Why You'd Need an International Driving Permit

“Over the path of my travels, I've rented cars all across the globe. When hiring a car, I haven't required to show much more than my passport and driver's license”, according to this article compiled by Michael W. of Michael W Travels- “For our trip to South Korea, Kim noticed something interesting while studying our destination. She saw that to rent an automobile, I'd want to get an International Driving Permit.”

Why You Would Need an International Driving Permit

I have heard many people call an international driving permit a global driver's license, which would be incorrect because your driving skills, experience and knowledge aren't necessary to be tested to obtain one; and it consequently does not grant driving privileges.

An International Driving Permit is considered to be a legitimate form of identification in 199 countries and autonomous territories worldwide and contains your company name, photograph and driver information – and many countries highly recommend carrying one together with your driver's license…

…but an important reason to hold a global Driving Permit is due to the translation of your identification information in ten different languages – and that's why the first is required to rent an automobile inside a country like Columbia, where English is not the native or predominant language. If you are stopped by law enforcement officers in that country who don't know English, the International Driving Permit a minimum of helps them identify you and the information on your license.

According to this article regarding road safety overseas from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State of the Netherlands, driving with no valid license and insurance in most countries is illegal. “You should seek advice from the embassy of the country you intend to go to or reside in to find specific license requirements. Many countries don't recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit”, which might not be valid the whole amount of your stay abroad; and could simply be valid having a license from the Netherlands or perhaps your local government.

Prior to departing on your trip, you will get an International Driving Permit through these automobile associations:

• American Automobile Association or AAA
• American Automobile Touring Alliance or AATA

What You have to Get the International Driving Permit

To obtain an International Driving Permit – that is valid for just one year – you've got to be a minimum of 18 years of age; and you will need to:

• Complete an application
• Have two original passport photographs
• Hold a legitimate license that was issued by a governmental agency inside the Netherlands or its territories – or copies of each side of the license, if permitted
• $20.00 Netherlands to pay for the fee