Marysyoga

Our group is renting a car in Florence to drive around Tuscany for a week. Do we
need to get a international drivers license here in the states before we go?

ira

Yes.

The IDP is required by law.

See http://www.aaasouth.com/home.aspx

adrienne

Absolutely.

StCirq

By law, you must either carry the International Driver's Permit (it's not a license) or a notarized professional translation of your American license. Obviously, the IDP is the easier way to go.

travelerjan

Do not fret Mary, it's simple as pie. No test. Just stop by the nearest AAA office in your area. Bring your valid driver's license, $15, and 2 passport size photos (you can D-I-Y). If they have to take the photos themselves, they'll stick you for another $5-10. You get your IDP on the spot to take with you.

Sometimes an rentalagency will rent to you without one, but if you get stopped by police for ANY reason, you'd be in trouble, or even if you got a fender-bender or a scratch, insurance would not cover if you have no IDP.

As others have noted, do not search web... there is something online called INternational Drivers LICENSE, which is fake, fraud, and a scam. AAA... $15... Intl Drivers PERMIT.

nytraveler

You need to be sure that you have one for each person who might drive - and let the agency know which people will drive. there is an additional charge for extra drivers - but if something happens and the driver isn;t noted on the contract your insurance will be invalid.

JohnTRN

From the US Embassy - Italy web site
http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/general-driving.asp

"If the permit expires while abroad, you may apply for a new one by mail through the American Automobile Association (AAA), Worldwide Travel Dept., 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746, tel. (407) 444-7000, fax (407) 444-7380.

Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an Italian translation issued by one of the following offices of the Italian Automobile Club (ACI):

ACI (Rome office) - via Marsala 14a - Tel: 06-4998-2496
ACI (Naples office) - piazzale Vincenzo Tecchio 49d - Tel: 081-725-3811"

We've rented cars in England, Aruba, St. Martin and St. Thomas without an IDP.

Cheers!

John

J62

Being able to rent a car is irrelevant. I've rented cars in Italy without having to show an IDP. As others have said it's a legal requirement, regardless of whether or not the rental car company asks for one or not.

Gina817

Call your AAA first. We have several in our area, but only a handful actually had the international DL service. Then DH went to one and they were "out of stock." Ha!
Just save yourself the trouble and call first.

DalaiLlama

Save yourself some time and fill in the form first - here it is:
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc...d=212&secure=N

docdan

Just did that in May - got my IDP at our local AAA without problem. Agree with above - was not asked for it by rental agency, but there is no way I'd want to chance ruining a vacation in Italy due to lack of this simple additional requirement. Do you need some lodging/intinerary sugggestions?

Coincidenza

The police may take your rental car away if you get stopped and don't have an IDL.

Paul1950

And, if you have an accident, not having a International Driving Permit can void your rental car insurance if your rental company or credit card company choose to do so. Note that you still have to carry your official driving license with the IDP. You need both.

alanRow

"We've rented cars in England, Aruba, St. Martin and St. Thomas without an IDP."

None of them are in Italy - so what's the point?

In any case what a car hire company asks for may not be what is required under the law

StCirq

It's not the car rental agency's job to determine whether you've got an IDP or not. I've rented countless cars in Italy and NEVER been asked by the rental agency if I have the IDP or not. That doesn't absolve me of the responsibility of having one.

And rentals in England, Aruba, St. Martin, and St. Thomas are completely irrelevant to the question.