Plan on renting a car outside the United States? Depending on your destination, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an Inter-America Driving Permit (IADP) to accompany your US-issued driver’s license. Don’t worry about this being a hassle; the application process for this extra document is straightforward and does not require any additional driving tests—but you will need to apply before your trip.
Here’s how to know if you need an international permit and how to get one:
Do You Need an IDP or an IADP?
Both an IDP or IADP essential serves the same purpose. Neither document is not a replacement for your driver’s license. Rather, it translates your state-issued ID into other languages so that officials in foreign countries can understand the information. When driving in a destination that requires this documentation, you need to carry both your driver’s license and the IDP or IADP at all times when behind the wheel.
Both types of permits are available through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
Whether you need an IDP or IADP depends on the countries you’ll be visiting on your trip. The most common permit is the IDP, which is recognized by more than 150 countries. Two notable exceptions in South America are Uruguay and Brazil. Check the application on the AAA website to find which permit you need.
How to Obtain an IDP from AAA
There are two basic qualifications applicants need to start the application process for an IDP or IADP from AAA.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a U.S.-issued driver’s license
Applying for the IDP or IADP is very simple, and only requires a few basic steps. There are two methods for turning in the paperwork: You can go to an AAA branch or you can mail in an application to the nearest office.
Here are the steps AAA outlines in the application process:
- Print, fill out and sign the IDP and IADP application form (it’s the same for both types of permits).
- Get two U.S.-sized passport photos (2″ X 2″). You can also try an app designed to take passport photos, but read the requirements carefully to avoid retakes. You might also be able to get passport-sized photos at an AAA branch—call ahead to confirm.
- Make a photocopy of both sides of your U.S. driver’s license.
- Include a check or money order totaling $20 for each mailed permit application (if visiting an AAA branch you can pay there). Don’t send cash through the mail.
- Mail the application to the nearest AAA branch (paying extra for expedited shipping is an option if you need it quickly).
It will take 5-10 minutes to fill out the application, and you can expect to receive your permit in approximately two weeks if you mail in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am not from the US, can I rent my car in the US?
You can’t rent an American vehicle if your are not a citizen of the United States. You may be eligible for a visa waiver program for certain nations. You must also have valid documentation, such as a passport or proof of insurance. The DHS website provides additional information on this topic.
Who is the best American car rental agency?
Hertz has unrivaled customer service. They are always there to help you find a vehicle that suits your needs. They offer great discounts on cars and have a wide range of cars in all major cities. You can rent for as little as $10 per day.
Hertz also offers airport drop-off and pick-up services for free, as well as 24-hour roadside help and an entire line of accessories to keep you safe while driving around town.
Visit the Hertz website today if your goal is to have a memorable experience renting a car.
What is required to rent an automobile in Europe?
To find an affordable rental car in Europe, you must check several websites such as Alamo, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, or Avis. You should also consider booking online via the Internet.
You must ensure that you have all of the necessary information before renting a vehicle, and this includes but is not limited to:
- Your full name, including any middle names (if applicable)
- Your current address
- Date, time and place of pickup
- The vehicle to be rented must match the make and model.
- Policy number and insurance company
- Additional equipment or special requests?
- Rental agreement details (e.g., duration, rate, deposit, balance due at end of trip, excess charges, limits of liability, cancellation penalties, etc.)
- Payment method(s) (credit card, debit card, cash, or personal cheque)
Once you have all of the information above, you can book your vehicle at one of these companies.
Is it possible for me to rent a car and have it returned to Switzerland?
Answering this question will depend on many factors including the vehicle type you are renting, how much time you plan to drive, and whether or not you have any special requirements such as child seats.
You don’t have to rent a car if you drive from Munich to Zurich. You might consider renting a car if you plan to drive from Munich to Barcelona during your holiday.
What documents do you need to drive in Europe and why?
You will need all documentation for each country you visit.
You will also need copies your passport, driving permit, and insurance policy. The insurance policy will need to cover you while driving in Europe.
In certain countries, proof of ownership may be required. This could include registration papers or a bill de sale.
Drivers in some countries must have a valid driver’s license from their country of origin.
What do I need to rent a car in Portugal?
Renting a car in Portugal requires an international driving license. For payment purposes, you will need proof of insurance and credit cards.
When making a booking, rental companies will often ask you for a passport/national ID card.
Portugal may ask you to provide two forms of identification when renting a vehicle.
These are required by law to comply with the European Union regulations on road traffic safety. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.
A translation of your driver’s license from your home country is required if the International Driving License you do not have is required.
This document must be translated into Portuguese, and all documentation required to support it must also be included. The cost of this document varies depending on where you live but generally costs around $20-30 USD.
Please note that you may be denied access to the vehicle if you do not provide a copy of your official translation.
Which location is the most accessible to rent an automobile?
Hotels, rental agencies and airports are the most popular places where you can rent a car.
The most common way to find an airport location near you is by using online travel sites such as Expedia or Priceline.
You may also want to consider local rental companies if they have locations close to where you live. These are often more affordable and simpler than booking directly with an airline.
Consider using public transportation if renting a car in a shorter period of time than two weeks. You could take advantage of city-wide bus passes, which allow unlimited rides within a certain area.
If you are traveling with children, you may be able to rent a convertible. People prefer convertibles because they offer more protection for their children.
Statistics
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.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)
External Links
autoslash.com
avis.com
jdpower.com
enterprise.com
How To
10 Tips on How to Rent a Car Cheapest
Renting an automobile is one of your most economical ways to get around town. You can find many companies offering services online and offline. 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 offer discounted rates for people who travel together. You can read reviews online before making a decision about which car rental company you want to use. Book your car rental at least one month in advance to save money. Book at least one month in advance to avoid paying extra fees for last-minute bookings. It’s always worthwhile to compare prices from different companies.
Also, don’t forget to check if the company requires an insurance policy.
If you decide to drive yourself, ensure you have enough gas because most companies charge higher rates per gallon. When driving outside of major cities, you might get stuck in traffic jams. If this happens, public transportation might be an option. However, it would be easier to take a taxi or a shuttle van if you have a lot of luggage. Make sure you hire a reputable taxi company before you take the cab. Ask for references and read customer reviews.
Remember that car rental agreements usually stipulate a mileage limit. Be sure to read your contract carefully, and inquire if you can exceed the allowed mileage. It is important to understand how much you will be charged for each mile.
Many companies will allow you to use their GPS navigation system free of charge, but you might need to pay more for satellite radio.
You should also remember that you may not be allowed to return the vehicle until after a certain time. Take care not to leave anything in the car.
When you arrive at the location where you plan to pick up the rental car, bring your driver’s license, credit card, passport, and proof of insurance. Complete the paperwork accurately. A confirmation email will follow with details regarding the pickup date and times. You can then drive the car as safe as possible and follow the instruction.
Once you reach your destination, make sure to park your rental car in a safe place. Many companies require you to drop off the keys at the office. In case you forget something, keep the receipt with you. After you have completed your transaction, return to the office with the receipt and any supporting documents. Finally, you can enjoy your vacation.
