International Driver's Permit
 

My husband and I plan to rent a car to explore Italy's Chianti Road in October. Frommers had a short blurb regarding the International Driver's Permit and I was wondering if it is necessary to have for car rental. Any comments would be appreciated.

My comment would be:

Yes, it is.

(even if you might get you car without having one)

Have fun in Italy!

Yes. See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34595549

Best wishes,

Rex

AAA charges $15. Get one. If you get in an accident and don't have one you could be in BIG trouble, even if you can rent a car without it.

Thank you very much for your comments. I contacted our local AAA office and they said it takes one day to process the application (download from www.aaa.com) form. Again, thank you!

quansung, we purchased an IDP twice, both times at AAA, and it took only a matter of minutes, not a whole day. We printed off the form from the website and had it filled in when we arrived. We handed them the form, our drivers license, and a couple of passport photos and about 10 minutes later we walked out with the permit. They definitely didn't "process" anything and the whole thing was quick and easy.

Good luck!
Tracy

That's right, and they'll even take the photos for you, it's built into the cost. The whole process takes less than a half hour.

Poland requires a USA/foreign driver to have a valid license plus an IDP. Insurance is also required. Occasionally random traffic stops occur. Cars are also required to carry a first aid kit, a stopped car signal and a fire extinguisher.

If you have a Plus membership with AAA (about $60/year; well worth every penny so far), the IDP is free (at least on my club it is).

quan-- if you need more feedback on the topic, just browse past threads as this topic has been discussed many times previously. My husband and I were told by an Italian policeman that they know to ask for the IDP if the driver is a tourist. If they see the need to take your license, they will take the IDP instead of your home's driver license. Well worth the effort to get one to me. Last time we used it was in 2003 while driving in the outskirts of Amsterdam during a random sobriety road check. We have been in such random chacks in Spain, France, Italy, and Amsterdam and the IDP seems to come through for us consistently.

Thank you all for taking the time to post a response to my question. I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. Again, thank you!