Get your International Driving Permit for American Samoa in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

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Limited Coverage

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Does American Samoa require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Up to 3 years

American Samoa allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in American Samoa?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

Start application

International Driving Permit Requirements for American Samoa

Quick Answer: Yes, You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for American Samoa

Foreign visitors to American Samoa must have both a valid driver’s license from their home country and an International Driving Permit to drive legally. This dual-document rule applies to all non-American Samoa license holders, including U.S. mainland residents.

Key Requirements at a Glance

✅ Valid home country driver’s license (original)
✅ International Driving Permit (official booklet format)
✅ Both documents required together — neither works alone
✅ 30-day driving privilege for visitors
✅ Local temporary permit required after 30 days (via OMV)

📌 Important: Even U.S. citizens with state-issued licenses must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in American Samoa. Licensing rules are set under Title 22, Chapter 02 of American Samoa law.

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself but a multilingual translation booklet of your existing driver’s license. It’s recognized globally under international road traffic treaties.

Key Features:

Booklet format, not digital
Contains your photo and driver information
Translates details into multiple languages
Valid in over 150 countries
Must always be carried with your original license

Legal Framework:

1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (widely recognized)
1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (updated rules)

American Samoa requires the 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) format and does not issue recognition under Vienna Convention standards.

American Samoa vs. Independent Samoa

Travelers often confuse these two destinations. Here’s how they differ:

Aspect	American Samoa (U.S. Territory)	Independent Samoa
Political Status	U.S. Territory	Independent Nation
International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirement	Yes, for all non-local licenses	Varies by country
Driving Side	Right-hand side	Left-hand side (since 2009)
30-Day Driving Rule	Yes, with International Driving Permit (IDP)	Different rules
Speed Limits	15 mph (built-up), 25 mph (open road)	Different limits

Driving Rules Based on Stay Duration

Visitors (Under 30 Days)

Age: Minimum 18
Documents: Home license + International Driving Permit (IDP) + passport + entry stamp
Rentals: Age 25+, 1+ year license, insurance + credit card required

Extended Stays (Over 30 Days)

Apply for a local temporary permit from the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in Pago Pago.
Requirements: License, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, form, and $20–$40 fee.
Phone: (684) 699-9199 / (684) 699-9188

How to Get a Legitimate International Driving Permit (IDP)

For U.S. Residents

AAA (American Automobile Association) – officially authorized since 1952
AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) – alternate provider

Requirements:

Valid U.S. license
Two passport photos (2x2)
Application form
$20 fee
Validity: 1 year

For International Travelers

Fast, 8-minute processing with us - International Driver’s Association
Must apply in home country before departure
International Driving Permit (IDP) must match the country of license issue

American Samoa Driving Laws

Rule	Requirement	Penalty
Seat Belts	Mandatory	Fine
Child Seats	<3 yrs old	Fine/court
Mobile Phones	Hands-free only	Fine
Blood Alcohol Limit	0.08%	Suspension, fines, jail
Speed Limits	15 mph (urban), 25 mph (rural)	Ticket, points
Required Docs	License, International Driving Permit (IDP), insurance	Impound/citation

Road Safety Notes:

No tolls, but rural roads often unpaved
Poor lighting at night, frequent flooding
Drive slower than posted during rain
Avoid stream crossings if roadbed not visible

Law Enforcement and Penalties

Police regularly check documents at:

DUI checkpoints
Rental car stops
Airport entry verification
Accident investigations

Non-Compliance Penalties:

$100–$500 fines
Vehicle impoundment
Driving ban until compliant

Can U.S. mainland residents drive in American Samoa with just a state license?

Yes, for up to 30 days. For longer stays, you may be required to get a temporary driving permit from the local authorities.

Can I get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in American Samoa?

No, it must be issued in your home country.

Which International Driving Permit (IDP) is “right” for American Samoa 1968 or 1949?

American Samoa requires the 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) format and does not issue recognition under 1968 Vienna Convention standards.

Pre-Travel Driving Checklist

✅ Documents:

Valid driver’s license
International Driving Permit
Passport (6+ months validity)
Rental car booking with insurance
Credit card for deposits

✅ Preparation Timeline:

60 Days: Check license expiration
45 Days: Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)
30 Days: Book car
14 Days: Confirm paperwork
7 Days: Review local traffic rules
Day of Travel: Carry all documents

✅ Emergency Contacts:

Police: 911
OMV: (684) 699-9199
U.S. Consular: +1-684-633-4279
Medical: LBJ Tropical Medical Center (684) 633-1222

Conclusion

Driving in American Samoa is straightforward if you prepare correctly. Always carry both your home country license and an International Driving Permit (IDP), and remember that after 30 days you’ll need a local OMV permit. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid fines, impoundments, and insurance issues and instead enjoy exploring Tutuila and the Manuʻa Islands safely and legally.

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Print + Digital International Driving Permit

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Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

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Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

You will receive a printed and digital International Driving License booklet and card. The digital International Driving Permit is sent in 8 minutes and your physical International Driving Permit will be mailed. Click here for information on countries with International Driving Permit limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.