International Driving Permit: Everything You Need to Know
International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows drivers to legally drive a vehicle in a foreign country. It acts as an extension of the driver’s license issued by the driver’s home country and is recognized in over 175 countries worldwide. An IDP is essential when driving abroad, especially if the driver is planning to rent a car.
To obtain an IDP, drivers need to meet certain requirements. In the Philippines, for example, applicants need to provide their original and photocopy of a valid Philippine driver’s license, two pieces of 2″x2″ colored ID picture with a white background, and pay a processing fee. There are two ways to apply for an IDP in the Philippines: by visiting an Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) office or submitting an application via the AAP website. The processing time usually takes a few days, and the validity of the IDP is up to three years.
Driving in a foreign country can be exciting, but it’s important to ensure that all legal requirements are met to avoid any legal issues. Obtaining an IDP is a necessary step for drivers who plan to drive abroad, and it’s important to follow the application process carefully to ensure that the IDP is obtained legally and efficiently.
Understanding International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal document that allows individuals to drive a vehicle in foreign countries. It is recognized in over 150 countries worldwide, including the United States and Canada. IDP is not a standalone document but an extension of the local driver’s license issued in the individual’s home country.
The IDP is issued based on the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic of 1949. The convention established the standards and requirements for IDPs, which are recognized globally. The Geneva Convention and Vienna Convention formats are the two formats used to issue IDPs, depending on the country that issued the driver’s license.
The IDP contains the driver’s personal information, photograph, and driving categories that the individual is authorized to drive. The categories are based on the driver’s home country driver’s license. It is important to note that the IDP does not replace the driver’s license but is used in conjunction with the driver’s license.
To obtain an IDP, an individual must apply in person at the authorized issuing agency in their home country. The requirements may vary, but in general, the individual must provide a valid driver’s license, passport-sized photographs, and pay the application fee. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.
It is important to note that not all countries require an IDP, but it is recommended to obtain one if the individual plans to drive in a foreign country. It is also important to research and understand the driving laws and regulations in the country of travel. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even imprisonment.
International Drivers License Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for an International Driving Permit (IDP), applicants must meet certain requirements. The following entities are typically required:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Driver’s License: Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license issued by their country of residence. The license must be valid and not expired.
- Original Passport: Applicants must have an original passport as proof of identity.
- Government-Issued ID: Applicants may also be required to present a government-issued ID as proof of identity.
It is important to note that the IDP is not a standalone document. It is a translation of the applicant’s national driver’s license and must be carried along with the original license at all times.
In the Philippines, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) is the only organization authorized to issue a Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP). New applicants must have an original and valid Philippine driver’s license to apply for an IDP.
Applicants must also provide two pieces of 2×2 ID pictures on a white background and pay a processing fee of PHP 4,144. Once the application is processed, the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Foreigners visiting the Philippines can drive for up to 90 days with their foreign driver’s license and passport. However, it is recommended to obtain an IDP to avoid any legal issues while driving in the country.
In summary, to be eligible for an IDP, applicants must meet certain requirements such as age, possession of a valid driver’s license, original passport, and government-issued ID. It is important to carry the IDP along with the original driver’s license at all times while driving in a foreign country.
Application Process
Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the Philippines can be done through three methods: online, in-person, or mail application. The process for each method is outlined below.
Online Application
- Visit the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) website.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload a scanned copy of the following documents:
- Valid Philippine driver’s license
- Two 2″x2″ colored ID pictures with white background
- Pay the processing fee of Php 4,144 using a credit card.
Once the AAP receives the application and payment, they will process and mail the IDP to the applicant’s address within five working days.
In-Person Application
- Visit any AAP office or AAP-accredited travel agency.
- Fill out the application form.
- Submit the following requirements:
- Original and photocopy of valid Philippine driver’s license
- Two 2″x2″ colored ID pictures with white background
- Processing fee of Php 4,144
- Wait for the AAP to process the application and issue the IDP on the same day.
Representatives are allowed to apply on behalf of the applicant as long as they present an authorization letter and the complete requirements.
Mail Application
- Download the PIDP application form from the AAP website.
- Fill out the application form and sign it.
- Prepare the following requirements:
- Original and photocopy of valid Philippine driver’s license
- Two 2″x2″ colored ID pictures with a white background
- Processing fee of Php 4,144 in cash or money order payable to the Automobile Association Philippines, Inc.
- Mail the application form and requirements to the AAP office.
- Wait for the AAP to process the application and mail the IDP to the applicant’s address within five working days.
It is important to note that the U.S. Department of State does not recommend sending IDP applications through mail. It is recommended to apply in-person or online to avoid delays and ensure the safe delivery of the IDP.
Validity and Extension
The Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) is valid for one year from the date of issue, provided that the applicant’s Philippine driver’s license remains valid. As a foreigner, you can drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days with your foreign driver’s license and passport. After 90 days, you need to obtain a PIDP to continue driving legally in the country.
