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If you’re traveling outside the US, riding a scooter or motorcycle can be a fun way to get around, but make sure you plan ahead and get a motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you need one.
Guidelines to determine if you’ll need a motorcycle license and/or an IDP to ride a motorcycle or scooter while traveling
Whether or not you will need a motorcycle license and/or an IDP depends on the laws of the particular country where you will be riding, so there are no universal rules about when you’ll need them. However, here are some guidelines to help you determine wat you’ll need for your trip:
Engine size: If you’ll be riding a motorcycle or a relatively powerful scooter (50cc or more), you will almost certainly need at least a motorcycle license issued by your home country (which is the United States for our readers). If you are only going to be driving on a small moped or basic scooter (less than 50 cc), you may be able to ride legally without having to get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, but you need to check with the regulations in the country where you will be riding.
Country’s overall IDP policies: This is the crux of what will determine whether or not you will need an IDP when riding motorcycle or scooter. Over 150 countries recognize International Driving Permits, and it is always best to check directly on a government website for the place where you will be riding or with your embassy in that country. There are some countries, particularly in Southeast Asia and Europe where a rental company may not ask you for an IDP to rent your scooter or motorcycle, but a police officer may fine you for not having one if you are stopped. It’s always best to check on the regulations and abide by whatever is officially required.
If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, make sure your IDP indicates it
If you are in a country that requires an IDP as a supplement to your driver’s license, make sure your IDP indicates that you have a motorcycle endorsement. You cannot have a motorcycle endorsement on your IDP if you do not have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. To make sure that you have the stamp for motorcycle driving on your IDP, be sure to check the associated box on your IDP application form, whether you’re filling it out on our website or on the pdf version of the form directly from AAA.
Beware of scams pedaling fraudulent IDPs
If you have a US-issued driver’s license, AAA is the only entity authorized by the US government to issue you an International Driving Permit. Unfortunately, numerous websites claim to offer “international driver’s permits” or “international driver’s licenses.” These documents are scams and are not official International Driving Permits. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against several companies involved in these scams. You can read more about it in our blog post on the topic here. By contract, Fast IDP is an expediter of official AAA International Driving Permits, so you will be getting an official IDP if you use our services.
How to Get an IDP
To get a valid IDP, you have two main options (see our full blog post on the topic here):
Apply Through AAA: Visit a local AAA office or apply by mail. If you apply at a AAA office, you’ll get the IDP the same day, usually within 30-60 minutes. If you apply by mail, it could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks if you’re in the US to 5-7 weeks if you’re already abroad. You’ll need to provide a completed application form, two passport-sized photos (can also be taken at the AAA branch for a $10-15 fee), a photocopy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver’s license, the application fee ($20), and a postage paid return envelope if you’re applying by mail.
Use Fast IDP: Fast IDP streamlines the process by allowing you to submit your application online. We’ll review your application, send an employee to AAA on your behalf, and ship your physical IDP booklet to you anywhere in the world. We’ll even email you a picture of the IDP for your records along with tracking information on the day we obtain and ship you your IDP.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this short post useful and that you enjoy riding you 2-wheeler while you’re traveling. Don’t forget to check if you’ll need a motorcycle license and/or an IDP when riding abroad!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us at Fast IDP – we’re happy to help!
