Should i get an idp

There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation e. The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles. The IDP does not hold any powers of its own apart from your drivers license, and therefore, you do not have a separate driving record with an IDP. The IDP is valid only when carried in conjunction with and acts as a translation of a drivers license.

If you are traveling in a foreign country and were to be stopped by a law enforcement officer, your U. If a citation is issued to you, it will be reflected on the driving record that is with your drivers license. The United Nations provided official notification to the U. State Department indicating that the treaty which applies to Hong Kong at present will continue to apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the name given to the territory by China.

For example, in many countries if you take up residence or employment you need to obtain a local license. Therefore, if someone from the United Kingdom has a U. I have a U. Where should I obtain an IDP? Scanned photographs are not acceptable.

Please read U. Passport Photo Requirements for guidelines. Polaroid type photographs are acceptable. Photographs can be either color or black and white. Photocopies are not acceptable. To drive legally in China, you must have a driver's license issued by China. You can apply in person at your local AAA branch. You can find your local AAA office here. If you are a permanent resident of the United States and have a driver's license issued in the United States, you can obtain your international driver's license officially referred to as "international driving permit" or IDP from either the AAA or the AATA.

However, some branches may not accept cash or certain credit cards, so you want to be sure you have a valid form of payment before you go. Some AAA branches may also be able to take passport photos of you for an additional fee. Your IDP allows you to drive legally in countries. It will not be recognized without your valid US driver's license. An IDP is not proof of driving knowledge or skill, which is why you must also have your driver's license with you.

Your IDP does not entitle you to any additional benefits, discounts, privileges, or rights. Anyone offering an "international driver's license" that can provide more than an IDP does is running a scam see section 6. If you are coming to the United States from another country and you wish to drive, you must have a valid foreign driver's license and you must obtain an IDP from the same country in which your license was issued.

The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles. Although the IDP is valid for one year, you must adhere to all local laws. For example, in many countries, if you take up residence or employment there you need to obtain a local license.

If you ask for a convention IDP, it is valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue. However, validity of IDPs cannot exceed the validity of your domestic drive license.

Plus, some countries recognize IDPs from foreign visitors only for a few weeks — usually, only for as long as their tourist visas are valid. Therefore, if someone from the United Kingdom has a U. Scanned photographs are not acceptable.