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DRIVING OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITH AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT

If you are getting ready for a trip outside the United States, your domestic driver’s license is probably among the documents you’re bringing along — especially if you expect to be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. In addition, you may want to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document, about the size of a passport, includes your name, photo and driver information. It’s inexpensive, easy to obtain, and over 150 countries around the world recognize it. Carrying one in addition to your domestic driver’s license could save you hassles while driving outside the United States.

Benefits of an IDP

An IDP isn’t a substitute for your domestic driver’s license, and you should have both documents with you for presentation to a law enforcement officer when you are driving abroad. But it does have some important advantages:

It is written in ten languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish).
Some countries and rental-car companies require you to carry both.
It tells a police officer that the license you carry is good and that your credentials should be honored.
It could help expedite resolution of a traffic violation (although any citation you receive will be reflected on the driving record that is with your domestic license).

How to Get Your IDP

If you’re planning to travel soon, you can expedite things by going in person to the nearest office of the American Automobile Association (AAA). Look on the Internet for the address and information about hours and phone numbers.

Bring along your valid domestic driver’s license, two copies of a passport-size photo, and a check for $10.00 made out to your local AAA. When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a short application form. The whole process should take about 15 minutes.

If you won’t be embarking on your trip for a while, you can get your IDP by mail. You can get an application at your local office or by writing to AAA National Headquarters, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746 (Phone 407-444-7000). Fill it out, put it in the envelope with the photos, the check and a photocopy of your license, and mail to your local AAA.

Know the Rules of the Road

Before you leave on your trip, you should familiarize yourself with driving rules and laws in the country where you will be driving.

Most general guidebooks will have a section on basics such as speed limits in built-up, suburban and rural locations, along with contact numbers for local and U.S.-based automobile clubs. Where applicable, they will also include local safety customs, including seat belt laws, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and warning triangles.

If you want more detailed motor vehicle laws, call or write to the destination country’s nearest consulate before you leave the United States. The U.S. State Department Web site also includes a helpful section on safe driving overseas.