An international license plate is essential for owners who intend to cross Iran’s borders with their personal vehicle. This plate is issued by the Touring and Automobile Club and allows legal travel in countries that are members of international conventions. In this guide, we review the process of obtaining it, the required documents, conditions, and costs, in complete detail, so that you can follow the steps without confusion.
An international license plate is a temporary identifier that replaces the national Iranian license plate when traveling abroad. The design of this plate follows global standards and can be used in destination countries. When crossing the border, the vehicle owner must use this plate because the national plate cannot be decoded or registered by the police systems of other countries.
This plate is issued with an “International Vehicle Card” and is valid only when the vehicle is insured under international insurance (Blue Card). Holders can travel in countries that are members of traffic conventions without the need for new registration or complex procedures. The global plate is typically issued for a period of 1 year and must be renewed upon expiration. Also, the conditions for using it vary by country; some countries have restrictions on travel duration, and some require registering the vehicle at customs. Having this plate is necessary for road trips to Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, and several European countries. This process is simple and handled through the offices of the Touring and Automobile Club, with no particular complexity.
A national plate is valid only within Iran’s borders and cannot be recognized by foreign traffic systems. The international plate is printed according to global standards, and police in other countries can record and check it. Instead of Persian numerals, it uses Latin letters and numbers, and it has an abbreviated country code (IR).
With a national plate, legal travel abroad is not possible. The international plate prevents vehicle impoundment, fines, or border problems. Also, the global insurance (green card) registers the international plate; without it, insurance coverage is incomplete.
To obtain an international license plate, the vehicle owner must meet specific conditions. The vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name, and a power of attorney is acceptable only if the authorization to take the car out of the country is stated in the document. The owner must be at least 18 years old. Technically, the vehicle should not have any severe defects; the brake systems, lights, and safety equipment must be functional. Valid third-party insurance is required in Iran. For travel to some countries, it is also necessary to obtain green card insurance.
The owner must be at least 18 years old. If the vehicle belongs to a company or organization, an official introduction letter is needed. Ordinary powers of attorney are not accepted unless the right to take the vehicle out of the country is officially stated.
The vehicle must not have any technical malfunctions. Valid third-party insurance is mandatory, and for foreign travel, green card insurance must be obtained. The vehicle documents must also be without any defects or inconsistencies.
For issuing the license plate, providing personal documents and vehicle documents is mandatory. The documents must be complete and valid to prevent delays in the process.
This process includes three main steps: submitting the application, paying the fee, and receiving the documents. The applicant can visit the Touring and Automobile Club offices in person or submit the application online.
In the first step, the documents are reviewed. After completing the forms, the vehicle information is recorded and verified. After approval, you proceed to the payment step.
The issuance tariff is annual and does not vary based on vehicle type. Payment is made via POS device or online.
The plate is usually delivered the same day or at most one business day later. The international vehicle card is issued together with the plate.
The cost includes plate issuance, the international card, and some additional fees. Tariffs are announced annually by the Touring and Automobile Club.
The issuance tariff is fixed and is calculated equally for passenger vehicles. The cost includes plate printing, the card, and administrative process.
Renewal is done after the expiration date. The renewal fee is similar to the initial issuance.
These centers operate in Tehran and several major cities. Most visits are made to the main office on Khorramshahr Street, Tehran. In other provinces, Touring Club branches provide similar services.
Obtaining an international license plate has many benefits, including:
This plate is valid in many parts of the world and allows drivers to experience a comfortable and worry-free journey.
Before leaving the country, consider the following:
By following these tips, your trip will be smooth and free of potential problems.
Obtaining an international license plate is an essential and important process for drivers interested in foreign travel. By preparing the necessary documents, completing the legal steps, and observing important pre-travel tips, you can enjoy driving in different countries without concern. This plate, in addition to making travel easier, increases the legal credibility and reduces border and customs issues.
