What You Need Before You Drive in Italy

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into multiple languages so Italian police and rental car companies can read it. Italy recognizes U.S. licenses, but an IDP makes enforcement stops and car rentals simpler — the police officer or rental agent doesn't have to guess what your license says.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the United States. You cannot get one in Italy, and you cannot get one online. You must explore in person at a physical AAA office or AATA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not replace your U.S. license — you must carry both documents when you drive in Italy.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA in the United States before traveling to Italy; you cannot get one abroad.
  • The process requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment of a fee (typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members).
  • An IDP is valid for one year and must be carried together with your original U.S. driver's license when driving in Italy.
  • Italian police and car rental companies recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP, but the permit eliminates language barriers and speeds up transactions.

Finding an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. The fastest way to find one is to visit aaa.com, click "Find Local AAA," enter your zip code, and select an office near you. Call ahead to confirm they issue International Driving Permits on the day you plan to visit — most do, but hours vary by location.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP from AAA, but the fee is higher. AATA is a smaller network with fewer locations, but the process is identical. Search for "AATA office near me" or visit aata.com to find a location.

Some AAA offices are open evenings and weekends, but many close by 5 p.m. on weekdays. Plan to visit during business hours and bring everything you need in one trip — you do not want to return because you forgot your photo.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 x 2 inches), and payment. The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos at most CVS, Walgreens, or UPS stores for $10 to $15, or at the AAA office itself for a small additional fee.

You do not need your passport to get an IDP, only your driver's license. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), bring it — it proves your identity more clearly, though a standard license works too.

Bring cash or a card. AAA offices accept both, though some smaller locations may be cash-only — call ahead to check.

The process Process at the Office

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want an International Driving Permit. They will hand you a one-page form — the official name is the "process for International Driving Permit." You fill in your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. The form takes two minutes.

Hand the completed form, your license, and your photo to the staff member. They will verify the information matches, take your payment, and print your IDP on the spot. The entire transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. You walk out with your IDP in hand.

The IDP is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. Keep it with your driver's license in your wallet or travel documents. Do not laminate it or write on it — it must remain in official condition.

Cost and Membership Considerations

AAA members pay $20 for an International Driving Permit. Non-members pay $30. AATA charges $30 regardless of membership. These prices are set by the organizations and do not vary by location.

If you are not an AAA member but plan to get an IDP, you have two choices: pay the $30 non-member fee, or join AAA first and then get the IDP for $20. AAA membership costs $56 to $146 per year depending on the membership level, so joining only to save $10 on an IDP does not make financial sense. However, if you already have AAA membership for roadside information or other benefits, the $20 IDP fee is a small add-on.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. When you rent a car in Italy, show both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP to the rental agent. The agent will photocopy or scan both documents. When you drive and encounter police, present both documents together.

If your IDP expires while you are still traveling, you cannot renew it abroad — you would need to return to the United States or contact AAA to arrange a replacement by mail, which takes time. Plan ahead: if you are traveling for longer than one year, get a new IDP before you leave.

Your U.S. driver's license remains valid in Italy for the duration of its validity in the United States. The IDP is straightforward a translation aid and does not affect your license's status.

Alternatives if You Cannot Visit an AAA or AATA Office

If no AAA or AATA office is near you or you cannot visit in person before your trip, you have limited options. Some travel agencies and auto clubs partner with AAA to issue IDPs, but availability varies by region — call ahead to ask. A few AAA offices offer mail-in applications, but this takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail your driver's license and photo to them, which carries risk.

If you cannot get an IDP before you leave, you can still drive in Italy with your U.S. license alone. Rental car companies will accept it, and police will recognize it. The IDP straightforward removes the language barrier and speeds up transactions. It is not legally required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Italy?

No. Rental car companies accept U.S. driver's licenses. An IDP makes the process faster because the agent does not have to translate your license, but it is not required. Check your rental company's website to confirm their specific requirements.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Italy?

No. IDPs are issued only in your home country. You must get yours from AAA or AATA before you leave the United States. If you arrive in Italy without one, you cannot get one there.

How long does an International Driving Permit last?

One year from the date of issue. If you are traveling for longer than one year or plan to return to Italy within two years, consider getting a new IDP before your trip so you have a fresh one for your next visit.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while in Italy?

Contact AAA or AATA from Italy and explain the situation. They can issue a replacement by mail to your U.S. address, but this takes time. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone is still valid for driving and renting cars in Italy.

Do I need both my U.S. license and my International Driving Permit when I drive in Italy?

Yes. Always carry both documents together. Police and rental agents expect to see your original U.S. license plus the IDP. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient.