Today, I was forced to apply for an international driver’s license. My husband already has one since he really is the one supposed to drive in our upcoming Australia trip.

But while booking our car yesterday, I learned that “the name of the credit card holder must match the name of the main registered driver”.

And since my husband no longer maintains a credit card, I had to apply for an international driver’s license and just purchase an additional driver when reserving a car online.

So how do you apply for an International Driver’s License in the Philippines?

Step 1: Prepare the Requirements:

1. Original and photocopy of Philippine Driver’s License valid for at least one (1) year. Don’t worry though, you can find a photocopying service on the 2nd floor at the AAP reception area.
2. Two (2) pieces latest 2×2 colored ID photo with white background. Today, I only brought 1 picture and they still accepted it.
3. Money. You will need approximately Php4,000 but if your spouse already applied for an international driver’s license before (within the same year I think), the discounted rate of Php3,136 shall apply.

Step 2: Go to the AAP Office.

AAP Tower, Aurora Blvd, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila Whether you’re using Waze or Google Maps, you just search for AAP Tower and it should show right up.

Step 3: You have to go to the reception area just outside the main AAP office to submit your requirements and fill up the application form in yellow. Once completed, go inside the main AAP office and submit everything to the encoder.

Step 4: Submit the application form along with your requirements to the encoder. Note that you may register your vehicle for an insurance during this step. But if your vehicle has already been registered by your spouse, you cannot register it again.

Step 5: The encoder will then provide you with the Schedule of Coverage for your insurance. As a member of the Automobile Association of the Philippines, you are insured for a period of 1 year from the effective date of the membership. Coverage shown below.

Step 6: Pay the required amount to the cashier and wait for your name to be called. Once your name is called, the last thing you need to do is to check the details and sign your international driver’s license prior lamination.

Step 7: Wait until your International Driver’s License is laminated and viola! You can now drive abroad 🙂 Note that there is a list of countries you are only allowed to drive. Make sure you read it. I’ll post it here for your reference.

The whole process took less than an hour! Amazing!

Important: Your International Driver’s License is valid for 1 year. If you’re outside of the Philippines, the renewal can be done via an authorized representative. Same steps will apply, just make sure you provide a photocopy of your valid Philippine license and a valid ID of your representative. Oh, don’t forget to bring your local driver’s license abroad. You need it! 🙂

Hope this helps! Ask away.