Is it necessary to have an international drivers license to drive in Italy? We are US citizens.

Get one. Go to AAA in your state, even if you are not a member. You will need passport type of photos, which AAA can take for you.

--Marv

Yes.

Hi mos,

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34557875

No it's my belief that it is not required - your local US license is all you need. Technically you may be required to have a translation of words on your US license into Italian and this is where the Int'l License comes into play and it is basically a translation with several lanugages on it. Car rental companies do not require it i believe nor do border officials - i've driven for years in europe and never had anyone question my US license. Only a call to the Italian consulate or embassy will give you a definitive answer. I may be wrong but i wouldn't bother myself.

It is required in Italy.

http://www.chianti-assistance.com/drivinginitaly/

http://goitaly.about.com/cs/transpor.../a/driving.htm

You might not be asked for it when you rent a car or cross the border, but if policeindividual chooses to ask for it and you don't have it, there could be fines. Rarely enforced, but it can be.

For $10 and 2 passport photos you are covered--pretty cheap insurance.

Thanks for the answer, next time in Italy driving i'll maybe get it.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...9.html#permits

A quick google on IDPs changes my mind about their efficacy - this State Dept site explains them and that the IDP is sanctioned by the State Dept and they sancion only a few sources to give them out. So i agree get the permit.

It certainly helped when we were stopped by the police just outside of Venice. Officer spoke no English...we no Italian... but it did the trick. Was some sort of drag net.