I see on the AAA website, that if you mail the application you have to:

Attach 2 recent signed Passport Type Photos (2" x 2&quot SIGNED ON BACK

Do we simply get passport type photos taken sign and include with application? I dont mean to ask a dumb question, but it seems weird to sign on the back of the photo.

Thanks in advance,
Natalie

The instructions seem pretty straightforward to me. Get two passport sized photos, sign the backs, and put them in the envelope w/ the app.

Meant to add - if there is an AAA office in your town, you can get an IDP in a few minutes.

Or you can save time and money and forego the IDP as this topic of their efficacy has been covered ad nauseum in Fodors and many saay don't bother, including myself, whilst others say definitely. Search and read and see. A few countries it appears to be strongly suggested but in others no.

PalenQ: Since natc143 is driving in Italy, an IDP is a legal requirement . . . . .

yes that's one of the countries i was talking of...and Spain seems so to.

I'm not saying not get it - it's a negligible cost, etc.

I believe it also depends where you are from. As a Canadian, I always contact the government before leaving for each country re IDP requirements. So far I have been told it is not a requirement but rather a recommendation (and we have been all over Europe). I have on more than one occasion even managed to get this in writing and took that correspondence along.

We even got stopped by the police for speeding in Croatia (oops!) in September - absolutely no problems. The police said we did not require an IDP at all - basically shrugged it off.

However, if it offers you peace of mind it would not be a bad idea.

Practical: The IDP is a much more impressive document than a simple card style USA state driver's license. The only time y7ou need it is when you have an accident or stopped at a ceck point. If you are not going to have an accident or not be stopped then don't get one. Besure that all the drivers have one.

IDP - Why only 1 year? I think it's a crock.

Has anyone been stopped in Italy and asked for their IDP?

Has anyone been stopped in Italy and didn't have an IDP? If so, what were the consequences? Fine? Impound vehicle? Taken to jail?

I believe that no country requires the IDP but some do require a translation of your driving license and the IDP is one internationally recognized method of doing this.

PalenQ, so an expired IDP would be OK?

well who knows - myself i would feel comfortable with that sure.

i haven't seen the exact wording of the Italian requirement and perhaps it does specify the IDP...but i think it may be just a certified translation.

I really don't know for sure.

But good question. I'm sure AAA would say no.

If your rental car company asks for an IDP and you don't have it, they will not rent to you. For $10 I would rather be covered. I have rented from rental companies who required the IDP but never asked for it when I showed up to get the car. And I've rented from companies who required it and it was the first thing they wanted to see.

http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/general-driving.asp

Question answered!

And btw, one time Hertz in Milan DID require proof of the IDP before renting a car.