What is an IDP?
An International Driving Permit (also known as International Driving Licence) is a document containing official translation of your national driving licence. It is issued through worldwide network of AIT/FIA organisations, duly authorized by their governments to issue IDPs. Most countries require visitors to have an IDP if they want to drive outside of their home country. Having an IDP means you are able to drive in foreign countries without the need for further tests or applications. In order to obtain an IDP, you must apply before you travel in the same country that issued you a national driving license. IDP is an addition, not a replacement of your national driving licence. In order to drive abroad, you must carry your IDP along with your national driving license at all times.
Driving in a foreign country has been regulated since 1926 by the United Nations through 4 international conventions, subscribed by most countries in the world.Today, two conventions cover 98% of world countries: the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention, and nearly all IDPs are issued under these two conventions’ regulations.The authority for IDP-issuance resides in countries that are contracting parties to one of more UN Conventions on Road Traffic. Most of these countries delegate this task to the Automobile Clubs and motoring associations. This is the reason why AIT and FIA Clubs are the world’s largest organization issuing IDPs.If there is an Automobile Club which issues IDPs in your country of residence, this website will help you access the Club’s IDP information section.
Why should carry an IDP?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal requirement to drive in many foreign countries, and it is a United Nations regulated travel document for your benefit and safety.
IDPs entitle the holder to drive in all contracting countries other than his/her country of residence, without further examination, as long as they hold a valid domestic driving license.Contracting countries are those countries that have subscribed one or more of the UN International Conventions on Road Traffic.Check the IDP requirements of your destination before you travel.It is a requirement for renting a car in many countries. Failure to fulfill this requirement may constitute a criminal or civil offense and may have serious consequences.Driving without an IDP may trigger exclusion under your travel insurance policy if claiming for loss or damage caused while driving a motor vehicle abroad.
IDPs in Iran
These permits are not intended to replace valid Iranian licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. IDPs are not valid in an individual,s country of residence.
Also, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has designated the TACI as an exclusive authorized distributor of IDPs. Before departure from Iran, you can obtain an IDP by contacting your local duly empowered delegates throughout Iran.
WARNING - International Driving Permits issued by unauthorized persons: The Government is aware that IDPs are being sold over the Internet and in person by persons not authorized by the Government pursuant to the requirements of the U.N. Convention of 1949. Moreover, many of these IDPs are being sold for large sums of money, far greater than the sum charged by entities authorized by the U.N. Convention of 1949. Consumers experiencing problems should contact their local Police Office or the Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Need additional information? Contact TACI International Affairs.
For more information you can check https://internationaldrivingpermit.org.
