If you are planning a road trip outside the Philippines, you have to get an international driver’s license. Whether you wish to travel or work in foreign countries, an International driver’s license is necessary to ensure you drive legally. In this passage, we are going to talk about what an international driver’s license in the Philippines is, how to apply for it, how long it takes, how much it costs, and other concerning issues.
What Is AAA International Driving Permit in the Philippines?
A Philippine international driving permit (IDP) is an international driver’s license allowing Filipinos to drive in more than 100 countries outside the Philippines. The license holder’s basic information and driving information are shown in several languages. AAA, referring to the Accredited Automobile Associations (AAA), is authorized to issue IDPs, including the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and the Philippine Touring Automobile Association (PTAA).
Who is Eligible to Get an International Driving Permit in the Philippines
To apply for an international driver’s license from the Philippines, you must satisfy the following eligibility.
- Be a Philippine citizen (including those with dual citizenship) or a Philippine permanent resident.
- Have a valid Philippine driver’s license.
Required Documents for Internation Driver’s License Application
Before applying for the IDP, you should prepare documents to prove your identity and qualifications. Here are the general international driver’s license requirements.
- Completed application form (available on Land Transportation Office portal or at the LTO licensing center).
- A valid Philippine driver’s license (both the original copy and a photocopy).
- Two 2×2 inches passport-size photos.
- Medical certificate proving that you are physically and psychologically healthy to drive (optional, depending on the LTO licensing center you choose).
If you are a Filipino with dual citizenship, extra documents are required, including:
- Original copy of a foreign passport.
- Photocopy of the passport pages showing when you arrived in the Philippines recently.
If you are a Philippine permanent resident, you should also submit:
- Original copy of a foreign passport.
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR).
If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), the following is also needed:
- A valid OFW ID.
- A valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
How to Get an International Driver’s License
The international driving permit can be applied in person or online. Here are the step-by-step instructions for each of them.
Apply for International Driving Permit Online
- Visit the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) website and navigate to the “International Driving Permit” under the “Services” tab.
- Read the international driver’s license requirements and click on the “APPLY NOW” button.
- Choose a desired validity and click on the “APPLY NOW” button.
- Fill out the online application form which includes personal information, contact information, details of your driver’s license, and details of your vehicle. Please note that All fields must be filled unless it is marked as optional.
- After providing all the required information, choose a proper payment method and click on the “Submit” button.
- Receive an email that contains payment details and confirms your application. Fulfill the payment and choose the way you want to pick up the license.
Apply for an International Driving Permit Offline
- Find a nearby AAP office or LTO licensing center. It is suggested to contact the branch officer to check whether an appointment is needed and when it is open.
- Visit the selected office with the required documents.
- Submit the applications and pay the processing fee. If you do not download the application form and finish it in advance, please obtain one at the counter and fill it out first.
- Collect your IDP in person or wait for it to be delivered to you.
How to Make 2×2 Inch Photos for IDP
A 2×2 inch biometric photo showing your full head and upper shoulders is required to apply for an international driving permit in the Philippines. With the help of AiPassportPhotos, you can make a qualified photo online through the steps below.
- Take a photo according to the official guidelines.
- Upload the photo to AiPassportPhotos 2×2 photo maker that is compatible with computers, smartphones, or tablets.
- Let the tool check photo compliance, resize the photo, and replace it with a white background. It runs automatically and takes only a few minutes to generate a 100% compliant image.
- Download the digital photo and submit it. If you apply by paper, please print it out.
Where to Get International License in the Philippines
Except for the AAP website, AAP branch, and LTO licensing center, AAP also authorizes the following travel agencies to issue an IDP.
- Red Rock Travel Facilitators
- LGCT Travel and Tours
- Hello PH Travel Agency
- Lipa City House of Travel and Tours International
- DLS Travel and Tours
- Gocation Travel and Tours
- LHOYS Travel and Tours
- NBT Travel Agency
How Long Will I Receive the International Driver’s License?
