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Wondering if you need an international license to drive in a country you’re visiting? Every country has its own rules for visitors who want to drive. In some, like Canada, your U.S. driver’s license is all you need. Other countries require you to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Scammers try to confuse you with fake IDPs and websites that not only take your money and give you nothing but can also cause you trouble abroad.

An IDP is sometimes known as an international driver’s license. It has your name, photo, and the information in your government issued driver’s license translated into ten different languages. You’ll carry it along with your U.S. driver’s license.

If you need an IDP, make sure you’re getting the real thing. Scammers create websites to sell fake IDPs or try to sell them to you in person or online for a hefty fee. But they’re just trying to steal your personal information or money. To make things even worse, the fake IDP is worthless and could cause legal problems and delays for you if you’re detained for using it to drive in a foreign country.

To avoid these scams:

  • Check the Department of State's website for rules on visitors planning to drive in each country.
  • Know that the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only official organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. An IDP that can be used with your U.S. driver’s license can only be issued in the U.S., so apply before you travel.
  • If the country you’re visiting requires an IDP and you have a U.S. driver's license, apply in person at a AAA Travel office or by mail. Don’t believe a website that says you can apply online. It’s a scam.

Learn more about avoiding scams when you travel. And report any scams you see to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Jackie
June 24, 2024

I have lived overseas and did not expect to stay for as many years as happened. It became apparent that I had to drive for work. I went to the country's license bureau and got an international.
Wish I had known this before leaving the country.
Good information and complete. Thank you j

PaulG Salisbury
June 24, 2024

It would have been more helpful if you had included the most visited countries that accept US drivers licences: U.K. France, Mexico& Italy to name a few. That would reduce the number of folks wasting their(&the go ernments) time.

JOHN AGOSTO
June 25, 2024

good advise

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