I have an international driving permit that I used on my trip to France last May. It is dated May 10, 2012. I will be going to Italy on May 17th of this year. Do you think it would be Ok to use the permit that I have since the date is so close? Or would you advise getting another one? I have never needed it (which I know is beside the point). But I hate to spend the time and money on another one if this one will suffice. What would you do?

Obviously it has expired rherefore it invalid..Although you never needed it, it could be that this trip you will and then what?? DD lost her Dr.Lic. from home and was very glad she had the international at a check stop in Spain while she was there last year in school in Salamanca.. never can tell!! Get one!!

Last time I rented a car in Italy they asked for it and copied it when I was picking up the car. YMMV. Italian law requires it, but I don't believe French law does. Not all rental companies ask for it, but if you get stopped or have an accident, you will need it legally.

I was in the south of France a couple of years ago.

I was pulled over as part of a routine traffic check.

As long as I had my driver's license and proof of rental, everything was ok.

Given that I have light colored hair and blue eyes, the policeman seemed most relieved that I wasn't German.

After he realized I was American, everything was just fine.

You need a current one in Italy. Would you drive on an expired license at home?

I just renewed mine today - $15 and 10 minutes of my day... for some reason the pictures always suck, but oh well.

It's expired. Get a new one. It's not like it's a big expense.

Hi C,

FYI, you don't need an IDP in France.

You do need an unexpired one in Italy.

Enjoy your visit.