Leaving next month for Crete. Question for those who rented vehicles, is this driving permit needed? If so, where in the states do you obtain one?
Thanks!

An IDP isn't 'required' in Greece, however it isn't a bad idea to have one. Since most rental agencies are franchises they may make up their own rules. You can get IDPs at most any AAA office.

In my experience, rental car agencies have never, not ever, over decades of traveling, not once asked for an IDP, even if it is a legal requirement in their country.
The folks who may/will care are the police.

If as janis says an IDP isn't required, then I personally would not waste the time or effort to get one. The IDP simply translates the US DL info into many languages, and the important info on a DL such as name, DOB, expiration, address are all hard to not understand....

Well, I've been asked for my IDP once or twice. Not in Greece, that I remember, but I won't swear to it. Easy to get, not expensive, better IMO than being stuck without one when it is needed. JMO.

Kja, may we know the reasons or circumstances under which you were asked for your IDP?

If I could recall them, I would happily provide them! Once when picking a car up, but I can't say where or when. Just not something to which I paid attention! Once when turning a car in with minor damage. That was in Bucharest. Apparently, the rental agency needed to file a police report and, IIRC, it was easier to obtain info from the IDP than my actual license. Once in Portugal when I apparently entered a roundabout inappropriately. Police who didn't speak English stopped me and perused my IDP for quite a while before sending me on my way.

We were asked for our IDPs last November in Turin. First time we’ve ever been asked. Fortunately, we both had them as Auto Europe clearly stated in our reservation that it was required. The car was from Europcar. We pick up a car at CDG in a couple weeks, it will be interesting to see if we are asked for it there.

A few years back there was a claim a tourist had their car totalled by a drunk driver. The insurance company washed their hands because they didn't have an IDP. The rental company wanted the car paid for by the renter.

This was in Italy.

But the point is your insurance requires you to have a valid license. In countries that require an IDP you need an IDP.

For Greece
https://gr.usembassy.gov/drivers-lic...cle%20accident.

OK will check into it with AAA. As always, thank you!

Greece does not require, as of 2022, an IDP, so you’re good to go. If by chance you decide to visit another EU country you will need it as most others require it, such as Italy, Germany and France. Happy travels

This is old information. The latest is that an IDP IS NOT REQUIRED in Greece. Period. We went 2023.2024,2025 and didn’t need it. Were never asked for it by any rental agency. It’s for when and I one gets pulled over by the police and so that they have a document in their language, Greek. It’s a no brainer, really

But if you do get pulled over, or involved in an accident then having the document in Greek could make life a lot easier for the sake of a few dollars.
It is never the rental company that decides if an IDP is needed but the government of the country.

1) IDPs are not required Germany. They are 100% required in Italy and now also required in France.
2) While not a legal requirement in several European countries it is recommended to have one.
3) You are right - Rental agencies won't usually ask to see one. Rental agencies don't care one way or the other. It is the authorities who matter.

Funny that the only time I've been asked for one at a rental counter was in Ireland -- where they are not required and where presumably the authorities can read English so wouldn't be helpful in any case.

Tiny investment so why not??

N.B. Where an IDP is required, it’s for driving, not renting, a vehicle. Each country has its own rules, and it may depend upon which country issued your driver’s license. For drivers with a US state license, AAA is the agency responsible for issuing the IDP. If you need an IDP, it’s best to obtain one before you depart on your trip, as you can’t obtain an IDP over the internet. You can apply for one online, but it must be shipped to your address.
Here is the URL for AAA IDP applications: aaa-idp.com

The problem with US licenses was that each of the 50 states issued its own license, and not all followed the international format as set out by the 1968 Vienna convention. That may no longer be the case, IDK, but Greece no longer requires holders of US licenses to have an IDP. By the way, Greek is not one of the languages on an IDP.

We did get the IDP from AAA, just in case. Leaving Friday. My only concern now is parking because we have a 7-passenger vehicle and staying in the old town, Kastelli area.

"In my experience, rental car agencies have never, not ever, over decades of traveling, not once asked for an IDP, even if it is a legal requirement in their country."

I was asked for it by the car rental agency in Prague. Glad you got it. It's a cheap way to keep your peace of mind. Have fun!