Applying for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines (2014)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows the holder to drive in another country.  Some countries allow tourists to drive in their country for a certain number of days during the visit but there are also some who require IDP or International Driver's License.

Here in the Philippines, IDP is being issued by Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).  For one to be able to apply for IDP, he/she has to be a member of AAP.  It is a benefit given only to their members.

Please note, as per notices I've read in their office, that Philippine International Driving Permit is not accepted in Taiwan and there are some limitations in other countries (e.g. Japan).

Requirements:
- AAP Regular Membership (New enrollee - PhP1,500) [An annual membership fee has to be paid by members]
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Driving License
- Two pieces 2x2 or passport size color ID picture [I think it's better to have 2x2 so that the picture wouldn't be stretched to become square]
- Processing fee (PhP300) 
- Optional: OR/CR of vehicle

Above mentioned requirements are for Filipinos applying personally at their office.  More information on IDP can be seen here.

I have not much time left before my trip so I opted to go to their EDSA office.  As per their website, it only takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to process IDP in this office.  Other offices take around 2+ days to process since they also forward those applications to the EDSA office.

Note: If applying for IDP and is a new member, you can just submit IDP application form.  That would also serve as your AAP membership application.  You can download the form here or you could submit your application online.

Getting there:  It is in EDSA Southbound, after Ford EDSA.  It's in the odd-shape building that's colored blue and yellow (at least for now?).

Building facade from the website

Validity:
The IDP would follow the expiration date of your license or will be valid for one year, whichever comes first.

If you're license is about to expire, have it renewed first.  I have planned to renew my driver's license before going there.  Unfortunately, DLRC in SM Megamall has already closed so I hadn't been able to renew my license.  Since I don't have time to do this at some other day before my trip, then I just got IDP even if it expires in September.

I was told that if I need an IDP after September, then I would need to pay PhP1,500 (PhP1,200 for the extension of my membership for another year and PhP300 for the processing fee of IDP valid for one year).


Process:
I got there around 1:30PM on a Friday afternoon.  There's a reception when I entered the building (entrance along EDSA).  Application forms are also available there.  The guard will check your requirements and ask you to proceed to Window 2.  Applications and driver's licenses are received in this window.  

You will then be given a number and have to wait.  Although, the website states that processing only takes 30-minute to an hour, mine was 1 1/2 hour.  This might be attributable to their system slow down during that day and a higher number of applicants since they were closed yesterday.  My number is the 15th on queue.  Good thing there's free coffee for visitors (at the back of the waiting area), you just have to get a cup on a cubicle near it.


Alas, after about 1hr 15minutes, my number was called in Window 3.  I was given back the paper and proceeded to Window 4 for payment.  Total payment was PhP1800 (PhP1500 for first-time AAP membership and PhP300 IDP processing fee).  Then, I went back to Window 3 for claiming of my membership card, insurance, an AAP member sticker for my car and IDP.

AAP Membership ID

Insurance

IDP

There goes, I'm now a member of AAP and have my IDP (valid until my license expires in September).  Don't forget to check the details of your documents before you leave.