Can anyone tell me if an International drivers License is needed in europe.

Yes. Plus local USA state one. Also insurance card (so-called Green Card). Check with country USA embassy for specific requirements. AAA Heathrow, FL can provide one. Download application. Allow sufficient time to get it.

When I rented a car and drove in France the summer of 2002 it was not needed.

Based on past posts here on Fodors, it seems that Italy and some Eastern European countries require them. They're not really a legal document, just a translation of your license, so I'd say if you're going to countries that don't speak English, it's one of those can't-hurt-might-help sorts of things.

As far as Italy is concerned, yes it is required to have an IDP to drive a car BUT and this is the big one, it is not required to rent one. So if you don't have it and you do not get in an accident or stopped by the police you will not have a problem. But if you do get stopped, be prepared to pay a hefty fine as they are finally cracking down.

Some info on IDPs (note that it is not an international drivers license):

http://www.aaa-calif.com/members/cor...intpermits.asp

You don't need one in England.

I have family coming to Italy to visit me this summer. Only one is a member of AAA. Do you know if AAA process' applications for non-members? Where else can they get one besides AAA?

Thanks!

What Italy requires is a copy of your license in Italian. One way to do this is with a IDP. You can check the Italy web sites for the complete rules.

You can get them from AAA even if you are not a member

Anybody can walk into AAA, pay their $10, plus the cost of taking the photo if you don't bring one with you, and get an International Drivers Lic.

I know Austria requires an Int't Driv Lic, but I have never used one in Italy. Check with AAA and they will tell you which countries require one.

Thanks for the info!