International driving license: everything you need to know

Cautionful traveler is worth two; For this reason, and even if it does not enter into your initial travel plans, in many cases it is not enough to take out the international driving license.

Obviously, if you travel with a closed pack in which they take you and bring you, or if you don't directly have a driver's license, you don't even have to stop to think about it.

However, if you travel for free, with a plan open to spontaneity or if you are sure that you want to rent a vehicle wherever you go, then it is convenient that you consider obtaining your international driving license. If you need it here you can buy driver's license online.

Everything you need to know about the international driving license

What is the international driving license? What is it for?

It is a driving license that allows you to drive temporarily in countries that do not belong to the European Union and have not adopted the model of permit provided for in the Geneva or Vienna Conventions.

In the form of a small booklet or triptych, this document collects in several languages ​​(Spanish, German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic and Russian) the personal data of the holder and the driving licenses he possesses.

Does it expire or is it for a lifetime?

It is not for life. In fact, it has a relatively short period of validity, just one year since its issue. Therefore, the closer we get to the date of the trip, the more we can get.

What requirements need to be met?

The only requirement to apply for your international driving license is to have a valid driving license.

Where can I get this international permit?

You can request it at any Provincial Traffic Headquarters. To process the application for your international driver's license it will be necessary to make an appointment and submit certain documents. In this other article, I tell you step by step everything that needs to be done.

What documents do I have to submit to request it?

At the time of the process you will have to present an identification document (ID or passport), driver's license and photocopy, the official form and a photo of the card. As I mentioned in the previous point, you have all those details in this other post.

Does it cost money to get an international driver's license?

Yes. Its expedition carries a fee of $10.10.

Is it mandatory for any traveler or travel destination where you want to drive?

No. It really is not an indispensable document to travel even if we want to rent a car or motorcycle. It will depend fundamentally on your travel destination. If you intend to drive in non-EU countries, you should apply for it.

In some countries and depending on the vehicle, such as when renting a motorcycle in Thailand, they do not usually ask for it. However, in other countries, such as Australia, it is mandatory to have this permit and, therefore, you will always be asked to rent any vehicle.

Does it compensate me to get this permit or is it a waste of money?

If you have thought or there is the possibility that you want to rent a vehicle during your trip, it does compensate you. Otherwise you may find that they do not allow you to formalize that rental or face a fine if you drive without the necessary permission.