Officials in foreign countries often cannot read a driver’s license issued in one of the States. In some other jurisdictions outside of California, the AATA (American Automobile Other companies offering the IDP may or may not be valid, and will often charge more than the $15 dollar maximum for the State Department appointed companies ( AAA and NAC). In California, the more common channel is through AAA, though online applications are available through both companies. AAA and theNational Automobile Club ( NAC) are the organizations that the State Department has appointed specifically to handle IDP permits, though many third parties exist. They can also take passport pictures for you for a small fee (an additional $15). All that is needed is a valid CA driver’s license, passport photos, and the required fee of $15. In California, the process for obtaining one is relatively simple. Getting an International Drivers Permit lets an American with a state-issued driver’s license abroad drive in any country that accepts IDP.
In California, the go-to agencies are AAA and the National Automobile Club. It is important to go through the organizations approved by your state. However, there are many fraudulent organizations offering bogus IDPs. Getting an International Driving Permit is a relatively cheap and easy process if you have a US Drivers license.
