Driving international license us

Both agencies thoroughly outline their application requirements on their forms, but basic application instructions include: Completing the appropriate IDP application.

AAA application. AATA application. Presenting your valid U. If the agency allows you to apply by mail, you must send a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license. Producing or mailing 2 photos of yourself. These photos must be passport-sized and signed on the back. Making the applicable payment. Payments vary depending on the shipping method, destination, and processing time and are listed on the applications.

To drive legally in China, you must have a driver's license issued by China. You don't have to be a member of AAA to obtain an international driver's license from that organization. You can apply in person at your local AAA branch. You can find your local AAA office here. Alternatively, you can mail the application and supporting documentation to the AAA.

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.

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. As an official document, the IDP is recognized in over countries today. Carried in conjunction with a regular drivers license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries. In addition, the IDP provides an additional source of identification. There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP e.

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.

Apply for Nonimmigrant Visas to the U. Foreign Nationals Driving in the U. Learn English and Attend College in the U. Share This Page:. Do you have a question? Talk to a live USA.