Amy posted she is going to obtain the IDP..and hopefully any others travelling with her that are going to drive in Spain will also.

Sufergirl, what a terrible experience that your sister-in-law encountered. And of course horrible for the pedestrian also. But thank goodness she had all the required documentation. But still, what a sad story that I am sure haunts her to this day.

We take our own photos and print them out at home. Minimal cost.

As docdan says, peace of mind at 15 bucks is pretty cheap. Don't be one of those people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

It might surprise you to learn a couple of other laws about driving in Spain as well: if you wear prescription glasses, you need to have an extra pair with you, and you must carry an emergency kit with you in the car with flares and other stuff (likely your rental will come with this, but it sure won't come with extra glasses).

I am in Spain now, car booked for pickup tomorrow. Just found out about IDP requirement.
Is there anything I can do? I am in Seville

The following info is from AAA:

ALREADY OVERSEAS?? If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746

Attn: Mail Stop #28

Please allow 4-6 weeks for return mail unless additional postage for express mail service is included with the application.

There is nothing to worry about unless you happened to be stopped by the Guaida Civil which handle the highway patrol duties in most of Spain (except for Navarra and the Basque Country where you seldom see the Guardia anymore).

If the rental car agent ask you if you have one, tell them it's in your luggage. They normally do not ask to see one.

Try calling the US Consulate in Seville because it may be possible to get a Spanish translation of your US license even if it is not an IDP.

If they can't help, then I'd try to rent the car and, if they will let you, just wing it.But be extra careful driving.

I've been stopped in Spain and shown my US license without a problem, but it's up to the officer.

With only a two hour window, it might be difficult getting an appointment at the Consulate in Seville.

Consular Section office hours
Monday-Friday: 11:00-13:00 by appointment only. Please call to schedule an appointment.

http://madrid.usembassy.gov/citizen-...s/seville.html

Rental companies usually don't care about and IDP, though I were asked for mine in Bilbao this year. Spanish law (and that of several other countries, such as Austria) does, however, require it.

So drive carefully--if you have an accident or get stopped for a traffic violation and the cops do decide to ask you for the IDP (they might not bother), they can whack you with additional fines. And in an accident situation, not having all of your required documents can void your rental car insurance whether through the rental company or your credit card company.