International driver's license needed in Italy???
 

We will be in Tuscany the first week in May and would like to rent a car for a couple of days- will we need to get a special International license before we leave the States? Some friends of ours have relatives who go to Italy quite a lot and they said that they do need one- but I have heard that our own US driver's license will be sufficient. Which is it? Thank you_ Ciao! Melissa

Get the international permit, required by law in Italy. Car rental agencies may or may not ask for it but if you find yourself in an incident where police are on the scene, you'll be glad you spent that $15. It is not a license but an official translation of your license.

You need an IDP if at any time you are asked for your license as the driver of the car (obviously not needed as identification in a store). You might be lucky and not be stopped, but why take the chance? Your nearest AAA office can furnish one in about half an hour.

And IDP (International Drivers Permit) is an absolute legal requirement for driving in Italy. If you have no contact w/ authorities, it may never come up. But it is still required so you should definitely get one. Your friends are incorrect.

The rental agency may or may not ask to see it -- but they might. And if you don't have it you are SOL.

Melissa, it is not an International license but rather an International Drivers Permit. It translates your English language driver's license into something like 15 different languages. It is the law in Italy that you have to provide the IDP if stopped by any law enforcement person for any reason while driving in Italy. You can obtain the IDP through AAA. If you have an AAA office in your area just go there. They will also take the required passport type photo that is required. If you do not have an AAA office within your area I understand you can obtain the IDP online through AAA. You must also take your regular drivers license with you when driving in Italy. So whome ever told you that your own US driver's license will be sufficient is not correct and they do not know the Italian law. Have a wonderful time in beautiful Italy!

We were stopped by police in Italy during a routine trafic check. They asked for the IDP when my husband showed his USA license and the rental car papers. Luckily, we had one.

A year ago we traveled in Tuscany. Although we weren't asked by our rental agency for the International license, I agree with other responders that I would get it. Your AAA usually offers the license for a small fee.

Hi M5,

You are required to have an IDP to drive in Italy.
See http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

This is IN ADDITION to having your US driver's license with you.

((I))

You only need your German license, no IDP for driving in Italy.

In reply to logos999, if you have an EU license (Germany, England, France etc) then you do not need an IDP as EU licenses are standard, but for all non-EU citizens the law states that an IDP is required.