Getting an International Driving Permit - Updated

Originally I was just going to link my last post about getting new International Driving Permits (IDPs); However, I realized that some of the info in the old post is no longer valid, so I decided to create a new post about how to obtain an IDP; I applied though the American Automobile Association (AAA).

(Asheville Branch)

While you can apply for a IDP from AAA via-mail by printing, and mailing in a form (mail-in AAA application found here), I have never taken this route. Both times I just went into a local AAA branch as I needed 2 matching passport sized photos for the application. For me, even if I was a good distance from an AAA branch, I would have made a special trip to go and apply in person; there is no waiting period to receive your IDP, the staff can answer questions if you have any, and you can pay with a credit card.

(friendly staff)

As of this writing, the fee for the IDP itself is $20. AAA will take the passport photos for free if you are a AAA Plus member or higher. However, there is a fee, varying by location, if you have a lower membership tier, or don't have a AAA membership at all. I recommend that you call ahead to the AAA branch that you plan to visit to make sure that you have all current information.

The IDP will good for one year from date of issuance. However, you can ask them to date it to a future date as I did, but is cannot be more than 6 months in advance.

Though I got my permit through AAA, you can also get one through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two entities listed on travel.state.gov as authorized issuers of IDPs to holders of US driver's licenses. If you see another entity offering IDPs, it is probably a scam. For more up to date information on IDPs, please visit: travel.state.gov.

Note: While I do try to make sure all the information I provide is accurate, I will make no guarantees. Please do your own research. Also, I am NOT affiliate with AAA, NAC or USDOS. The links provided here will take you to other websites, click responsibly.

It's Official!

WE ARE GOING TO SWEDEN!

(Right to left: Kellyn, Monica, Me) :D

This is actually an announcement that I have wanted to go "public" with for a while, but the time never seemed to be right. However, yesterday we, Kellyn and Monica (my friends who will be joining me on this adventure to Sweden), and I, made an appoint to go get our International Driving Permits (IDPs) from AAA together. It was a fun experience to share with them, and we are more than excited for this trip!

Got My International Driving Permit!

(UPDATE ON 05-14-2019: Some of the information in this post is no longer accurate, so a new post on the topic of applying for and obtaining International Drivings permits has been made.

Please, click here!)

After getting the immunizations mandated for my YWAM DTS yesterday, we went up to AAA's (American Automobile Association) Bay Hill office up in Orlando to get my International Driving Permit (IDP). Originally I was going to mail-in the AAA application (found here) but, I needed 2 matching passport sized photos. So after a couple phone calls, we decided that it was best to just go and apply in person; no waiting period and I could pay with a credit card.

AAA charges $10 for passport photos on-top of the standard $15 fee for the IDP itself. Now if you are a premier AAA member you get this fee waived.

The IDP will good for one year from date of issuance. However, you can ask them to date it to a future date as I did but, not more than 6 months in advance.

To be honest, I am not sure that I will be using my IDP at all but, for such a small fee I wanted to be safe than sorry. I doubt that I would want to drive in NZ as they drive on the left; not sure how I would adapt to that. But, maybe if I visit Europe next year! :P (Check-out my GiveSendGo page: https://www.givesendgo.com/ywamnz)

Though I got my permit through AAA you can also get one through the National Auto Club (NAC). They are the only two private entities in the United States authorized to issue them to holders of US driver's license. So, if you see another entity offering them it is probably a scam. For more up to date information on IDPs, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/safety/driving.html

Note: While I do try to make sure all the information I provide is accurate, I will make no guarantees. Please do your own research. Also, I am NOT affiliate with AAA, NAC or USDOS. The links provided here will take you to other websites, click responsibly.

Update on YWAM Preparations - #2

Note: If you are interested in contributing to help me meet my YWAM Tuition costs, please click here... (https://www.givesendgo.com/ywamnz)

This morning I got my Tetanus and Typhoid immunizations taken care of. Though, I only really needed to get my Typhoid immunization, the nurse at the county health department suggested that I go ahead and updated my Tetanus Booster (Tdap) as well. Technically I was good with my Tdap until 2018 (once every 10 years) however, she said for active traveling an update every 5 years was recommended.

As for my Typhoid, I got the pill option, it will take about a week for full immunization. I take one pill every other day (4 pills). This treatment is actually a “Live Virus” but, I will not be contagious or anything. She said some stomach upset and tiredness will be the most of my worries. However, with the pill I am good for 5 years vs. just 3 years with the shot and the pill option was cheaper... poor marketing if you ask me. :P

All in all, I went in today not planning to get any shots but, I ended up getting two. The other was for a non-travel related immunization regiment that I fail to complete when I was a child. So, I am all set healthwise for my trip... SO EXCITED!!! :D

Next task is to get my International Driving Permit from AAA. Doing that today, leaving in a few minutes...