans on vacation abroad. The alternative? Get an international driving permit, so that you can rent a car in a different country and sightsee in style. But, beware of permit scams. To ensure you’re getting a real permit to use abroad, use one of the two verified issuers that follow.

1. American Automobile Association (AAA)

To get an international driving permit, you can easily visit the American Automobile Association local to you. After printing AAA’s application, simply bring the paper, your driver’s license, two passport-sized photos, and $20. The association also allows you to mail in your application, including photocopies of each side of your driver’s license.

Once you’re validated, you’ll be able to use your international driving permit to cruise around 150 countries worldwide. While not all countries require this permit type, many do, so for $20, it’s best to grab one.

If you want to be sure you'll be allowed to rent a car or drive in a foreign country, do yourself a favor and get an international driving permit. There are only two U.S. organizations that offer legitimate international driving permits. Learn about who they are, and all about why an IDP is VERY good to have when traveling abroad.

2. American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

While going through the AAA is one of the most convenient options, you can also get an international driving permit through the American Automobile Touring Alliance. The AATA requires similar documentation to the AAA—the printed application, two passport-sized photos, and $20. However, the AATA also asks you to send a $10 shipping and handling fee.

The AATA also notes that, to be eligible, “… your license must remain valid for at least six months from the issue date of your IDP.”

While there are more sites than the above that claim to offer a pathway to an international driving permit, be wary. Many of them are rip-offs and scams from unofficial issuers, according to Matador Network. Stick with these two valid issuers, and you’ll be road tripping around Europe in no time.