How to Get an International Driving License in Singapore

Are you planning to have an international trip by self-driving car? Sorry, your dream may fail to come true. In different countries, foreigners may be banned from driving or renting a car unless they get a permit. But all that is possible. You just need an international driving permit (IDP), and that is what makes your travel free and accessible in different countries by self-driving. If you want to know how to apply one, this article gives you full information. Just have a look.

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP), also known as an International Driving License (IDL), contains an official translation of your domestic driving license and your name, ID photo, and other information. It is issued by AIT/FIA organizations worldwide that are authorized by the local government.

The United Nations regulates the IDP, and with it, the holder can rent and drive a private car in a country or region that recognizes the document. 

This is a way for you to prove that you have a valid driving license from your country of origin in a foreign country. Not every country requires an IDP, so please get in touch with the vehicle management department before traveling to the country for self-drive. However, having an IDP is always a good thing.

Why Do I Need an International Driving Permit?

Some countries do not recognize foreign driver’s licenses. When you are in a different country, you need a proper, valid document to prove for you that you are legally licensed to drive. If you don’t have a document, your foreign driving trip can turn into a nightmare. Additionally, it will provide you with the following benefits:

• IDP can translate your identity information into 10 languages. Currently, 150+ countries around the world support this document. In other words, you can drive in more than 150 countries if you have an IDP.
• It is a regulated travel document by the UN for your safety.
• Having an IDP can save you from hefty fines, as driving without one is considered illegal.
• It is proof that you have a legal motorist license on international roads.
• The IDP is a confirmation that you hold a driver’s license in your home country.
• You can use your IDP to rent a car in a foreign country.
• Insurance companies need the IDP to cover you when you drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country.

Who Can Apply for an International Driving License? 

Every applicant, including Singaporeans, permanent residents, and foreigners, as long as you have a Singapore driving license, is eligible to apply for an IDP in Singapore with your Singapore driving license. However, you cannot apply for it using a foreign driving license. That means the country where IDP is issued must be the same as the country of your driving license. If you only have a foreign driving license, you can only convert it to a Singapore one and then apply for an IDP in Singapore. Applicants must be above 18 years old and have at least one year of driving experience to be eligible for applying.

How to Apply for an International Driving License in Singapore?

If you are eligible to apply for IDP, you can submit your application to the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). Here’s how to do it.

Ensure your Eligibility

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you cannot apply.

• You are at least 18 years old.
• Hold a valid Singapore Driving License.
• Have at least one year of driving experience.

Collection of required documents

• Physical Singapore driving license. Photocopies must have both front and back.
• Physical NRIC for Singaporeans or PRs. Photocopies must have both front and back.
• Employment pass or Fin card for foreigners. Photocopies must have both front and back.
• Colored passport-sized photo within 2 years old in the light background of the applicant.

📚 Read Also: Where to Take Passport Photo in Singapore

Submit your application

After collecting the documents, you are ready to submit them. To apply for IDP, you have two options: a walk-in application and an online application.

👉 Walk-in application

If you choose to apply in person, you will need to submit your documents at the AAS counter during opening hours, which doesn’t take much time. Here are the processes.

• Bring your documents to the AAS counter and a staff member will apply for you after verifying the documents.
• Applicants can also have their photos taken on-site for free.
• If you are applying on behalf of the applicant, you will need to provide the applicant’s passport-sized photo, Singapore Driving License and NRIC/FIN.

👉 Online application

Of course, you can also choose to apply online. Here’s how it works.

• Register your account on the AAS page: International Driving Permit Online Application, then you can make an online application.
• Fill out the online application form.
• Upload the required documents.
• Pay the fee online (PayPal, debit, or credit card are acceptable).
• Once the application is approved, IDP will send the IDP document via courier.

Where to apply for an international driving permit?

If you decide to make an online application, here is the address: International Driving Permit Online Application. Sign in your account to submit the subsequent application.

If you decide to go AAS offline outlet, here are the address and contact information:

Fee & Processing Time of IDP Application

💰 Fee: 

The cost of IDP is $20, and an additional courier fee is $5.50 for online applications (All the fees are not refundable for duplicate applications).

⏰ Processing time: 

If you go to an AAS outlet, the processing time depends on the queue on the day. However, you can get IDP on the spot within 1 hour, usually most of the time.

If you’re applying online, you will get it in about 5-7 working days previously. However, due to the high volume of applications, please note that the processing and courier delivery time is revised to 10 working days (excluding submission day). It actually depends on the number of applications. So, if you need an urgent IDP, you are advised to go to the AAS offline outlet.

You can check the note information when you go to the application page in case of unexpected circumstances to get you lately informed. 

Validity of International Driving Permit

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. However, please note that the validity of the IDP cannot exceed the validity of your domestic driving license. When driving overseas, your valid Singapore driving license must always accompany the permit.

How to Renew an International Driving License?

The IDP is valid for one year only and cannot be renewed. In other words, if your IDP expires, you can only apply for a new one.

What Countries Can I Drive with an IDP? 

The IDP is valid in all contracting states to the Road Traffic Convention of 19 September 1949. Please check this PDF file for specific information. 

💡 Note: China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam do not recognize IDP. If you plan to travel, please check with the relevant embassy.

Bonus Tips for Driving Overseas

When traveling abroad, you need to be well-prepared.  

 Prepare Proper Documents 

• Passport, ID card, and visa.  
• A valid domestic driving license.  
• A valid IDP. Remember to bring it with you along with your own domestic driving license.  
• Bring enough money.  
• International credit cards.  
• Travel insurance. If you get sick or encounter any emergency abroad, insurance will minimize your losses.  

 Overseas Driving Traffic Rules

• Know the local traffic rules in advance, as not every country is the same. Some countries drive on the right, but many are on the left, so be sure to find out in advance.  
• For example, the countries that drive on the right are the United States, Canada, China, Russia, France, etc.  
• Drive on the left side of the country: UK, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, etc.  
• After renting a car, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the car and road conditions in order to adapt.  

 Last but not least, do not drive while tired or drunk.  

FAQ

🔸 Do foreigners need an IDP to drive in Singapore?

Temporary foreign tourists or foreigners who have lived in Singapore for less than 12 months are required to have a driving license and IDP from their home country to travel and drive in Singapore. If you are from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), you don’t need an IDP to drive in Singapore.

Useful information when driving in Singapore:

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• The car renting age should be at least 23 years old.
• You must wear a seat belt because Singapore has a national seat belt law.
• Maximum driving speed should be 70 km/h.

🔸 Can I drive overseas without an international driving license? 

Yes. Some ASEAN member countries recognize the Singapore driving license. The governments of Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines have signed an agreement that acknowledges mutual recognition of domestic driving licenses between these countries.

However, some other member countries do not recognize the Singapore Driving Permit, such as Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, and you still need an IDP. Therefore, it is recommended that when making your travel plans, you should check clearly in advance whether the IDP is needed or not in the destination country.

Conclusion

Although this article mentions some countries that do or don’t recognize the IDP, you need to check in advance. The list may change at any time, and you can check the AAS website for the latest news.

If you want to go on a self-drive trip from Singapore to certain countries, you just need to apply on the AAS website, which is very convenient. Please remember that when you go to a foreign country, you have to abide by the traffic laws at that time and don’t keep any valuables in your car. Last, have a nice trip.

📚 Read Also: How to Apply for an International Driving License in Malaysia