The processing time depends on where you apply from. If you apply in Quezon City, it takes about one hour to receive the IDP after submitting the applications. If you apply Makati, Alabang, Pampanga, and Lipa, it takes about 2-3 days while others might take at least 4-5 days.
How Much Does an International Driver’s License Cost?
The cost is subject to the international driver’s license Philippines validity. Here is the detailed price list. Please note that there might be extra service fees depending on where you apply, payment methods, and the way you collect the license. Moreover, OFWs can get a 10% discount.
| Validity | Regular Fees | Fees for OFWs |
| 1-year validity | ₱4,200 | ₱3,780 |
| 2-year validity | ₱8,100 | ₱7,290 |
| 3-year validity | ₱9,200 | ₱8,280 |
How Long Is an International Driver’s License Valid?
The IDP can be valid for 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years if the remaining validity period for your Philippine driver’s license is longer than one year. However, if your Philippine driver’s license is valid for less than one year at the time of application, your IDP will expire as the LTO driver’s license expires. You have to renew the IDP at least one week before the expiry date whether the regular license in the Philippines expires or not. Additionally, some countries have extra requirements for using the IDP. For example, only Yemen residents can use it in Yemen or you can only use it for a limited time period (like (30 days, 90 days, 180 days, etc.) in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, Nicaragua, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, and Romania even if it is valid for a longer time. In Japan, the IDP can only be used for one year, after which you have to leave the country for at least 3 months to use a renewed permit in Japan again.
Where Can I Legally Drive with IDP?
You can drive in 103 countries and territories with a Philippine IDP under the 1949 and 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic. The Philippine international driving permit list of countries can be found on the AAP portal. The requirements for using IDP might vary from country to country, so it is recommended to check it before traveling and make sure not to violate the local rules and regulations.
We have also listed all the available countries for you:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil ❗️
- Bulgaria
- Canada ❗️
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica ❗️
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt !!
- El Salvador ❗️
- Estonia
- Finland ❗️
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Korea (South)
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua ❗️
- Nigeria
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman ❗️
- Pakistan
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland ❗️
- Portugal ❗️
- Qatar ❗️
- Romania ❗️
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam **
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
❗️Note that your International driver’s license is only valid for a period of time, such as 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days in these countries despite of the longer validity of the IDP. Validity restrictions also exist in Bahrain, Brunei, Gambia, Kiribati, Lesotho, Macao, Nepal, and Samoa.
Bonus Tips on Driving Abroad for Filippinos
Taking a road trip in a foreign country seems exciting and it deserves good planning. To help you prepare for your trip, here are some useful tips.
- Do research in advance and learn about how traffic works in your destination country, such as traffic rules, road signs, traffic patterns, etc.
- Purchase insurance and make sure to get fully acquainted with the coverage.
- Prepare the required documents for passing checkpoints and renting a car, such as a passport, Philippine driver’s license, and IDP.
- Check the local weather and prepare for any possible extreme weather, such as wind, rain, and snow.
- Equip a local navigation system and get familiar with it in advance. Spare more time than the GPS says.
- Break up long drives and stay overnight at a hotel or in your vehicle, thus preventing fatigued driving and reducing accidents.
FAQ
Can I use my Philippine drivers license abroad?
No. Philippine driver’s license is valid only in the Philippines. You should get an international driver’s license to drive or rent a car outside the Philippines.
Can I use an expired international driving permit abroad?
No, and you have to renew or re-apply for it.
Can I drive in the Philippines with my US license?
Yes, and you can only drive on it for up to 90 days.
Where to get an international drivers license in Cebu?
You can apply online or from an AAP branch in Cebu.
Summary
After reading this passage, you must have been clear about international drivers license in Philippines. Filipinos and Philippine permanent residents with regular driver’s licenses can get an IDP online or in person. It is suggested to apply for it at least 1-2 weeks in advance in case of delaying your trip. We hope this article will help you receive the permit and prepare for an international road trip.
Dolores Xiao