Do you travel internationally? If you plan to rent a car overseas, your trusty state driver’s license may not get you very far.
Before you leave home, get an International Driving Permit (IDP), a valid form of identification in 150 countries that translates your information into multiple languages. An IDP always speaks the language, even if you don’t.
The IDP is not a driver’s license. This small paper booklet simply serves as a translation of your valid U.S.-issued driver’s license. It contains your name, photo and typical driver information. Information appears in 10 languages—which is key if you are ever have to present your ID in a foreign country.
The International Driving Permit has been around since the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel, which set up a framework to issue driving licenses in many languages. When driving outside your own country, you carry this permit along with your regular driver’s license as a legal pairing of identity-proving documentation.
Countries That Require an International Driving Permit
In general, if you are traveling outside of North America, it’s usually a good idea to get an IDP. In some countries in South America, you’ll need an IADP. Before your trip, check the list of countries on the application form to see which permit you need.
Renting a Car in Europe: Get an IDP
A few English-speaking European countries—England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland—recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. But most other popular European destinations such as Italy, France, Germany, and Spain require that you also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular driver’s license.
In addition, rental car companies outline license requirements in their booking conditions and rules. You provide this information before completing the reservation, but many renters don’t read them. If you’re renting overseas, it always pays to read the fine print.
Note that if you rent a car in the U.K. but drive through the Eurotunnel to mainland Europe, you will need an IDP. You, the renter, are responsible for staying within the laws of any countries you visit. You don’t want to be at a traffic stop in a foreign country where your U.S.-issued driver’s license is not valid on its own.
Renting a Car in South America: Get an IADP or IDP
Heading to South America? You may be better off with the IADP (Inter-American Driving Permit). While the IDP is accepted in more than 150 countries around the world, some countries in South America—most notably Brazil and Uruguay—never signed onto the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel. Those countries only accept the less common IADP.
Renting a Car in Asia: Get an IDP
Renting a car in Asia? An IDP is required in popular destinations such as Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia and Laos.
Note that China never signed onto the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Travel. Americans cannot rent a car in China without first getting a Chinese driver’s license.
How to Get an International Driver’s License
In the United States, there are only two automobile associations authorized to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP) or Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP):
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
Don’t be fooled by scammers. Only the AAA and the AATA can issue IDPs and IADPs, and only in the country of residence. In other words, you need to obtain the permit before your trip.
FAQs for Getting an International Driver’s License
How much does it cost to acquire an IDP or IADP? You’ll need to get passport-size photos plus pay a fee of $20 for either type of permit.
Do you need to take a test to get an IDP or IADP? An IDP or IADP is not a driver’s license, merely a translation of your license. No written or driving skill test is required.
How long is an IDP or IADP valid? Both types of permit are valid for one year.
What is the minimum age for an IDP? You must also be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid drivers license issued by a state or territory of the United States.
What are other requirements for getting an IDP? Your U.S.-issued license must be valid for at least six months from the issue date of your IDP. So if your license is going to expire within six months, you’ll need to renew it before applying for an international driving permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the biggest car-rental company?
Hertz Corporation is America’s largest car rental agency. It was founded by Harry Hertz in 1919 as the Hertz Corporation.
Hertz Corporation owns over 6,000 locations in North America. Hertz Corporation also owns other businesses like hotels, financial service providers, and automotive parts manufacturing.
Today, there are almost 4,000,000 employees around the globe.
Can I rent car in the US from another country?
You cannot rent a car in the United States if you aren’t an American citizen. You may be eligible for a visa waiver program for certain nations. Additional requirements include valid documentation such a passport, proof of insurance, and other requirements. This topic is further covered on the DHS site.
What is the best way to rent a car for Portugal?
Portugal has an international driving permit that is required for renting a car. To pay for the car, you must also show proof of insurance.
A rental company may ask for your passport/national ID card to confirm your booking.
Portugal requires that you show two forms or identification to rent a car.
These documents are required to ensure compliance with European Union road safety regulations. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.
If you do NOT have an International Driving License, you will need to obtain a translated copy from the Driver Licensing Authority of your home country.
This document should be translated into Portuguese and accompanied by all necessary documentation. The cost of this document can vary depending on your location, but it usually costs between $20-30 USD.
If you don’t provide a copy or official translation, you could be denied access.
Which car rental company has more locations?
Hertz was the obvious answer but they are not listed in the service provider directory as a location-based provider.
Do I need separate car insurance to drive in Europe?
While driving abroad, you may consider taking out additional cover for other drivers on your policy if your current insurer does not cover them.
This is because there may well be different rules regarding who is liable when an accident occurs between two cars from different countries.
If you do decide to purchase this additional coverage, make sure that you carefully read the small print.
Also, check whether your existing policy covers overseas trips. This is what’s commonly known as an “extended Warranty” and you may find it more cost-effective to purchase it individually.
Statistics
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
External Links
jdpower.com
alamo.com
avis.com
How To
10 Tips on How to Rent a Car Cheapest
Renting a car is one of the cheapest ways to travel around your town. Online and offline, there are many different services available. You should be aware of the type of service offered by each company before you rent a car. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. Some companies even offer special rates if two people are traveling together. Check out reviews of the companies before you make a decision on which one to rent from. You can save money by booking your rental car at least a month in advance. You won’t have to pay any extra for booking last-minute. It is always a good idea to compare prices between different companies.
Check to make sure the company has an insurance policy.
If you are going to drive yourself, make sure you have enough gas. Many companies charge higher per gallon rates. You might find yourself stuck in traffic jams if you drive outside major cities. You might consider public transport in this situation. However, it would be easier to take a taxi or a shuttle van if you have a lot of luggage. You need to make sure that you only hire a reputable company if your plan is to use a taxi. Ask for references and review customer experiences.
When renting a car, you will usually be limited in mileage. Check your contract carefully and ask whether you can exceed the miles allowed. You should understand the cost of each mile.
Most companies permit you to use the GPS navigation system at no cost, but you may need to pay additional for satellite radio.
Remember that your vehicle may not be available for return until certain hours. It is important to not leave anything valuable in the vehicle.
Your driver’s permit, credit card and passport are necessary to obtain the rental car. Fill out all paperwork correctly. You will be emailed a confirmation email shortly after. It contains details about the pickup day and time. Follow the instructions and drive the car safely after you have picked it up.
Make sure you park your rental car safely once you reach your destination. Many companies require you to drop off the keys at the office. The receipt is handy in case you misplace something while driving. When you’re done, go back to the office and give the receipt and all your documents. Now you are free to enjoy your vacation!
