International Driving Permit Philippines: Everything you need to know

A foreigner with a foreign driving license can drive legally in the Philippines (simply by converting/exchanging his/her foreign driver’s license with a local license). However, what if a local is planning an international trip for study or business purposes? Now, both these activities require you to stay abroad for a long duration, and therefore, in addition to using public transportation, being able to drive a vehicle will bring its own set of conveniences.

But is it possible for a Filipino to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country? Well, yes, of course. Filipinos can drive outside the country, and the International Driving License makes it possible for them.

Yes, that’s right, with an International Driving License in hand, you can drive on any foreign land. And today we’ll be learning all there is to know about the Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP).

Also Read: LTO Driver's License Renewal: Check out the cost, requirements, and more

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Understanding the basics

Commonly known as the international driver’s license, a PIDP allows the recipient to drive a motor vehicle on a foreign land.

Did you know that an international driver’s license allows you to drive in more than 180 countries around the world? The document includes the holder's name, photo, and driver information in 12 languages (the most spoken). To everyone’s surprise, it is one of the most known documents by officials from around the globe.

Remember, it is a legal requirement to have a valid international driver’s license, and if caught without one, you can be charged with a civil or criminal charge. Also, travel insurance companies usually do not cover driving without a PIDP, so you won’t receive any benefit if caught by the authorities.

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Where to apply

The Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP) is officially issued by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), the only organization in the country with the authority to issue it. AAP’s main office is located at the AAP Tower, 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City; however, it has several extension offices as well in Davao, Pampanga, Cebu, San Fernando, Alabang, Lipa, and Makati.

In addition to AAP branches, there are several AAP-accredited travel agencies where an interested individual can apply for the PIDP. Some of these agencies are -

• NBT Travel Agency
• Red Rock Travel Facilitators
• Gocation Travel and Tours
• LGCT Travel and Tours
• LHOYS Travel and Tours
• Lipa City House of Travel and Tours International
• Hello PH Travel Agency
• DLS Travel and Tours.

Note: AAP is the only organization in the country that issues PIDP; so beware of non-accredited centres and individuals that promise to offer a PIFP at a lower cost. Also, it is a crime to use a forged PIDP.

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Requirements

When applying for an International Driving Permit, an applicant must carry the following documents in hand. The requirement remains the same for both new and renewal applications.

New Application	Applicant’s original and photocopy of valid Philippine driver’s license	Applicant’s two pieces 2”x2” coloured ID picture with white background
Renewal

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Validity

Unless an applicant shells out extra cash for an international driver’s license with a two—or three-year validity period, a regular PIDP is only valid for one year after the permit is issued.

However, if the applicant's license expires less than a year after he/she gets an IDP, the latter will also expire at the same time. Therefore, always remember first to renew your license and then apply for an international driver’s license.

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Processing fee

One of the most crucial factors that prevents an applicant from getting a Philippines International Driving Permit is the prohibitive cost. It should be noted that the processing fee for an international driver’s license depends on its validity (annual, two-year, or three-year).

Validity	Processing Fee	Inclusions
Annual	PHP 4200	Register up to two vehicles Free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance of 4 interventions/100 km tow distance Free PHP 300,000 Personal Accident Insurance
Two Years	PHP 8100	Register up to two vehicles Free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance of 8 interventions/200 km tow distance Free PHP 300,000 Personal Accident Insurance
Three Years	PHP 9200	Register up to two vehicles Free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance of 12 interventions/300 km tow distance Free PHP 300,000 Personal Accident Insurance

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Step-by-step guide application process

There are two ways an applicant can apply for a Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): online and offline. One can either go directly to an AAP office or apply to the AAP website.
Let us check out each of the two processes in detail.

Offline application process

Step 1: Head to the nearest AAP office
Step 2: Submit the duly accomplished PIDP application along with the required documents
Step 3: Head to the cashier and pay the processing fee
Step 4: Wait for the PIDP (it may take an hour to two to five days)
Note: If you are in a bit of a hurry, head to the Quezon City AAP headquarters as there you will get the PIDP in just an hour.

Online application process

Step 1: First, you need a compatible device (laptop, smartphone, tab, etc) with a good internet connection
Step 2: Open the AAP website
Step 3: Click the ‘Service’ tab, and under it, select ‘International Driving Permit’
Step 4: Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button
Step 5: You will be redirected to the AAP Members’ Portal; sign up if you don’t have an account. If you already have an account, log in with your email address and password
Step 6: Fill out the online application form for PIDP
Step 7: Check your email box for two emails, one related to form submission confirmation and the other from the AAP branch with payment details and asking you to provide the house address for delivery of the permit at your doorsteps

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Applying via a representative

In case an applicant is not able to apply for the PIDP personally, he/she can appoint a representative for the job. In addition to the basic requirements mentioned above, a representative needs to bring along the following -

• Letter of authorization signed by the applicant
• The government-issued ID of the representative
• The representative’s original driver’s license or an LTO CR and OR

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Countries where it is accepted

As mentioned, an international driver’s permit is valid in more than 180 countries around the globe. Most of the countries are part of the 1949 and 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic, all of which are listed on the back of the permit for users' easy reference.

Here’s the list of all the countries where PIDP is accepted -

• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bolivia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• 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
• Nigeria
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Pakistan
• Paraguay
• Peru
• 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: Japan does not allow the use of an international driver’s license for more than a year. According to AAP, at the time of renewal of PIDP, the applicant must be out of Japan for at least three months so he/she is allowed to use the renewed permit.

Also, certain countries only accept the PIDP for a limited period (30, 90, or 180 days, depending on the country). The following nations are part of this particular restriction: Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, Nicaragua, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, and Romania.

Philippines International Driving Permit (PIDP): Countries where it is NOT accepted

 

Due to various reasons, several countries do not accept international driver’s licenses. Let us get to know them in detail.

Reason	Countries
Do not recognise IDP as they are not signatories to international treaties	China, Cambodia, and Myanmar
Require a local driver’s license to drive	Bermuda, Cook Islands, Ethiopia, Montserrat, US Virgin Islands, and Solomon Islands
Driver needs to hold both a valid driving permit and vehicle insurance from the local government	Cuba

There are a few other countries that do not accept international driver’s permits due to cultural differences, legal restrictions and safety concerns. Therefore, it is advised always to check the driving laws of the country you are planning to travel to.

Bottom line

The process of applying for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines is pretty straightforward. However, while you are at it, do remember to go through all the traffic-related rules, regulations, and laws of the country you are visiting.

Also Read: Here’s why you should not be driving without a license in the Philippines