Your US driver's license works in most European countries, but you need to carry an International Driving Permit alongside it
A US driver's license alone is not enough to rent a car or drive legally in most of Europe. You need both your US license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) — a separate document that translates your license information into multiple languages. The IDP is not a replacement for your US license; it is a companion document that rental companies and police recognize as proof you hold a valid US license.
Some European countries technically allow driving on a US license for short visits, but rental car companies almost universally require an IDP before they will hand over keys. Even if a country does not legally require one, you will not be able to rent a car without it. The IDP costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must carry both your US driver's license and an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe; neither document alone is sufficient.
- The International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and costs $20, valid for three years.
- You must explore for the IDP in person at an AAA office with your valid US license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form.
- Some European countries allow short-term driving on a US license alone, but rental companies require the IDP regardless of local law.
- An expired US license cannot be used to obtain an IDP, so renew your license before you travel if it is expiring soon.
How to get an International Driving Permit before you leave
The only way to get an IDP in the United States is through the American Automobile Association (AAA). You cannot order one online or by mail — you must visit an AAA office in person. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP; membership is not required.
Bring three things: your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed Form DS-11 or the AAA's own process form (available at any AAA office or on their website). The staff will verify your information, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit on the spot. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
The IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue. You do not need to renew it before each trip — one IDP covers multiple visits to Europe within that three-year window. However, if your US license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid, so check your license expiration date before you travel.
What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit
If you rent a car without an IDP, the rental company will refuse to give you the keys, even if you have a valid US license. You will lose your reservation and your deposit, and you will need to find another way to get around — usually a taxi, train, or bus at much higher cost.
If you somehow drive without an IDP and are stopped by police, you face a fine. The amount varies by country, but fines typically range from €50 to €200 or more. In some cases, police can impound the vehicle. The IDP costs $20 and takes 15 minutes to get; the risk and cost of driving without one far outweigh the effort of obtaining it beforehand.
Which European countries require an International Driving Permit
Most European countries do not legally require an IDP if you are visiting for a short time and driving a rental car. However, the distinction between "legally required" and "practically required" matters. Rental companies operate across multiple countries and enforce their own policies, which almost always demand an IDP regardless of local law.
Some countries that technically allow short-term driving on a US license alone include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. However, you will not be able to rent a car in any of these places without an IDP. A few countries, including Austria and Greece, do legally require an IDP for all drivers. The safest approach is to treat the IDP as mandatory for any European driving, because rental companies will require it even if the country does not.
What to do if you are already in Europe without an International Driving Permit
If you arrived in Europe and realized you do not have an IDP, you cannot get one while you are there. The IDP is issued only by AAA offices in the United States. You have three options: rent a car with a driver (the rental company provides the driver), use public transportation, or hire a taxi or rideshare service.
If you are staying in Europe for several weeks or months and plan to return to the US before your next trip, you can arrange for someone at home to visit an AAA office on your behalf. They will need your signed process form, a photo, and your license information, but they do not need to be a family member or have power of attorney. Some AAA offices accept applications by mail if you call ahead and ask, though this is not standard practice — call your local AAA office to confirm.
International Driving Permit versus other documents
Do not confuse an International Driving Permit with an International Driving License. There is no such thing as an "International Driving License" — that term is sometimes used incorrectly to describe the IDP, but they are not the same. The IDP is the only document recognized across Europe.
Some countries issue their own versions of driving permits for visitors, but these are not recognized in Europe. Your US license is valid proof that you can drive in the United States, but it is not a legal driving document in Europe — it is a form of identification that the IDP translates and validates for European authorities and rental companies.
Planning ahead for your European road trip
If you know you will be driving in Europe, get your IDP at least two weeks before you travel. This gives you time to visit an AAA office without rushing and ensures you have the document before you board your flight. If your US license expires within three years of your trip, renew it before you explore for the IDP — an expired license cannot be used to obtain one.
Check your rental car company's website before you book. Most major companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar) list IDP as a requirement in their terms. Some also require you to be at least 21 years old and hold your license for a minimum of one year. Knowing these requirements ahead of time prevents surprises at the rental counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Europe on just my US license without an International Driving Permit?
Legally, some countries allow it for short visits, but rental car companies will not rent to you without an IDP. If you are driving your own car that you shipped to Europe, the rules vary by country — check with the country's embassy or your travel insurance provider. For any rental, the IDP is required.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
You can get one the same day you visit an AAA office — the process takes about 15 minutes. There is no waiting period. If you cannot visit an office in person, some AAA locations accept mail-in applications, but you must call ahead to confirm. Plan to visit at least a week before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am in Europe?
You cannot renew it while you are abroad. If your IDP expires during your trip, you will not be able to rent another car or legally drive. Make sure your IDP is valid for the entire length of your stay, including any extra days for delays or extended travel.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for every European country I visit?
No. One IDP works across all European countries. You do not need separate permits for France, Italy, Spain, or any other country. The IDP is recognized continent-wide by rental companies and authorities.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
You cannot get a replacement while you are in Europe. Contact your travel insurance provider and AAA to report it. You will likely need to stop driving and use other transportation for the rest of your trip. When you return to the US, visit an AAA office to get a replacement, which costs another $20.