When it is time for the holidays, or you simply wish to leave and visit another country, the first thing to do is pack your bags and gather all essential travel documents. But when the frenzy of packing those documents hits, a lot of people seem to forget about an international driving permit.

The international driving license (IDL)is a travel document regulated by the United Nations, which allows you to drive in a foreign country. It is a document that contains an official translation of your national driving license. This document is issued through a worldwide network of AIT/FIA organizations, duly authorized by their governments to issue these IPDs.

Although it is not a mandatory document for traveling, visitors of most countries are required to have it if they wish to drive outside of their country.

Carrying an international driving license is important when traveling to a country with an official language that is not included in the IDP or even if you are just a passenger. When you have an IDP, it means you can safely drive in a foreign country without having to take further tests or new applications.

Having an international driving license is also beneficial because it is a legal document that is required if you want to drive in a foreign country. Carrying it along is important for your safety. When you do not carry it, it means you are driving without a valid license, and although not every traveler gets stopped by the cops, there is always a chance of being pulled over.

You risk penalties in the form of a fine or a citation. The police may seize your vehicle, arrest the driver, and give a citation for a mandatory appearance in court.

As important as an international driving permit is, you should also remember that an international driving permit is not a replacement for your national driving license- you should have them both on you whenever you drive in a foreign country.

It is required that a person should be up to the age of 18 years before they can be allowed to acquire an IDP. When traveling, you should apply for an IDP in your country, or in the country that issued you your national driving license.

Where to get an IDP

Now that you know what an IDP is, you may begin to wonder where you could get one. If you are thinking of getting an IDP, you should only consult a trusted vendor, especially if you want to apply for an international driver’s license online.

Many unofficial sites claim to sell legitimate international driving permits, but that is not always the case, and a fake could land you in serious trouble with the authorities. It would be wise to confirm the authenticity of the document before using it to enter a foreign country.

The documents required for the issuance of an IPD vary depending on the country of domestic license issuance, but there are some documents common to virtually every country.

When applying online, you need to complete an application form, and the required documents for an international driving license include two passport-sized photographs with your signature behind them, a photocopy of both the front and the backside of your domestic license, and an administration fee. It is best practice to always use the address and other information on your domestic driving license.

How long does it take, and how long does it last?

How long it takes for the process to be completed could vary depending on the administration and processes established by the authorities, and this could range from minutes to weeks, especially if it will be delivered by mail.

The validity of IDPs differs. The 1949 convention permits an international driving license duration of one year, while the 1968 convention gives you a maximum of three years. However, the validity of an international driving license should not exceed the validity of a domestic driver’s license.

You should note that some countries only recognize the IDP for a few weeks- usually, until the tourist’s VISA expires.

Once your international driving license expires, you should think of renewing it. To renew an international driver’s license, you must purchase it in the same country where the domestic driver’s license was issued.

When you want to purchase an IDP, or if yours is expired and you wish to renew it, you can do that online and it will be done in a few minutes. Once registration is done, you will be issued an IDP booklet (printed and digital), and a complimentary ID card.

The booklet, about 16 pages, contains the driving license with the information you provided. (Be careful to use information that corresponds with your national driver’s license). Also included in the booklet is the validity period of the license (1 or 3 years), the types of vehicles you can drive with the IDP, your picture and signature, and other personal information. 

An international driver’s license helps you drive your own vehicle overseas without any hassles. The document is often required by car rental companies, and it is often required by traffic authorities, especially if you show your foreign driver’s license. 

The international driver’s license translates your driving license into a language that is understood by your destination country. This makes it simple and easy to use and understand for both English and non-English speakers.

You should always remember that although the IDP is an official document, it should not serve as a replacement for your domestic driver’s license.