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

Published on by tintolod

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! 😀

 

13 thoughts on “How to apply for a new Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP)”

  2. Kung sa U.S.A. bA pupunta kailangan pa din ba ang international drivers license,kasi may nabasa ako na pag sa u.s.a. gagamitin pwede na ang ating prof.drivers license,nalilito po kasi ako,sana matulungan nyo alo

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    1. Hi Estelito. Sorry for the very late response. I’m not so sure about the rules for US. I just know that for Europe we have to have it. Hope you have figured it out!

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  3. Hi! I am based in KL now and would have to apply for a PDIP. I believe you mentioned renewal for the PIDP can be done through an authorized representative but how about if I am just applying? May I clarify that the PDIP is valid as long as your local driver’s license is still valid. So if I just renewed my license, my PDIP is valid for 3 years? Really appreciate your help. Thank you, Ma’am.

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    1. Hi Mar, sorry sa late na response. Sadly, the validity of PIDP is just 1 year max, they don’t issue it for the same length as your driver’s license is valid. As for your question about applying for the first time through an authorized representative, I don’t really know if it is possible. My hunch is it’s not. I suggest you call the office of the Automobile Association of the Philippines to inquire about this.

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      1. Hello Bilhar! I If you just have to renew an existing PIDP, I believe that you can submit the application online but then a representative in the Philippines still need to submit the requirements for you. If it’s for a totally new PIDP, I’m not sure if you can do it thru a representative though.

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  5. I don’t have a phil drivers License but I have a hongkong drivers license able to get a student permit but as I am wirking abroad I was not able to renew it.I sit possible for me to get a non prof or professional drivers license in zphil an get an international drivers license?thanks

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    1. Hi Annie! I think you have to start from the beginning and get the student permit from Philippines and then apply for a non-professional license after at least 30 days of having obtained the student permit. You cannot apply directly for a professional license, I think you have to do non-professional first. Btw, just to add, you can get a PIDP only after you have obtained at least your non-professional license. A PIDP is just a translation of your existing license. Also, I don’t think an expired student permit in HK will be acknowledged because when a Philippine student permit also expires, they ask you to get a new one. More info in this link will help you: http://www.lto.gov.ph/license-permit-issuance/284-non-professional-driver-s-license.html

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    1. Hi Joshua! You have to apply in an AAP (Automobile Association Philippines) office, not in LTO. I have specified the requirements that I brought when I applied and also the cost, but you may refer to the AAP website in case there are updated information. If you apply in the AAP Office in Anonas, you can get it on the same day (after about 1-2 hours). If in Visayas and Mindanoo, maybe it will take longer.

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