Month: August 2016

How to apply for a new Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP)

Published on by tintolod13 Comments

To be able to drive in almost all of the countries that are signatories to the 1949 and 1968 UN Convention on Road Traffic (see list of countries below), you have to be able to obtain the Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP) and the only issuing body for the PIDP is the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). This details my experience in applying for a new PIDP.

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List of countries where the PIDP is valid

So I went to the AAP Tower  (2nd floor) in Aurora Blvd (near the Gilmore LRT Station) because I read from the AAP website that when you process it there, you can get it within 1 hour (took me 2 hours though). I think if you apply in Cebu or Davao, you will get it after several days. I brought the following requirements:

  • Original and photocopy of valid Philippine Driver’s License (Non-Professional and Professional only)
    • Note that you cannot convert a student driver permit to PIDP
    • Validity of PIDP is 1 year but if your existing license will expire in less than a year, your PIDP license will also expire along with it
    • A photocopying service can be found inside the AAP Tower, ground floor
  • 2 pieces 2×2 picture on white background
  • Php 3,000
    • For 1-yr AAP membership worth Php 2,000 and processing fee of Php 1,000.
    • Also includes 1-yr worldwide accident insurance up to Php 300,000 coverage
    • Major credit cards are also accepted for payment

You will be asked to fill out an application form where you also have the option to register a vehicle in the Philippines. AAP membership offers some perks like free towing etc. Then, the accomplished form (along with the requirements) will be submitted to the encoder, after which, payment will be done, which happens very smoothly.

The waiting time is longest after payment but it took me about 2 hours to complete the whole process. You’ll get all these once done:

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Take note that the validity of the PIDP is also 1 year. Renewal may be done via an authorized representative if you are out of the country. Just accomplish the form and submit a photocopy of a valid Philippine license and valid ID of your representative. Also, the PIDP is only valid when it comes with the Philippine driving license, so don’t forget to bring with you abroad your license. For more information, visit the AAP website.

So there, hope this helps! Happy driving wherever! 😀