Key points
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your US license, not a license of its own, so it only counts when you carry it together with your state license.
- Italy, Spain, France, Austria and Czechia expect a US license to come with an IDP (in Italy, France and Austria an official translation also works); Italy fines drivers without one €408 to €1,634.
- Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands accept a US license on its own for a visit, but rental companies and insurers can still ask for an IDP; Hertz, Europcar and Budget in Greece do.
- Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the State Department to issue IDPs in the US; AAA charges $20, the permit is valid for one year and it cannot be issued abroad.
Quick check: pick your license and the countries on your route to see if you need an International Driving Permit.
Open the IDP checkerWhat an International Driving Permit is, and what it is not
An International Driving Permit translates the information on your driver's license into several languages, in a format set by a UN road traffic convention. It does not replace your license. USA.gov tells travelers to carry both the IDP and their driver's license while visiting another country.
The State Department says some countries accept a US driver's license, while in many others you must have an IDP. Europe has both, and each country sets its own rule.
1949 or 1968: which IDP Americans get
There are two main conventions behind today's IDPs: the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. According to the UN treaty records, the United States ratified the 1949 convention in 1950 but is not a party to the 1968 one. A US IDP is therefore the 1949 type, and it is valid for one year.
Most countries in this guide are 1949 parties too, including Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, France, Austria, Croatia, the Netherlands, Ireland and Czechia. Germany is not, and Switzerland signed it without ratifying. That does not leave Americans stuck: Germany's licensing rules (FeV § 29) list 1949-convention permits as valid proof of a foreign license.
UK sources mention a 1968 IDP for most of Europe because the UK has joined that convention; this does not apply to US permits.
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Start a searchHow to get an IDP in the US: AAA, AATA, cost and timing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can issue one? | USA.gov says only two organizations are authorized by the State Department: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) |
| What does it cost? | AAA charges $20 for in-person and mail applications; check AATA's site for its current fee |
| Do I need to be a AAA member? | AAA's IDP page does not list membership as a requirement |
| What do I need? | A valid US driver's license and passport photos. AAA asks for two original passport photos for in-person or mail applications; online, you upload a digital photo and images of both sides of your license |
| How early can I apply? | AAA will not issue an IDP more than six months before the start date you choose |
| How long does it take? | AAA says to allow at least five days for online orders to be mailed |
| How long is it valid? | One year, and it cannot be renewed, according to USA.gov. You get a new one for the next trip |
| Can I get it in Europe? | No. AAA says an IDP for a US license can only be issued in the United States |
If you are already abroad, the State Department's Greece page notes that AAA offers a mail-in option, but it will likely take days or weeks. Apply before you leave.
Country table: do US license holders need an IDP?
The table shows what official sources say for a short tourist visit with a US license. "Required" is used only where a government source says so. Where it does not, the rental company column shows why you may still want one.
