Do I Really Need an International Driver License? (And How To Get It)

Do I Really Need an International Driver License? (And How to Get It)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is…an absolute enigma. That’s the kindest way I can put it. The rules and regulations governing this thing are murkier than a Floridian swamp at low tide.

Do a quick internet search, and you’ll find a thousand different answers about who requires it, who “honors” it, and who will absolutely, under no circumstances, never allow you to drive in their country without it – until they randomly do.

I’m sitting here looking at my IDP right now. According to Wikipedia, the International Driving Permit is “a document that translates your identifying information into different languages.”

What? No, it doesn’t. First of all, it’s more than just a document. It’s a booklet. But unless there’s a tiny wizard lying in wait inside, no translating is being performed. Secondly, my “identifying information” was penciled in by the clerk at the authorized IDP office. IN ENGLISH. Sigh…

Cutting to the Chase

The best advice I can offer for cutting through all the ambiguity? If online buzz from travelers suggests that you need an IDP for a certain destination, just get it. Depending on where you live, the process is mostly very simple and cheap. AS LONG AS YOU GET IT IN ADVANCE.

WS&T Travel Tip: Don’t wait until you’re already abroad—it will be annoying. If you’re not able to walk into an authorized office in person, the quoted wait time can be 5–7 weeks. Which makes this next bit of information hilarious. Wait for it…

If you live somewhere with a AAA (Triple A) Office, you can get your IDP in the time it takes the clerk to snap your picture and hit PRINT.

How Much Does an International Driving Permit Cost?

In the US, the IDP costs $20 – hmm, maybe I should become an “approved” vendor…

What Authorized Agents Provide IDPs? (United States)

As alluded to above, AAA is probably the most well-known and legitimate authorized vendor. If you perform an internet search, it seems like everyone and their second cousin can send you one, which only makes you further question the legitimacy of an “official” IDP.

Is There an Exam?

This is your first giveaway that the IDP is a bit silly: there is no exam. You simply fill out the form, present your current driver license, and pay the fee. Yes, your current driver license... letting that sink in.

They take your picture and paste it into a booklet filled with unimportant information. No,

I’m sorry. That’s not fair to say.

It’s not just unimportant – the information contained within is USELESS. Completely useless.

How Long Is It Good For?

In the US, the IDP is good for only one year. Because printer ink costs money, folks. (Contrast that with an Arizona Driver License, which doesn’t expire for 50 years.)

Inconsistencies? Yes, Please! How about some examples?

Vietnam
Vietnam does not allow tourists to use either an IDP or their own driver license. The process for getting a driver license as a tourist in Vietnam is nonexistent. According to the IDP, you’ll “exchange the IDP for a Vietnamese driver license.” Not only does that not make sense, it’s also wildly inaccurate.
Brazil and Uruguay
They claim to require an IDP, though the truth of whether travelers are actually asked to produce one seems completely arbitrary.
The Balkans
Several Balkan countries claim to require it. Some travelers have been asked about it when driving across borders; some have not. We didn’t have any trouble, but then again, we weren’t stopped.

What Form Is Needed to Process an IDP?

Okay, “process” is a strong word. But here’s a link to the form if you live in the US, so your life is easier:

AAA IDP Form

Bottom Line

So, do I need an international driver license? If you've indulged my rant this far, get the IDP if it seems like you need the IDP. Not because you actually need the IDP, but because you might be required to have an IDP to magically translate your driver license into... an IDP.

If travelers report driving in a country where your license is not recognized (or “recognized but not honored”), definitely snag the IDP. But also, if you even think you might need it – just get it. You certainly wouldn’t want to wait sixteen years for yours to process. Who can even say whether your zeal for adventure could withstand such a wait?

And lastly, don’t forget Force Majeure. Oh, wow. Never forget Force Majeure. You never know when you’ll need that fancy French phrase (and your IDP).

Safe travels!

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