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What
is an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)?
A United Nations treaty gives residents
of one country the right to drive in other countries
using the driver’s license issued by the government
where they live. To make the process easier, you can
get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) that
translates your driver’s license into 10 different
languages, making it easier for officials in foreign
countries to understand.
Does the IDP replace my driver’s
license?
No, it’s just a supplement to a
valid license. You need your regular license to drive
in another country.
Where do you get an International
Driver’s Permit?The U.S. Department
of State has authorized only two organizations to
issue the IDP. You can get one through the American
Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile
Touring Alliance (AATA).
An IDP
costs $10.
What
are the requirements to get an IDP?
If you’re a U.S. resident, you
must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s
license.
Can I use an IDP as a form of identification?
Nope.
Can I use an IDP to drive
in the United States?
Nope.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s not a valid
driver’s license to use in the U.S. In fact,
if you’re a U.S. citizen and caught using an
IDP instead of a driver’s license, you can get
in big trouble.
What happens if someone claims
I can use an IDP instead of a valid driver’s
license?
It’s a scam. Here’s what the
Federal Trade Commission has to say:
Ads
and offers for fake IDLs and IDPs are showing up on
websites and as spam email. They also are sold "on
the street"… The price for one of these
fake documents can range from $65 to $350.
The
marketers falsely claim that their documents:
* authorize
consumers to drive legally in the U.S., even if they
don't have state-issued licenses or if their state-issued
licenses have been suspended or revoked;
* can be used to avoid points or fines affecting state-issued
drivers' licenses; and
* can be used as photo ID in the U.S.
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