I will be renting a car and driving around Provence for a week in November. I had an international drivers license but it expires before I go on this trip. Is it really necessary to have in France? I have a valid US license.

You don't have an International Driver's <i>License</i> It is an International Driver's <u>Permit</u>. It is merely a translation of your US license. An IDP is not required in France - but it is a good thing to have (and since it only costs $10, I don't know why so many are reluctant to get one)

It would only ever be needed if you are stopped by the police/have an accident, etc. It could help if the officer doesn't read English. But again - not required in France . . . .

A licence in English is not a dramatic problem for policemen on the European continent these days. Since times have changed, the need for the international permit has all but disappeared in Europe.

Mine cost $10 plus another $15 for photos. I got it because I was going to be driving in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro--and it seemed like a good idea. They never asked for it at the car rental desks. Even during a hassle about adequate car insurance upon entering Montenegro did the less than pleasant &quot;officers&quot; request it. Not that I was stopped by the police or in an accident, but it did seem that everyone I encountered seemed to speak and read at least a little English. I probably wouldn't get one again unless I knew it was required. I've never had one while driving in France.

&lt; the need for the international permit has all but disappeared in Europe. &gt;

Aside from the fact it's a legal requirement in countries like Spain &amp; Italy so a really bolshie copper could fine you or take you down to the cop shop while &quot;things are sorted out&quot;.

Hi RF,

An IDP is not required in France or Germany.

You must have it in Italy and Austria.

One thing that intrigues me about this subject, which comes up regularly about once every two weeks, is that the same two responses are given every time:
1. You don't need it; don't worry about it.
2. You need it for certain countries; better safe than sorry.

However, I have no recollection of anybody saying &quot;I didn't have one, and the most terrible things happened to me because of it -- never again!&quot; Therefore, either all of these people are still in prison, or absolutely nothing bad happens when you don't have one, even in countries which maintain the official requirement (not respected by car rental companies in any case).

That's a good point, kerouc. Even though an IDP may be required by law in some countries, since your chances of actually getting caught without one and getting into trouble are pretty minimal, there is really no sense in getting one. Is that what you're saying? While we're at it, the chances you're going to cause an accident are pretty minimal too, so to save money it's a good idea to avoid all insurance at all. In fact, having an IDP in a country where it is required by law IS very much like having insurance.

My theory is &quot;When the law specifically says you must do something, then I prefer to do it, not just risk getting caught if I don't&quot;. But how you live your life is your own business.

But back to France -- no, you don't need one there.

What I'm saying is just that it takes a long time for outdated rules &amp; laws to be removed from the books, but it happens sooner or later. I remember when you couldn't come to Europe without your international vaccination certificate.

Yes, some of us still have to go to a different state to engage in certain sexual practices because the law hasn't been changed yet. You never know when an officer of the law might be hiding under you bed.

That's right -- driving without a required IDP in a country that requires one and having sexual relations that are considered illegal are EXACTLY the same. Thanks for bringing me back to the world of INTELLIGENT discussion.

If you have an expired one already, take that but I would not get a new one.

One thing to add since you are renting a car. Check the contract CAREFULLY. I didn't notice the rental company (in Paris) stated that an IDP was required for rental till the day before I was going to pick it up. Spent a couple hours trying to find where I could get an IDP in Paris, and found it can only be obtained in your home country. Incredibly, I found another rental company that did not require an IDP that didn't charge that much more. But imagine if I hadn't noticed the requirement for an IDP till I got to the counter!