Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) is document which allow the holders to drive on foreign road . This document is issued only by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and its accredited travel agencies including the LGCT Travel and Tours, Hello PH Travel Agency, DLS Travel and Tours, and LHOYS Travel and Tours.

Now, if you’re currently in the Philippines and are hoping to drive on abroad rods, getting an International Driver’s Permit is possible in the Philippines. Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) is the country’s biggest automobile club ,however instead of going to the LTO (Land Transportation Office), you need to apply for it at the .

What is an International Driver’s Permit?

A Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP), more commonly known as the international driver’s license. It is a document  issued by AAP , that allows you to drive a vehicle on foreign roads.  PIDP used as an extension  Philippine Driver’s License to other countries.

Why Should One Carry an International Driving Permit?

In foreign countries you can not drive without international driving Permit. The PIDP is a legal requirement for driver, If you drive without it, you may face a huge civil or criminal charge ad also penalties . Usually in foreign countries  insurance companies give insurance benefits if you have PIDP , you can claim for damage in absence of PIDP you can not avail any benefit.

How to Get Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP)

In the Philippines the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) is only organization authorized to issue the International Driving Permit to holders. You can’t get it anywhere else (unless authorized by the AAP), so be wary of people or organizations that offer this license its like mere a fraud.

Requirements for an International Driving License in the Philippines

The requirements for the International Driving Permit in the Philippines are very straightforward. Whether you’re applying for a new license or a renewal, you’ll just need to prepare these three items step by step:

For Permanent Residents:

• • Original and photocopy of  valid Professional or Non-Professional Driver’s License (card/original receipt from the LTO are both accepted but must be valid for at least one year)
  • 2 pieces 2 x 2 colored ID photo (with white background)
  • Processing fee of ₱4,144

For Dual Citizens:

For foreign nationals, dual citizens, and Filipino citizens born in another country:

1. • Original and photocopy of valid Philippine driver’s license
   • Two (2) pieces 2×2 colored ID picture with white background
   • Php 4,144 processing fee
   • Original passport
   • Photocopies of pages from your passport indicating your date of last arrival in the Philippines
   • Alien Certificate Registration (if permanent resident)

International Driver’s License Application Fees

• • AAP Joining Fee – Php 300
  • AAP Annual Registration – Php 1,200
  • PIDP Processing Fee – Php 300

Procedure for an International Driving License in the Philippines

There are two simple ways to apply for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines, Physically visit to an AAP office along with documents or submitting your application via the AAP website. Both method is given below for better understanding of holders;

⇒Offline Application at the AAP Office

1. Visit the nearest AAP office. Its has different headquarters is in Quezon City, Pampanga, Alabang, Makati, Lipa, Cebu, and Davao.  The full list of branches with details like contact numbers can be found on the official website.
2.  Holder can find an AAP office in the following areas (with their corresponding processing time):
   • NCR: Alabang: 2 – 3 business days; Makati: 2 – 3 business days; Quezon City: 1 hour
   • Luzon: Batangas and Pampanga (2 – 3 business days)
   • Visayas: Cebu (4 – 5 business days)
   • Mindanao: Davao (4 – 5 business days)
3. Fill out a PIDP application form and submit the all requirements.
4.  Head to the cashier and Pay the processing fee.
5. Among all branches  Quezon City headquarters is fastest you may get your PIDP in an hour. Other branches, meanwhile, usually issue the permits between two to five days in Philippines.

Read more:National ID Tracking – Philsys ID – National ID Tracking QR Code

⇒Online Application via the AAP website

1. Login t0 to the official AAP website.
2. Under the “Services” tab, click “International Driving Permit.”
3. Go on the next page, click the “Apply Now” button.
4. You’ll be directed to the AAP Members’ Portal. If you don’t have an account yet, sign up and register yourself. You can also sign in using your social site like Facebook or Apple account.
5. Fill out the online application form and submit.
6. You’ll receive an email from the AAP branch that you nominated in the application form which verify your submission.
7. Get the payment details and organization ask you to provide your house address just in case you want your permit delivered.

International Driving License in the Philippines Application via a Representative

If an applicant is unable 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 requirements  –

1. Letter of authorization signed by the applicant who can not visit due to some solid reasons.
2. The government-issued Valid IDs of the representative
3. The representative’s original driver’s license or an LTO CR and OR

Validity

Philippine International Driving Permit will be valid for one (1) year from the date of application if your current Philippine Driver’s License is still valid for at least one (1) year in Philippines.

How Can You Renew RIDP?

PIDP holder must renew license to one month before expiation date. You need to bring the following to an AAP office: AAP charge annual membership and PIDP fee of P3,920 (the same as the initial application).

If someone is in abroad and want to renew your license in the Philippines. By the help of representative can renew it. Representative should bring a letter of authorization, valid ID, AAP annual membership, and the PIDP fee.

If your RIDP  has already expired and you plan to renew , you can  access to LTO and secure a temporary driver’s license  and present it to AAP, alongside the official receipt of payment.

Philippine International Driving Permit processing fee: ₱300 ($6)

Where can you apply for  Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP)?

The PIDP is an officially issued by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). They are the only organization in the country that can issue it.

AAP maintains its office at the AAP Tower, 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City while extension offices are located in Alabang, Makati, Lipa, San Fernando, Pampanga, Cebu,and Davao. Specific addresses and contact numbers is given for applicants comfort ,for each branch can be found here.

Aside from AAP branches, applicant can also apply at several AAP-accredited travel agencies in Philippines. Take note that AAP is the only  Philippine organization authorized to issue a PIDP and using a fake PIDP is a crime.

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

   Several countries do not accept Philippine international driver’s licenses, due to various reasons. Let us get to know about these countries in detail.

   Reason	Countries
   Do not recognize 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

FAQs on International Driving Permit in the Philippines

How much is the price of an international driver’s license in the Philippines?

The regular international license with a one-year validity costs ₱4,144. Note that a PDIP with extended validity is much more expensive.

Here are the rates:

• Two-year validity: ₱8,604
• Three-year validity: ₱9,184

 I heard that OFWs can get a discount. Is it true?

Yes, you can qualify for a 10% discount if you’re an OFW. Just present the following documents on top of the requirements above.

• Valid OFW ID
• Valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or official receipt from POEA that indicates OWWA membership fee

 Where else can I apply for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines?

Aside from the AAP’s website or branches, you can also apply for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines at the following AAP-accredited travel agencies:

• 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

 I have my International Driving Permit but I forgot to bring my domestic driver’s license. Will I get in trouble abroad?  

You’re not supposed to use your PIDP as a standalone document. It’s not a substitute for your driver’s license.  When you go abroad, you should carry both your PIDP and domestic driver’s license at all times.

 Is there an age limit for getting an International Driving Permit in the Philippines?  

Yes, IDPs can only be issued to people who are 18 years of age and above.

Conclusion

Explore exciting destinations abroad on your own terms by driving license. For your peace of mind, get an International Driving Permit in the Philippines by official department. The application process is simple yet the rewards are great. While you’re at it, do your due diligence on the traffic rules and regulations of the country you’re visiting. That way, you won’t be committing any violation ad go smoothly in abroad.