Free tool · Updated October 2026
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
Pick your license and every country on your route. You get the answer for each country, the strictest rule for the whole trip, and the official source behind it.
Select at least one country to see the answer.
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Compare car hireAll countries at a glance (US license)
What official sources say for a short tourist visit with a US driver's license. "Required" is used only where a government source says so.
| Country | IDP? | Details and source |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Required | Required. A US license must be carried with an IDP or an official Italian translation. Fine: €408 to €1,634. Italian Highway Code Art. 135 (ACI) |
| Spain | Required | Required. The State Department says you must get an IDP before arrival and need one to rent a car. Police may impound the car and fine you on the spot. U.S. State Department: Spain |
| France | Required | Required unless your license is in French: you need an IDP or an official translation for stays under 185 days. Service-Public.fr |
| Austria | Required | Required. A US license alone is not enough; it must come with an IDP or an official translation. U.S. State Department: Austria |
| Czechia | Required | Required in addition to your US license. Without one you risk an extra fine and a denied insurance claim. U.S. State Department: Czechia |
| Germany | Bring one | Not for tourists, says ADAC, but the law (FeV § 29) asks for a translation of licenses not in German and an IDP serves as one. Rental companies may ask. FeV § 29 (German Ministry of Justice) |
| Greece | Bring one | Not legally required: Greek law (Law 5209/2025, Art. 98) recognizes a valid US license. But insurers may require one, and Hertz, Europcar and Budget in Greece ask US renters for an IDP. U.S. State Department: Greece |
| Ireland | Bring one | Not required for a temporary stay of up to one year, but the State Department says some insurers and rental companies may ask for one. U.S. State Department: Ireland |
| Portugal | Not required | Not required: you can drive on a US license for up to six months. Check your rental terms. U.S. State Department: Portugal |
| Switzerland | Not required | Not required: a valid US license is fine for up to one year after arrival. An IDP is only needed in some cases, e.g. if your license doesn't show vehicle categories in Latin characters. ch.ch (Swiss authorities) |
| Netherlands | Not required | Not required for tourists. RDW calls an IDP wise if your license categories are not shown as A, B, C, D or E. RDW (Dutch vehicle authority) |
| Croatia | Not required | Not listed as required: valid foreign licenses are recognized without an IDP. Rental companies set their own rules. U.S. State Department: Croatia |
Rental companies can be stricter than the law, and the desk applies the company's rules. If your booking terms mention an IDP, bring one. If you cross borders, plan for the strictest country on the route.
Read the full guide: International Driving Permit for Europe →
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This tool gives general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check your government's advice and your rental terms before you travel. Data checked October 2026.