The first thing you need to know about this is that there is no ‘international license or pass’. All Colombians who have current driver’s license they can manage abroad, but not in all countries, in some a validation of the document is needed.
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That is why the International Driving Document (ICP), which is processed through the Automobile Club of Colombia (ACC), according to the rules established in the World Convention on Road Traffic, agreed in Geneva on September 19, 1949, which authorizes for driving a vehicle in any country in the world that does not have a bilateral agreement with Colombia, Explains Ricardo Morales, president of the ACC.
Colombia has bilateral agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, France, the United States, Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom, meaning you can manage there with your current license, as long as you do not the length of legal stay in each country is exceeded. That is, if it serves, but only temporarily and as long as the trip is from tourism.
Read more: The countries in which you can manage with the Colombian past
But in other countries like the United States, France or Germany if they demand the International Driving License, Which is an approval and translation of the license issued by Colombia by the ACC. This International Document must be submitted with the current national license.
In the United States, France or Germany, if the stay is extended for one year or more for reasons justified as study or work, the local license or its respective approval must be processed, according to the requirements of each country, the which will involve a theoretical and practical examination in most cases.
(Also: Five Things You Should Know Before Buying a Used Car)
All Colombians who have a valid driver’s license can manage abroad.
In other countries such as Japan, due to its strict traffic regulations, neither the Colombian driver’s license nor any type of homologation is accepted. If the passenger requires handling, he must make a request for this document to the Ministry of Transport of that country.
The PIC allows to accredit the condition of tourist of a person without needing showing the passport, this only before the transport authorities; and is required in case the tourist is involved in traffic problems, whether infractions or accidents.
It is also required by insurance companies, to cover costs in the event of accidents abroad, and car rental companies.
In Colombia it is issued by the ACC, a body that has the support of the United Nations and the International Motoring Federation (FIA). It is valid for one year, from the date of issue. For your issuance attach the original identity document and current driver’s license, and a 3 × 4 photo with blue or white background.
The form can be purchased at the ACC offices. If the procedure is to be carried out by a person other than the interested party, a certified authorization from a notary, consulate or competent entity is required. (In the case of the parents or siblings of the interested party, a notarized authorization is not required). The value of the procedure is $ 300,000.
You can also do so through the website www.acc.com.co, attaching the digitized documents.
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