I'm a Canadian resident / citizen. I have rented cars in many different European countries in the past 10+ years, (UK, France, Germany, Switz, Spain, Italy, Neths. etc) and never really needed an Int'l Drivers Licence before.

When I booked a car for Rome, via the US office of "Auto Europe" they said that I needed an IDP in Italy. Is that true these days? Have the laws changed recently? Do I really need one now?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, an IDP is now required by law for foreigners in Italy and you can expect to have to show it at the rental office as well as to police, if stopped.

Yes, an IDP is now required by law for foreigners in Italy and you can expect to have to show it at the rental office as well as to police, if stopped.

Really? Is this only Italy? I've rented cars in Europe a millions times and never needed one.

I've rented in Italy many times and have never had to show an IDP either.

During the 25 years I worked in Italy, I made sure to have my IDL always up to date. I considered this as insurance to avoid ever getting trapped in the horrendous Italian judicial system, due to lack of having the correct documentation. The joke used to be that Italy survived by the sale of officially mandated papers (carta bollata) and the correct stamps required to be on them. Getting the IDL only required submitting your home driving permit and payment of a small fee. It used to be $10 for a validity of 6 months. I got mine at the local AAA. Incidentally, the license must be obtained prior to arrival in Italy.

I've rented in Italy many times and have never had to show an IDP either.

You were in breach of Italian law. If you do not hold an EU or Swiss driving license, Italy requires a license with an "Italian translation or declaration" and you can be very well trapped in the Italian judical system if you fail to produce this if stopped by the police. This requirement is satisfied by the IDP.

Really? Is this only Italy? I've rented cars in Europe a millions times and never needed one.


I believe it is pretty new. I've rented cars in Italy before and not needed it, so it's either a new law in Italy or it's an old law that's being enforced. I'm not sure which ...

Each country has their own laws on this. I believe Portugal is another European country that requires an IDP pf foreigners.

They take ten minutes to get at your local AAA and I think they're $20, not $10. But they are valid for one year. I think they're silly things and they state quite plainly they certify nothing -- they're simply a bureaucratic translation of standard language. I carry one when I drive in Europe or Oz but have never been asked to produce it.

I carry one when I drive in Europe or Oz but have never been asked to produce it.

Ditto, which is why I stopped bothering. Even thought they're cheap, the hassle of getting one and then remembering to carry it without ever needing it caused me to stop obtaining them.

They just always seemed like one more way to extract a few bucks from novice travelers who didn't know better.

Found this:

DRIVING IN ITALY

It is a legal requirement for all foreigners driving in Italy to obtain an International Driver's Permit (IDP; not to be confused with the International Drivers License) and many rental car companies are now starting to require it. Only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue an IDP: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (through the National Automobile Club). To obtain a permit that is good for one year, you must show up at one of their offices with a valid state-issued driver's license, $10 and two passport-size photographs. For more information see http://www.nationalautoclub.com/html/idp.html

http://selectitaly.com/tips.php?p=driving

I was never asked for an IDP! Not sure, if the above information is correct.

Found this:

DRIVING IN ITALY

It is a legal requirement for all foreigners driving in Italy to obtain an International Driver's Permit (IDP; not to be confused with the International Drivers License) and many rental car companies are now starting to require it. Only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue an IDP: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (through the National Automobile Club). To obtain a permit that is good for one year, you must show up at one of their offices with a valid state-issued driver's license, $10 and two passport-size photographs. For more information see http://www.nationalautoclub.com/html/idp.html

http://selectitaly.com/tips.php?p=driving

I was never asked for an IDP! Not sure, if the above information is correct.


I believe it is correct. If you look in some specific Italy travel boards, you'll find many, many people are saying they have been required to produce the IDP lately and have been turned away for not having it. My parents spend a lot of time in each year Italy and have just encountered this for the first time. Yes, it's a ridiculous document, but it's probably worth the few dollars to avoid being turned away by the rental office.

