To rent and drive a car in Spain is it necessary to have a International Drivers Permit for US driver?

We were told it was necessary. After getting one, we picked up the rental car at Avis (through Auto Europe) in Bilbao. When we showed the agent the international driver's license, he seemed not even to know what it was. What he wanted was the regular driver's license. I'd say forget it, although if you are an AAA member, it's free so what's the harm in having it?

I obtained an international driver's license before renting a car in Spain. They never even asked to see it when picking up the car. By the way, I am a AAA member and it was not free. They charge for the pictures and for the document. If I remember correctly, I think it was about $18. If it supposed to be free to members, I am going to ask for a refund.

We got stopped by the police in a country road in Andalucia (routine check-ups by the road, apparently). My husband showed the IDP, which has the info in your driver license translated to six languages, including Spanish, He read it, looked at the rental and let us go with no questions. Apparently the IDP contained everything he needed to know on a language he understodd. Worth the $10 if you ask me... We were also told by an Italian policeman that if the police see the need to take your license away, you can relinquished your IDP instead. Again, worth the $10 if I don't have to deal with DMV upon return home.

we did not have an international drivers license. however, we did not have any problems driving, i.e. stopped by the police.

I too had to pay for my license and I am a AAA member. I paid $10 for the picture and $10 for the actual license. We were told by Hertz when we made the reservation from the US that we had to show an international permit in order to get the car. Good Luck

I have been to Spain several times and we are planning on going again for New Years. I have never had a problem renting a car without an IDL. I was once stopped by the Guardia Civil near Gibraltar were they searched for contraband and such. They did not even ask to see my license only my passport and I was free to go. I have always wondered if an IDL is required in Spain. Some guides say that it is, others say that it is not. My experience has been that it was not necessary.

From the web site of the Spanish National Tourist Organization: "An international driver's license is officially required to drive in Spain".