I've planned my next vacation in Canada. I was thinking of car rentals and one of my friends suggested that I get an International Driving License to make sure I don't get into trouble. Is it a must to get this IDL? If so, where do I get one? I would appreciate some suggestions.
Actually, it was quite an eye opener to me. I always thought International Driving License was a license that can be used in place of my state driving license. The info was really useful. Thanks paradise for that. :)
Thanks guys. That was really informative. The links were really useful.
Hi, you can get an IDP from either American Automobile Association or American Automobile Touring Alliance. You can check out this link for more details.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html#permits
The application for IDP is available here:
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html?association=AAA&clb_id=212&secure=N
Actually, it's not International Driving License, but International Driving Permit. It's not a license as such, it's a translation of your state driving license. In an International Driving Permit (IDP), your state driving license will be translated into 10 foreign languages.
There are as many as 150 countries that consider this IDP. However, you can't use this IDP in place of your valid driver's license. It goes only as a support document. There are only two authorized distributors of the IDP. You can contact American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
You need to have two passport size photos and your state driver's license to get an IDP. It costs you less then $20.
It's not absolutely necessary in a lot of countries. A lot of my friends have told me that even when they showed their IDL, the policemen asked for their state driving license. This happens in a lot of European countries. The best way for you would be to check if the country you're going to (in this case Canada) allows your state driving license or requires an IDL.