I obtained one a few years ago because it was required for Austria. Of course, I left it at home for the next trip during which I drove through Italy.

cost only $10 and took about as many minutes. They also gave me a a so-so road map! For the small price and time, I cannot image driving in Italy without one. I hate to think what one pullover could do to our 3 week tour. Get one, make sure you have it with you over there, and don't think about it again unless you need it!

I obtained one a few years ago because it was required for Austria. Of course, I left it at home for the next trip during which I drove through Italy.

They expire after a year anyway.

Right. But I was fortunate enough to be traveling 5 months later!

Good thing I decided to read this board yesterday. I promptly went to my local AAA and got my IDP and pictures all taken care of for my Europe trip in April/May. Cost $23.62 ($15 for the IDP, $8 for passport photos, $0.62 in tax). You can specify the date you wish for it to be active, so I chose the day after we land in Europe, good for a year too. Better be safe than sorry, especially since I plan on using this in Asia for a trip next year as well.

Cheers,

Adrian

$8 for passport photos.

Next time try this:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=22

A little OT, but something to watch out for- Italy now has some automated traffic cameras that photograph the license plates of speeders. It seems like rental cars get cought disproportionally to their actual prevalence on the road. One friend got a €400 ticket in the mail after returning back to the states, and I've heard a number of similar reports. (the rental agreement makes you responsible for tix, and fighting them in Italian courts isn't a viable option).

So, be careful about speeding in a rental car!

Next time try this:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=22

Good to know, thanks. Unfortunately, the convenience of doing it all at AAA and in a limited amount of time won this time. :)

Cheers,

Adrian

Stupid question of the day. I've never found any reason to join AAA. Do you need to be a member to take advantage of this service?

to be a member of AAA to obtain an International Driver's license.

Found this:

I was never asked for an IDP! Not sure, if the above information is correct.

The informatino is correct. You should produce and IDP. I live in Italy, and before I received my Italian licence I made sure my IDP was up to date. Granted, they may not require it- but they can and you could be faced with a fine or having the car impounded...

Stupid question of the day. I've never found any reason to join AAA. Do you need to be a member to take advantage of this service?

My being a member didn't provide me with anything above what anybody else looking for an IDP would've received. They did ask to see my AAA card when I initially entered the branch however...hmmm...

Cheers,

Adrian

I rented cars in Italy and Spain last August and neither rental agency asked for my Intl Drivers License (that I did have).

I rented cars in Italy and Spain last August and neither rental agency asked for my Intl Drivers License (that I did have).

You are free to cross a road at red light or to steal my car. As long as you will not get caught you do not have a real problem. But the law still it the law.

Drove in Italy in 2002 and 2004. It was not required then, but I always had one with me. Got it from local AAA office. Bring your own pictures (2), or AAA charges you an arm and a leg for them.

I didn't know things had changed. I'd been driving in Italy ... including having rented cars for intra-Italy trips ... many times and not yet been flagged down for this (i.e., no IDP).

Is the IDP also required for those renting cars outside of Italy and driving through Italy?

I rented in France a few years back and was returning on a rural highway when flashing lights appeared ahead.

It was a traffic stop where every driver had to show papers.

Why chance it?

I rented in France a few years back and was returning on a rural highway when flashing lights appeared ahead.

It was a traffic stop where every driver had to show papers.

Why chance it?

The same has happened to us, in Italy, on three occassions. We were also glad to have a IDP

Good to know - I drove in Italy just a couple of months ago in ignorant bliss.

Driving in Italy – Documents You Need

• Valid U.S. License, with Italian translation, or International Driving Permit (obtainable only in the United States).
• Note: Lost/Stolen U.S. driver's licenses cannot be replaced overseas.
See also: International Driver's Permit (AAA).

http://milan.usconsulate.gov/acs.asp#driveinitaly

For the record, in alternative you can also get a translation of your license done for 10 Euros + 2 pictures at any A.C.I. (AAA equivalent here in Italy).

I have never been asked for an IDP either by the police or any rental agencies on quite a huge amount of rentals. If your licence is in another language than English or not from an European Union country, the IDP or translation is probably necessary.