Foreign Assistance in Greece
International
Drivers License for Driving in Greece
What is an
International Driver’s Permit (IDP)?
A United Nations treaty
gives residents of one country the right to drive in other countries using the
driver’s license issued by the government where they live. To make the process
easier, you can get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) that translates your
driver’s license into 10 different languages, making it easier for officials in
foreign countries to understand.
Does the IDP
replace my driver’s license?
No, it’s just a supplement to a
valid license. You need your regular license to drive in another
country.
Where do you get an International
Driver’s Permit?The U.S. Department of State has authorized only
two organizations to issue the IDP. You can get one through the American
Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance
(AATA).
An IDP costs
$10.
What are the
requirements to get an IDP?
If you’re a U.S. resident, you must
be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
Can I use an IDP as a form of
identification?
Nope.
Can I
use an IDP to drive in the United States?
Nope. If you’re a U.S. citizen,
it’s not a valid driver’s license to use in the U.S. In fact, if you’re a U.S.
citizen and caught using an IDP instead of a driver’s license, you can get in
big trouble.
What happens if someone claims I can use an IDP instead of a
valid driver’s license?
It’s a scam.
Here’s what the Federal Trade Commission has to say:
Ads and offers for fake IDLs and IDPs are showing up on websites and as spam email. They also are sold "on the street"… The price for one of these fake documents can range from $65 to $350.
The marketers falsely claim that their documents:
* authorize consumers to drive legally in the U.S., even if they don't have state-issued licenses or if their state-issued licenses have been suspended or revoked;
* can be used to avoid points or fines affecting state-issued drivers' licenses; and
* can be used as photo ID in the U.S.
See also Matt Barrett's Driving in Greece
