The Nevada Consumer Affairs Division warns drivers that there is no such thing as an International Driver’s License.  Any individual or company trying to sell them is attempting to defraud the public and should be avoided. These scammers may advertise a storefront on local radio or send spam e-mail.  They may have slick, professional-looking websites.  No matter what they claim, they are defrauding consumers by offering these worthless documents.

If you see the following type of ad, be cautious!   It is a scam.

Need a new driver's license? Too many points or other license trouble? Want a license that can never be suspended or revoked? Want ID for nightclubs or hotel check-in? Avoid tickets, fines and mandatory driver's education. Protect your privacy, and hide your identity. Take advantage of your rights. Order a valid International Driver's License that can never be suspended or revoked. Confidentiality assured. Call now!

Nevada Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Troy Dillard notes, “Part of the reason this scam is so successful is that there is a legitimate International Driving Permit.  It’s easy for consumers to get confused.” International Driving Permits (IDPs) may be purchased from an automobile association authorized by the U.S. Department of State.  IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the United States and function as a legal identification document that translates U.S. driver's license information into 11 foreign languages. An IDP is not a replacement for a valid U.S. state license.  It is not valid in a person’s country of residence. A driver would only need an IDP if visiting a country that doesn't recognize a driver's license from the United States or renting a car from a company that requires one.

Nevada Consumer Affairs Commissioner James E. Campos says, “This scam is particularly insidious because it targets our minority citizens, especially Hispanics, who are trying to obtain identification for work purposes.  Many of these unscrupulous businesses place ads in foreign-language newspapers that direct consumers to websites or local storefronts in an attempt to draw in unsuspecting non-native speakers.”

Consumers being scammed by a seller of bogus International Driver’s Licenses are advised to report it to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles by visiting their website at http://www.dmvnv.com/ or by calling, in Las Vegas, (702) 486-4368 or, in Carson City, (775) 684-4368.

For more information, visit the FTC online at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/driveralrt.shtm or the Nevada Consumer Affairs Division Fight Fraud website at http://fightfruad.nv.gov.