First Timer's Guide to Philippine International Driving Permit

Although I highly promote backpacking and using public transportation when visiting other countries, I also encourage car or motorcycle rentals on some occasions. 

First Timer's Guide to Philippine International Driving Permit

Renting a vehicle abroad has its pros and cons alright but this article would focus mainly on how we Filipinos could get the Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) so that we could make use of our driving skills abroad. 

Got mine for my trip to Japan last 2018

Here are the things that you should know about the Philippine International Driving Permit:

What are the requirements needed for the application?

• Philippine Driver's License (original and photocopy)
• Two pieces 2"x2" color ID picture white background
• Foreigners must show their passport and a copy of the approval letter they got from the Embassy (the approval letter presents the date of their last arrival)
• In case of non-appearance, a letter of authorization and any valid ID of the representative.

How much will it cost?

The price of an IDP is not cheap. We have the full price below:

Factors	Price
Standing processing fee	P3,500
VAT (12%)	P420
Total	P3,920

What countries honor the permit?

The Philippine International Driving Permit is honored in almost all countries that are signatories to the 1949 and 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. 

There are too many to type so you may check this one out.

Where can one apply for the permit?

Only the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) is authorized to issue the Philippine International Driving Permit in the country. Here's the list of their offices:

- Main Office (Quezon City) 

AAP Tower 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City

Tel: (632) 7053333

- Makati Office

Unit 102 G/F Metrostar Building corner Kakarong Street, Makati City

Tel: (632) 8179758

- Alabang Office

Mall entrance, G/F Alabang Town Center, Brgy Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tel: (632) 8509831

-Lipa Office

2nd floor Amethyst Building, JP Laurel Highway, Tambo, Lipa, Batangas

Tel: (6343) 7847972 or 7847998

- Pampanga Office

Level 2, 21110 Robinsons Starmills City of San Fernando, Pampanga

Tel: (6345) 4361816

- Cebu Office

105 CRM Building, Escario corner Molave Street, Cebu City, Cebu

Tel: (6332) 2682400

- Davao Office

Room 314, 3rd floor, SM City Davao Ecoland, Davao City

Tel: (6382) 2994961 to 62

Processing

The process of getting an IDP is very simple. You’ll need to contact one of the AAP offices (mentioned above) and then fill out the INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT APPLICATION FORM.

You can get your International Driving Permit a day after your application. However, if you're in a rush and you need it ASAP, you could apply for your permit at the Main Office in QC and you can wait for it to be released within the day.

Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) Application Form

The duration of the process depends on which office you choose to contact. The AAP claims that the office in Quezon City has the fastest processing time (approximately 1 hour). Other branches will take up to five days (Alabang, Makati, Lipa, and Pampanga: 2 to 3 days; Cebu and Davao: 4 to 5 days).

If you’re not in a rush, just go with the nearest branch to where you reside. If you must have the IDP immediately, then the QC branch is recommended.

How long is its validation?

The Philippine International Permit lasts 1 year. But if your local license exceeds the expiration date less than 1 year after you got the Philippine International Driving Permit, the PIDP will expire the same day as your license.

So what are you waiting for? Head to the nearest AAP and apply for a driving permit to fully enjoy your adventure abroad.

WARNING:

My Philippine International Driving Permit photo here is being used by some FB pages that provide "assistance" in applying for the permit. I'm not in any way affiliated with these pages.

Aside from that, keep in mind that you should avail of the International Driving Permit yourself and in case of non-appearance, a letter of authorization, and any valid ID of the representative. So practice precaution. These FB pages might be scammers preying on people's hard-earned money.