Do person with EU passports need to get an IDP in Italy? I'm a UK citizen, but have a California drivers license.

Yes, the law in Italy says that you must obtain one. Many others will report the experience of never being asked to show it to anyone (especially by the car rental company), but it is a legal requirement, which would be made clear to you if you have any encounter with the police.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi SAB,

> I'm a UK citizen, but have a California drivers license.<

Only in America.

If you don't have an Italian driver's license you should have an IDP if a policeman asks to see it.

SAB,

You might have a small problem using a California DL to get an IDP in UK. I got an IDP in Germany using my German drivers license when I was just a resident guest worker. But you are a UKer and probably should have a UK DL. I have read that it is extremely difficult to get a DL in UK. Is that so? Is that why you have a California DL?

>>>>
Only in America.
>>>>

actually most people get their licence according to where they live not according to their citizenship. don't see why this raises eyebrows.

hopscotch, unless told differently, i assume he lives in CA. why should he have a UK licence just because he is a UK citizen? and he is asking about italy not the UK. there is no indication that he is going to the UK.

Yes I do live in California, hence the CA license-- lots of Brits here in SF as well as Irish nationals--so not an unusual circumstance.

Italy and Austria do require the IDP. $10 at AAA plus passport picture--bring your own or AAA will take the photo for a fee.

If you get int'l driver permit from AAA (in California its CSAA), bring your own passport photos (2 needed). CSAA charges $20 for 2 polaroids. You can get them at many places for $5

Hi SAB. To answer your question; in that you have a CA drivers license under Italian law you need an International Drivers Permit.

My SIL is a citizen of Italy and consequently holds an Italian passport. But he is a legal resident of CA and holds a CA drivers license.

When he spent the month of June in Italy last year he went to the local AAA office and obtained the International Drivers Permit. This merely translates your CA drivers license into several languages including Italian. You will probably and hopefully not have to use it but if you do you will be in compliance with the Italian law. The Permit is good for one year. Best wishes.

Thanks LI--BTW got any restaurant recommendations?

Poland allows the use of a foreign driver's license until it expires! It is has to be supplemented with an IDP.
Apply for an IDP by post. Obtain the forms from, Heathrow, FL AAA, via the internet. $10 plus $1 Airmail postage.

Hi SAB, I am embarrased to say that I have never kept a travel journal. I know how to get to various restaurants and always enjoy returning to them but I don't have exact names and addresses. I have made a promise to myself that in the future I will keep a journal.

But where will you be going in Italy. Perhaps I can suggest something if you can tell me that and also what type of food you like and about what price range. Italy is sure not as inexpensive as it used to be, especially in the cities but still a bargain compared to a lot of places. And the wine is always less expensive

Speaking of SF and the Irish in SF..have you ever eaten at O'Reilly's on Green St. in North Beach and if so what are your thoughts on this restaurant? Thanks

BTW, you do not have to be a member of AAA to obtain the IDP through them.

You don't have to be a AAA member to an IDP through them.

International Driving Permit see http://www.aaasouth.com/travel_drivers.asp#idp

You don't have to be a member of the AAA.

If you have a digital camera and a printer you can make your own photo.

LI --we will be in Rome. Never been to O'Reilly's --haven't eaten in North Beach in years. I tend to go to restaurants in the Mission/Noe Valley/Hayes Valley these days, engaged in SF residents favorite pasttime--looking for new restaurants.

Thanks to all posters for info. G

Thanks SAB. I heard they had lamb stew which I love but never see anyone mention this restaurant so was wondering. Guess one of these days I will go there and try it out.

SAB, I haven't been in Rome for awhile so do not have any restaurant recommendations. Lots here on Fodor's though if you utilize the search box.
My SIL and daughter stay in their house which is in NE Rome so the restaurants/cafes they go to would not be of any help to you. Have a wonderful time in beautiful and vibrant Rome!!

Hi SAB, I thought of you as I just finished reading a trip report regarding Rome.

If you go in the search box and type in SusanP you will see her thread. She has a wonderful list of restaurants in Rome including the food she enjoyed and the prices. Think this information will be of interest to you. Mangia!!