It is important to note that the PIDP does not extend the validity of the driver’s license. The validity of the PIDP depends on the validity of the driver’s license. If the driver’s license expires before the PIDP, the PIDP also becomes invalid.
If you need to extend the validity of your PIDP, you must renew your driver’s license first. Once you have renewed your driver’s license, you can apply for a new PIDP. The renewal process for a driver’s license and PIDP can be done in person at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or online through the LTO’s website.
It is also important to note that there are validity restrictions for the PIDP. The PIDP is only valid for use in countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If you plan to drive in a country that is not a signatory to either convention, you may need to obtain a separate international driving permit from that country.
In summary, the PIDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, provided that the applicant’s Philippine driver’s license remains valid. It does not extend the validity of the driver’s license. The PIDP’s validity depends on the validity of the driver’s license. To extend the validity of the PIDP, the driver’s license must be renewed first. The PIDP is only valid for use in countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
List of Countries Accepting the Philippine International Driving Permit
Additional Considerations
When traveling overseas, it is important to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your Philippine driver’s license. The IDP serves as a translation of your driver’s license and enables you to legally drive a vehicle in foreign countries.
Although not required in all foreign countries, having an IDP can prevent potential hassles and provide peace of mind while driving abroad. It is important to note that an IDP is not a replacement for a valid driver’s license and must be carried along with it at all times.
In addition to obtaining an IDP, it is also recommended to purchase travel insurance when traveling abroad. This can provide coverage for potential accidents or incidents that may occur while driving in a foreign country.
It is important to research the driving laws and regulations of the foreign country you will be visiting. Some countries may have different driving laws and road signs that may be unfamiliar to the driver. It is also important to be aware of any potential road hazards or driving conditions that may be different from those in the Philippines.
Common Issues and Solutions
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be a straightforward process, but there are some common issues that applicants may encounter. Here are some of the most common issues and their solutions:
Addition of AIT Logo
Some countries require that the IDP includes the logo of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the logo of the Automobile Association of the country where the IDP was issued. The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) issues IDPs with the logos of the FIA and the AAP, but some countries may require the logo of the American Automobile Association (AAA) instead. In this case, applicants can add the AAA logo to their IDP by visiting an AAA branch and paying a fee.
Member of the Home State
Some countries may require that the applicant is a member of the Automobile Association of their home state. In this case, applicants can become a member of their state’s Automobile Association by visiting their website or office and paying a fee.
Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may need to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) before they can apply for an IDP. The OEC serves as proof of their employment status and is required by some countries before they can issue a visa or work permit.
LTO Certification
Some countries may require that the IDP is certified by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Philippines. In this case, applicants can visit an LTO office and pay a fee to have their IDP certified.
OFW ID
OFWs may also need to present their OFW ID when applying for an IDP. The OFW ID serves as proof of their employment status and may be required by some countries before they can issue a visa or work permit.
PIDP
The Philippine IDP (PIDP) is not recognized by some countries and may not be accepted as a valid form of identification. In this case, applicants should obtain an IDP from the Automobile Association of their home country.
Tax
Some countries may require a tax clearance certificate from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of the Philippines before they can issue an IDP. Applicants can obtain a tax clearance certificate by visiting a BIR office and paying a fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a valuable document for anyone planning to drive in a foreign country. It serves as a translation of your driver’s license and provides proof of your driving credentials in a language that foreign authorities can understand.
While not all countries require an IDP, it is important to research the specific requirements of your destination country before you travel. Some countries require an IDP in addition to your driver’s license, while others only require it for certain types of vehicles or for stays longer than a certain period.
It is also important to note that an IDP is not a replacement for your driver’s license. You must carry both documents with you while driving in a foreign country. Failure to do so could result in fines or even arrest.
To obtain an IDP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license in your home country. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, and you must obtain a new IDP each time you travel abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries accept an International Driving Permit?
Many countries around the world accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid form of identification for driving. Some countries that require an IDP include Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. However, it is important to note that each country has its own specific requirements for driving and obtaining an IDP. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm their requirements.
What is the cost of an International Driving Permit?
The cost of an International Driving Permit varies depending on the country you are applying from. In the United States, the cost is $20 for AAA members and $25 for non-members. However, the cost may be different in other countries. It is recommended to check with the issuing authority in your country for the exact cost.
Where can I obtain an international license in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). The AAP has branches in major cities and different regions across the country.
Can I obtain an International Driving Permit from the Post Office?
No, you cannot obtain an International Driving Permit from the Post Office. The IDP can only be issued by authorized organizations such as the Automobile Association in your country.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in the Philippines?
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year in the Philippines. It is important to note that the IDP is only valid when accompanied by a valid driver’s license from your home country.
What is the process for obtaining an International Driving Permit?
The process for obtaining an International Driving Permit varies depending on the country you are applying from. In general, you will need to provide a valid driver’s license from your home country, two passport-sized photos, and the application fee. It is recommended to check with the issuing authority in your country for the exact process and requirements.
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