If you are planning to drive in a foreign country, you may be considering whether it is worth it to get an international driver’s permit.

With such a low cost-to-benefit ratio, there is really no reason to get one before you go! You may not need it, but things can end very badly if you don’t have one with you if you find yourself in a situation where you do need one. Below, I walk you through what an International Driver’s Permit does and does not do, the kinds of situations when you will certainly need one, and how to obtain one prior to traveling.

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What is an International Driver’s Permit?

Commonly (and mistakenly) referred to an as an international driver’s license, an International Driver’s Permit (or “IDP”) is a passport-sized booklet that works with your local country driver’s license to allow you to legally operate a motor vehicle abroad.

Do I Really Need to IDP?

While IDPs are recommended by over 150 countries, the exact requirements vary on a country-by-country basis. At a bare minimum, the IDP, which translates your driver’s license into ten languages, serves as a communication aid in countries where English is not a native language.

Imagine if you were to get into a traffic incident on the backroads of Croatia, and the police officer did not speak English. Your Iowa driver’s license may as well be a library card at that point. If you had an IDP, however, it could mean a smoother, and quicker, resolution to the situation.In some countries, like South Korea, it may be required to have an IDP to rent a car. In others, like the Czech Republic, you may be fined if you are pulled over and do not have an IDP. While, in others, like Japan, an IDP is absolutely required to drive – you could be arrested and / or deported if caught driving without one. That’s not an awesome way to end a trip.

Also, if you have a motorcycle or other distinction on your state license, the IDP will reflect that distinction.In a nutshell, to make sure there are no issues when you arrive intending to drive abroad, it’s best to double-check the requirements for the countries you will be visiting to ensure that you will have the necessary paperwork.

How Do You Get One?

If you are a responsible motor vehicle operator / citizen and have your driver’s license already, getting an IDP is very simple. If you let your license expire and, say, have been getting by with a passport as your identification and Uber as your transport for the last four months (yes, that was totally me), the process is a little more irksome, albeit manageable.

Step 1: Locate your license. Do you have your license?

If yes, awesome! Move along! If no, time to get that license renewed! (Note: If you are a first time driver, you are going to want to check your state’s requirements for getting a driving permit versus a license.) First, you’ll need the proper identification to get your identification. Each state is a little different, so be sure to check the Secretary of State’s website in the state you live in to determine the requirements. For example, in Illinois, you must have your social security card, but in Indiana you can get away with a Form W-2 that displays your social security number.After you have the requisite information gathered, time to take it to your nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (or BMV). There, they will ask you a series of easy questions, check your paperwork, snap your photo, and take your money. If you have gotten a license in your state before, you may not need to take a written test again, but if you are a first time applicant in a state, you will likely need to pass a written exam before they will give you your license.

Step 2: Apply for an IDP.

You can get an IDP from one of two places:

American Automobile Association (AAA), or
American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

You must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license (see Step 1).

Applying by Mail

You can apply by mail through both places, but note that processing times can take up to six weeks. To apply by mail:

Download and fill out the application for AAA or AATA.
Mail (1) the application, (2) two identical passport photos, (3) a photocopy of both sides (i.e., front and back) of your driver’s license, and (4) the $20 fee by check or money order to the address on the application.
AATA charges a $10 standard shipping and handling fee, which must be included with the application. AAA is free unless requesting an expedited shipping method.

Applying in Person

AAA has offices around the country that take in person applications, where you can walk away with your IDP that same day. To apply in person:

Check the website for the AAA office closest to you!
You can bring your pre-filled application with you, or fill out an application at the AAA office.
You can bring two identical passport photos with you, or have your photos taken at AAA for a small fee (unless you are a AAA member, then it’s free).
Present your application, photos, and valid driver’s license to an agent who will process your application.
Pay $20 (credit cards can be used if applying in person).
Wait 5-10 minutes for the agent to prepare your IDP.
Leave the AAA office with your IDP in hand.

Step 3: Drive away free!

Last step before the fun begins - be sure to note the local country’s rules of the road to ensure a safe driving experience. Now, grab the keys and let’s get going!