I'm at the very beginning of planning a trip from Argentina to the states for the next six months. I've read a lot about international drivers licenses, and local motorcycle license, but is any of this really needed? I have valid California motorcycle drivers license, is that enough? If so should I print out something showing that the little M1 next to Class means I am allowed to drive a motorcycle?

If, whatever you print out is in English language, you may not be any further. Most likely it's not necessary. But, for peace of mind, just get the international license. The more official looking the documents (lots of stamps and fancy signatures) the easier any processing (in most cases).

Good luck!

__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"

Definitely get the Int'l License (I paid $15cdn), its easy to photocopy and you can use copies to hand over at spot checks etc without concern about your "real" license.

In a lot of ways the Int'l Permit has a more authentic look from the local perspective than the credit card type ID's used in North America.

Even if you are supposed to be fine in most Latin American Countries, if not all, with your Californian License, getting an International Driving License, as suggested, would be the best option. In places or in countries like Peru, where you are likely to be stopped several times, nothing seems to be enough for police, who might expect to get some 'reward' out of you. The more documents you have, the more peace of mind you will enjoy of.

__________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KncXg_VOkj0

No , really anywhere in the Americas you can ride officially with your oficial California USA drivers license, or any other state's or province's .
The IDP is only a formula document translating the data from your state license into a cluster of languages, it has no value without your actual license as backup with it, i.e. if you loose your driving priveleges for some reason the IDP is also invalidated.
Just because some cops look for la mordida is no guarantee that they will fall to the ground crying in fear and awe as you whip out your IDP
If it comforts you to spend $15 or $20 to get the IDP then do so.If you want to create fake documents go whole hog,make an official passe partout signed by the viceroy of New Spain , King Juan Carlos and Simon Bolivar.
The only thing you should really copy is your actual drivers license, laminate it ,whatever,multiple copies. Then if some ne'er do well cop starts at you , proffer the copy.Comes in handy too in your daily need to show ID without having to get out the real item.
The US and Canada are not the only ones to make driver's licenses in credit card format. A very good idea, better than the European system of having big fold out documents, with sub sections, loose parts etc etc The newer ones have all the hi-tech features, magnetic strip,hi-def pictures , maybe soon microchip.And that goes for some of the Latin american countries too. Soon they will all have the scanners and card readers at the ready. Oops , better show the real one if the cop has all the equipment at the ready

(spelling correction)

__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93

I.D.P. is a good idea. Don't EVER hand over your actual license WHEN you get stopped. Give them your I.D.P. / L and if you get shook down for a bribe they can keep your permit and you'll still have your actual license.

so it seems like it may be possible to wing it on the road without an IDP, but is one necessary in order to register bikes etc, in Chile in particular?

i would get an IDP but i'm abroad and not going back to canada before i fly to santiago, so i think its impossible.

thanks

That was the best laugh I have had in a long time.
Thanks for it.

Here in Chile your California license is valid, no need the IDP.

Just as curiosity: The Chilean law said that any foreigner with car valid license can drive any motorized vehicle, for example a military tank, then in theory you need your CAR licence to ride bikes, or any other vehicle, but as usual in Latin America the police do the right and ask you for your bike license.

__________________
Ya verás como quieren en Chile al amigo cuando es forastero (traditional song)

Jose Pedro Espinosa
Santiago, Chile

Yes get one gust to have it. You do not need it and is not backed by any state or nation. As in it is not "real" just lets the cop read something about you. Copies, copies, and spare paper work works better.

If you are planing there is a meeting coming near you California - Cambria, October 14-16 2011 more info than you think you will need. Answers to questions you do not know to ask.

Things had changed in Argentina, be sure to have an international driver license WITH your state license, one without the other is legaly useless almost in any country is the world, any cop with more than 3 years in the road knows this and can put you in a lot of trouble.
If you need more info, write me at sinners_mc@yahoo.com
Good luck and ride safe.
Rod
President.
Sinners Mc
Argentina

__________________
Rod.
Sinners Mc. Arg.