Internet Driver's Licenses Take Buyers for a Ride, Says AAA

21 January 1999

Internet Driver's Licenses Take Buyers for a Ride, Says AAA

    ORLANDO, Fla.--Jan. 20, 1999--For motorists with a bad driving record the lure of an international driver's license that cannot be revoked is very tempting, regardless of the price tag.
    According to AAA, Web sites on the Internet offering such licenses ask as much as $300 for the $10 item.
    "AAA is one of only two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue and sell International Driving Permits (IDPs) and Inter-American Driving Permits (IADPs) in the United States," said Bill Hughes, manager of AAA Auto Travel Operations.
    "In accordance with international law, these permits are not recognized in the country in which they are issued," said Hughes. "There are many offers for purchasing international driver's licenses through the Internet, but none of them are recognized in the U.S. as legal driving permits for U.S. citizens residing in this country."
    To get around this pesky legality, some companies will "register" the license in a foreign country using a foreign address for the user's home address. What potential buyers should consider is the inevitable traffic stop when a police officer asks to see their license and vehicle registration.
    The addresses for the license and the vehicle registration will vary drastically, and lying to a law enforcement officer about your residency is a crime.
    The purpose of an IDP or an IADP is to allow those traveling abroad to drive legally, and avoid potential problems arising from language barriers.
    An IDP includes the information on a U.S. driver's license in 11 languages and is accepted in more than 200 countries outside the U.S. An IADP translates that same information into four languages and is accepted in Central and South American countries.
    In order to issue a valid IDP or IADP, the issuer must see a valid U.S. state or territorial driver's license. However, the Internet varieties rarely ask for driver's license information or for a copy of the license.
    Other things you should know about the IDP or IADP are:

-- It costs $10 and is valid for up to one year from the date of
    issue.
-- It is a widely recognized form of photo identification and is
    available at most AAA offices to all holders of a U.S. driver's
    license.
-- You must be at least 18 and have a valid U.S. driver's license to
    purchase one.
-- You need two passport-size photos for purchasing the permits (these
    photos are also available at most AAA offices for a fee).
-- It must be accompanied at all times by a U.S. driver's license.
-- An application for an IDP or IADP can be printed out from AAA's Web
    site at www.aaa.com. Applicants can visit a AAA office or mail in
    the application with a copy of their driver's license to
    purchase the permit.

    AAA is a federation of 93 motor clubs with 1,100 offices providing more than 41 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
    The American Automobile Touring Association in Foster City, Calif., also issues IDPs and IADPs.

    AAA news releases can be downloaded from http://www.aaa.com/news