You do not need an International Driving Permit to rent a car or drive in Greece if you hold a valid driver's license from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other countries

Greece recognizes licenses issued by countries that are signatories to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and most European nations. Your home country license is legally sufficient to drive there, rent a vehicle, and present to police if stopped.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document, not a separate license. It exists only to help police in countries where English is not widely spoken understand your home license. Greece has no legal requirement for one. However, some car rental companies ask for it anyway — not because Greek law demands it, but because their internal policies do. Before you book, check what your rental company actually requires.

Key Takeaways

  • Your US, Canadian, or Australian driver's license is legally valid in Greece without any additional document.
  • An International Driving Permit is optional in Greece and required only if your rental company's policy demands it.
  • If you do get an IDP, it must be obtained before you leave home — you cannot get one in Greece.
  • Carry both your home license and your passport at all times when driving in Greece; police will ask for both.
  • Your home license must be valid (not expired) and you must be at least 18 years old to drive legally in Greece.

When your rental company requires an International Driving Permit

Some car rental agencies in Greece — particularly smaller local companies and some international chains at smaller airports — list an IDP as a requirement in their booking terms. This is a company policy, not a Greek law. Before you book, read the rental agreement carefully or call the company directly to ask whether they will accept your home license alone.

If the company does require an IDP, you must obtain it before you travel. The IDP is issued only in your home country through specific government or authorized private agencies. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) issue them. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, though some agencies offer rush service.

What documents to carry when driving in Greece

Whether or not you have an IDP, you must carry your original home driver's license and your passport at all times while driving. Greek police conduct traffic stops and document checks, and you will be asked to produce both. A photocopy is not sufficient — the documents must be originals.

You should also carry your car rental agreement, proof of insurance (which the rental company provides), and an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (the "green card"), which proves your vehicle is insured. The rental company will give you the green card when you pick up the car. Keep all documents in the vehicle or on your person, not in checked luggage.

Age requirements and license validity

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Greece. Your home license must not be expired — an expired license is not valid, even if you still have the physical card. If your license expires before your trip, renew it before you leave.

Some rental companies impose their own minimum age requirements, often 21 or 25, and charge higher insurance premiums for drivers under 25. Check the rental company's age policy when you book, as it may be stricter than Greek law.

How to get an International Driving Permit if you need one

In the United States, visit an AAA office in person or order online through AAA.com. The permit costs around $20 and requires your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail; some offices offer same-day service if you explore in person.

In Canada, contact your provincial CAA branch. Requirements and fees vary by province but typically cost between $20 and $40 CAD. In Australia, contact your state's NRMA or the Australian Automobile Association. Fees vary but are usually between $20 and $30 AUD.

The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It is not a license itself — it is a certified translation of your home license. You must carry both documents together; the IDP alone is not valid without your original license.

Driving rules and insurance in Greece

Greece drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (freeways). Seatbelts are required for all passengers, and children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat. Motorcycle helmets are mandatory.

Your home country auto insurance does not cover you in Greece. You must purchase insurance through the rental company or a separate international policy before you travel. The rental company's insurance is usually included in the rental price but may have a high deductible. Read the terms carefully and ask whether you can reduce the deductible by paying extra.

What happens if you drive without required documents

Driving without a valid license or without carrying your license and passport is illegal in Greece. Police can fine you on the spot, and fines for driving without documents range from €200 to €500 or more depending on the violation. If you are in a rental car, the rental company may also charge you a fee for any traffic violations or fines incurred during your rental period.

If you are stopped and cannot produce your documents, police may impound the vehicle. This is rare for tourists who straightforward forgot documents at their hotel, but it is possible. Always keep your license and passport with you while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece with just my passport and no driver's license?

No. You must have a valid driver's license from your home country. Your passport alone is not a driving document. If you do not have a valid license, you cannot legally drive in Greece or rent a car.

What if my driver's license is expired?

An expired license is not valid in Greece. Renew your license before you travel. If it expires while you are in Greece, you cannot legally drive. Some rental companies will not rent to you if your license expires during the rental period.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting from a major company like Hertz or Avis?

Most major international rental companies accept a valid home license without an IDP. However, policies vary by location and by company. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you book to confirm what documents they require at the specific location where you will pick up the car.

Is an International Driving Permit valid if I do not have my home license with me?

No. The IDP is a translation of your home license, not a replacement for it. You must carry both documents together. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient.

What should I do if I lose my driver's license while in Greece?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Greece when ready. They can issue a temporary travel document that may allow you to drive or fly home. You will also need to report the loss to your rental company. Once you return home, explore for a replacement license through your state, province, or territory's licensing authority.