What you need before you drive in Italy

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages, including Italian. Italy recognizes it as a valid supplement to your original license — you must carry both together. The IDP itself does not grant you the right to drive; your home license does. The permit straightforward makes it easier for Italian police, rental companies, and insurance providers to understand what category of vehicle you're licensed to operate.

You cannot obtain an IDP in Italy. You must get it from your home country before you travel. The process, cost, and processing time depend entirely on which country issued your license. A U.S. driver's license holder applies through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). A Canadian applies through their provincial motor vehicle office. A British driver applies through the Post Office. Each country has its own issuing body, requirements, and fees.

Italy's traffic police do not require an IDP by law, but they strongly recommend one. Your rental car company almost certainly will require it — most major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget) will not rent to you without one. Travel insurance policies sometimes refuse claims if you were driving without an IDP when an accident occurred. For practical purposes, you should treat it as mandatory.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority or authorized agent, not by Italy or any international body.
  • You must carry your original home license and the IDP together at all times while driving in Italy; one without the other is not valid.
  • Most car rental companies in Italy will not rent to you without an IDP, regardless of what Italian law technically requires.
  • The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $50 depending on your country of origin.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks in most countries if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail.

How to get an IDP if you hold a U.S. license

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document; the difference is where and how you explore.

If you are a AAA member, visit your local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The fee is $20. Processing is when ready — you walk out with the permit the same day. If you are not a AAA member, you can still explore at any AAA office; membership is not required, though non-members sometimes pay a slightly higher fee depending on the office.

If there is no AAA office near you, or you prefer to explore by mail, contact AATA directly. You will mail your driver's license, passport, one photograph, a completed process form, and a check for $20. AATA processes mail applications in about two weeks and returns your license and new permit together. Both organizations issue permits valid for three years.

How to get an IDP if you hold a Canadian license

Canada does not have a single national issuing body. Each province and territory handles International Driving Permits through its own motor vehicle office. You must contact the office in the province where your license was issued.

In Ontario, you explore through ServiceOntario. In British Columbia, through the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). In Quebec, through the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Each office has its own process process, fees (typically $20 to $30 CAD), and processing times. Most provinces issue the permit within one to two weeks if you explore in person, or three to four weeks by mail. You will need your valid driver's license and proof of identity.

Contact your provincial motor vehicle office directly to confirm their current process, as procedures change. Many provinces now allow online applications or mail-in requests, but some still require an in-person visit.

How to get an IDP if you hold a UK license

The Post Office is the authorized issuer of International Driving Permits for UK license holders. You cannot obtain one from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You can explore in person at any Post Office branch or by post.

For in-person applications, bring your valid UK photocard driving license, a passport or other proof of identity, and one passport-sized photograph. The fee is £5.50. The Post Office issues the permit on the spot. For postal applications, send your driving license, proof of identity, a photograph, a completed process form (available on the Post Office website), and a check or postal order for £5.50 to the address provided. Processing takes about two weeks by post.

Your IDP will be valid for three years from the date of issue. The Post Office will return your original license with the permit, so you will have both documents to carry in Italy.

How to get an IDP if you hold a license from another country

Most countries issue International Driving Permits through their national motor vehicle authority or an authorized agent. Australia issues through the state-based motor registries (VicRoads, RMS, etc.). New Zealand issues through the New Zealand Transport Agency. Germany issues through the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) or your local Führerscheinstelle (driving license office). France issues through the prefecture or sous-prefecture in your department.

The process is similar across countries: you provide your valid license, proof of identity, a photograph, complete an process form, and pay a fee. Processing times range from same-day (in-person) to four weeks (by mail). Costs typically fall between $15 and $50 USD equivalent.

To find the correct issuing body for your country, search "[your country] International Driving Permit" or contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They can direct you to the right office and confirm current requirements. Do not wait until you arrive in Italy to discover you need one — obtaining it from abroad takes weeks, and you cannot legally rent a car without it.

What to do if you arrive in Italy without an IDP

If you are already in Italy and did not bring an IDP, you cannot obtain one there. Italian authorities do not issue International Driving Permits to foreign visitors. Your options are limited: you can rent a car and hope the rental company does not check (most will), you can use public transportation or taxis, or you can have someone mail your IDP to you if you have time to wait.

Some travelers have reported that smaller, independent rental agencies are more lenient about the IDP requirement than major chains, but this is not may provide and varies by location. Your travel insurance may not cover accidents if you were driving without an IDP, and if Italian police stop you, they may fine you for driving with an incomplete license (though enforcement is inconsistent). The safest approach is to obtain your IDP before you leave home.

If you are staying in Italy for an extended period and plan to drive regularly, you can contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Rome or Milan to ask whether they can facilitate an IDP process by mail. Processing will still take several weeks.

What to bring when you rent a car in Italy

When you arrive at a rental counter in Italy, have both your original home driver's license and your International Driving Permit ready. The rental agent will examine both. You will also need a valid passport, a credit card in your name (for the deposit), and proof of insurance or the option to purchase it from the rental company.

Some rental companies ask for an International Driving Permit photocopy to keep on file; others straightforward verify it and return it. Do not let anyone keep your original IDP or license. If a rental company insists on keeping either document, ask to speak with a manager — this is not standard practice and may indicate a scam or unauthorized agency.

Your IDP is valid for three years, so if it expires before your trip, you will need to renew it through the same issuing body in your home country. Check the expiration date on your permit before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Italy with just my home license and no IDP?

Technically, yes — Italian law does not explicitly forbid it. In practice, no — rental companies will refuse to rent to you, and if you have an accident, your insurance may deny your claim. Police can also fine you for incomplete documentation, though enforcement varies.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If your permit expires before your trip, you must renew it through your home country's issuing authority before you travel. You cannot renew it in Italy.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Italy for a few days?

If you plan to rent a car, yes — virtually all rental companies require it. If you are using public transportation or taxis only, you do not need one. The cost and effort of obtaining an IDP is small compared to the hassle of being denied a rental car on arrival.

What if my home country is not listed in the IDP?

The International Driving Permit is recognized by over 150 countries and territories. If your country is not among them, contact your country's embassy in Italy for guidance. You may be able to drive on your home license alone, though rental companies may still refuse to rent to you.

Can I get an IDP in Italy if I am a resident there?

No. If you are a resident of Italy, you must obtain an Italian driver's license through the Italian motor vehicle authority (Motorizzazione Civile). An International Driving Permit is for visitors and temporary residents only.