| Country | IDP legally required? | Rental companies may ask? | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Yes: a US license must be carried with an IDP or an official Italian translation; fine €408 to €1,634 | Yes, Auto Europe lists Italy as requiring an IDP | Italian Highway Code Art. 135 (ACI) |
| Spain | Yes: the State Department says you must get an IDP before arrival and need one to rent a car | Yes, per the State Department | State Department; DGT |
| France | Yes, unless your license is in French: you need an IDP or an official translation for stays under 185 days | Check your rental terms | Service-Public.fr (French government) |
| Austria | Yes: a US license alone is not sufficient; it must come with an IDP or an official translation | Yes, Auto Europe lists Austria | State Department |
| Czechia | Yes: you must have an IDP in addition to your US license | Yes, Auto Europe lists Czechia | State Department |
| Germany | Not for tourists, says ADAC; the law (FeV § 29) asks for a translation of licenses not in German unless exempt, and an IDP serves as one | Yes, Auto Europe lists Germany | FeV § 29; ADAC |
| Greece | No: Article 98 of the Greek Highway Code (Law 5209/2025) recognizes a valid US license during your stay; the State Department says insurers may require an IDP for coverage | Yes: Hertz (Athens Airport), Europcar and Budget in Greece require an IDP with a US license; Enterprise at Athens Airport does not | Law 5209/2025 Art. 98; State Department; rental terms |
| Portugal | No: the State Department says you can drive on a US license for up to six months; IMT allows licenses from convention countries for up to 185 days | Check your rental terms | State Department; IMT |
| Switzerland | No: you may drive on a valid US license for up to one year after arrival; ch.ch says an IDP is needed only in some cases, for example if your license does not show the vehicle categories in Latin characters | Check your rental terms | State Department; ch.ch |
| Ireland | No: you can use your US license for a temporary stay of up to one year | Yes, the State Department says some insurers and rental companies may request one | State Department |
| Netherlands | No: tourists may drive on a foreign license; RDW calls an IDP wise if your license categories are not shown as A, B, C, D, E | Check your rental terms | RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) |
| Croatia | Not mentioned as required by the State Department; Norway's embassy in Croatia says valid foreign licenses are recognized on a reciprocity basis without an IDP | Check your rental terms | State Department; Royal Norwegian Embassy in Zagreb |
Rules change, so check the State Department page for each country on your route and your booking's terms before you travel.
The tricky cases: Germany, Spain, Greece, Croatia and the Netherlands
- Germany: The Local reports that a valid US license can be used for the first six months after entering Germany. ADAC says tourists need no translation, but FeV § 29 requires one for licenses not written in German, with exemptions for EU, EEA and Swiss licenses and 1968-format licenses. An IDP settles the question.
- Spain: The traffic authority DGT says a non-EU license must be in Spanish, officially translated or in the convention format, and advises getting an IDP at home. The State Department says you must have one. Treat it as required.
- Greece: Article 98 of the Greek Highway Code recognizes a valid US license for visitors, and the State Department says Greek law requires you to carry it. But the State Department adds that insurers may require an IDP, and Hertz, Europcar and Budget in Greece require one to rent. Bring one.
- Croatia: Neither the State Department nor the Norwegian embassy's summary of Croatian rules says an IDP is required for a visit, but rental companies set their own rules.
- Netherlands: RDW says license categories must be A, B, C, D or E and an IDP is wise if yours use other designations. Check how your state shows your license class.
At the rental desk: company rules, age and time held
Rental companies can set rules that are stricter than the law, and the counter agent applies the company's rules, not the State Department's. Auto Europe says a number of rental agencies require an IDP and enforcement varies by supplier and country. If the terms require one and you do not have it, the desk can refuse the car, and you cannot get one locally.
Age and time-held rules also come from the company. Examples from current terms:
- Europcar Greece: all drivers must have held a full license for at least 12 months; the minimum age is 21 for mini and economy cars and 23 for other categories.
- Sixt France: the driver must have held a license for at least two years, and Sixt applies a young driver surcharge under 25 in France.
- Sixt Spain and Germany: the required time holding a license depends on the car group, from one day to three years, and the minimum age ranges from 18 to 25.
Read the license section of the terms for your pick-up office. If it mentions an IDP, bring one.
Police checks, fines and insurance
- Italy: driving with a US license but without an IDP or official translation is fined €408 to €1,634 under Article 135 of the Highway Code.
- Spain: the State Department says police who catch you without an IDP might impound your rental car, and you will have to pay a fine on the spot.
- Czechia: the State Department says not having an IDP with a valid license may mean an additional fine if you are stopped for a traffic offense.
Insurance is the less visible risk. The State Department warns that without an IDP in Czechia you may face denial of an insurance claim after an accident, and that in Greece insurers may require an IDP for coverage. How this affects a claim depends on the policy, so read the license conditions in your rental agreement and any card or travel insurance you rely on.
The State Department also reminds drivers that US auto insurance may not cover you abroad and that even accepted coverage may not meet local requirements, so ask your insurer before the trip.
What to carry in the car
- Your physical US driver's license, valid for the whole trip.
- Your International Driving Permit, if you have one, kept with the license. On its own it is worthless.
- Your passport. Europcar Greece asks non-EU renters for the IDP together with a passport or ID card, and the DGT says to carry the IDP with your passport and foreign license.
- The rental agreement and the credit card in the main driver's name used for the booking.
UK, Canadian and Australian licenses: the short version
- UK: GOV.UK says you do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a UK photocard license. Paper licenses and licenses from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man may need one in some countries. UK IDPs come in 1926, 1949 and 1968 versions, and you buy them in person at certain PayPoint shops for £5.50.
- Canada: CAA says it is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs in Canada. The fee is C$32 from December 1, 2025 (it can vary by province), and the permit is valid for one year or until your license expires.
- Australia: the Australian Automobile Association is the official issuer, with state motoring clubs such as RACV selling permits on its behalf; RACV charges A$55. It is valid for 12 months, and RACV says you can also apply from overseas and have it sent to you.
Canadian and Australian drivers should check their own government's advice for each country, since the table covers US licenses only.
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Start a searchFrequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe with a US license?
In some countries. Italy, Spain, France, Austria and Czechia expect an IDP (or, in some, an official translation) with a US license; Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands do not. Rental companies may ask anywhere.
Where can I get an International Driving Permit in the US?
Only from AAA or AATA, the two issuers authorized by the State Department. AAA charges $20 in person or by mail and also takes online orders.
How long is a US International Driving Permit valid?
One year, and it cannot be renewed, according to USA.gov. AAA issues it no more than six months before the start date you choose.
Can I get an International Driving Permit after I arrive in Europe?
No. AAA says an IDP for a US license can only be issued in the United States. AAA has a mail-in option from abroad, but the State Department says it will likely take days or weeks.
Is an online international driver's license valid?
Only if it is an IDP from AAA or AATA. USA.gov warns that other websites selling international driver's licenses or IDPs are often fraudulent.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Germany?
ADAC says tourists do not need a translation of their license, but Auto Europe lists Germany as requiring an IDP, so check your rental terms.
Sources
- International driver's license for U.S. citizens · USA.gov
- Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad · U.S. State Department
- International Driving Permit · AAA
- Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 19 September 1949: status · United Nations Treaty Collection
- Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna, 8 November 1968: status · United Nations Treaty Collection
- Codice della Strada, Art. 135 · ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia)
- Spain Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Conducir con un permiso extranjero · DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
- Permisos válidos para conducir en España · DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
- Conduire en France avec un permis étranger pendant un court séjour · Service-Public.fr
- Austria International Travel Information · U.S. State Department
- Czechia Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung § 29: Ausländische Fahrerlaubnisse · German Federal Ministry of Justice
- Führerschein-Übersetzung · ADAC
- How long can you use your American driver's licence in Germany? · The Local Germany
- Greece Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Law 5209/2025 (Highway Code), Article 98: driving licenses · Taxheaven (Greek legislation database)
- Car Rental: Athens Airport · Hertz
- Rental conditions Greece · Budget
- Athens El Venizelos Airport (ATH) Car Rental · Enterprise
- Greece Terms & Conditions · Europcar (KINSEN Hellas)
- Portugal Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Países aderentes às convenções · IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes)
- Switzerland Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- International driving licence · ch.ch (Swiss authorities)
- Ireland Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Driving with a foreign driving licence · RDW
- Croatia Travel Advisory · U.S. State Department
- Do I need an international driving licence in Croatia? · Royal Norwegian Embassy in Zagreb
- International Driver's Permit FAQ · Auto Europe
- Rental information for Europe · Sixt
- Driving abroad: International driving permit · GOV.UK
- International Driving Permit · CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
- International driving licence · RACV
Checked in October 2026. Rules, prices and hours can change. Official sources and your rental company's terms always take precedence.
