How to Get an International Driving Permit for Italy

What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. Italy recognizes IDPs issued by your home country, and carrying one can make police interactions and car rental transactions simpler, though it is not legally required if your home license is valid.

Whether you need one depends on your situation. If you are renting a car in Italy, some rental companies ask for an IDP even though Italian law does not require it. If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed one, an IDP is helpful but not mandatory. The key point: your home country's license is what actually permits you to drive. The IDP is a convenience document.

Key Takeaways

An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's licensing authority, not by Italy, and must be used together with your valid domestic license.
Most car rental companies in Italy request an IDP even though Italian law does not require one, so obtaining one before you travel can prevent rental delays.
The process and cost vary by country — you explore through your home country's DMV, licensing authority, or equivalent body, not through any Italian office.
An IDP is typically valid for one to three years depending on your country's rules, and you should check the expiration date before traveling.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You do not explore through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. AAA is the faster and more widely available route — most AAA offices issue IDPs on the spot or within a few days.

To explore through AAA, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). The fee is typically around $20, though this varies slightly by location. AAA will issue you a booklet that translates your license information into ten languages. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore — membership is not required for an IDP.

If you do not have access to AAA, the AATA offers IDPs by mail. You send your process, a copy of your license, a photo, and payment to their office, and they mail the permit to you. This takes longer — typically one to two weeks — but covers the entire United States.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in Other Countries

The process differs by country because each nation's licensing authority handles its own IDPs. In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office or DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). In Canada, you contact your provincial licensing authority. In Australia, you explore through your state's transport authority. In most European countries, you explore through your national motor authority or equivalent body.

The common thread: you always explore in your home country, not in Italy. Search for "[your country] international driving permit" plus your state or province to find the correct authority. Most countries charge between $15 and $50 USD equivalent and issue the permit within days to weeks. Some countries issue them on the spot at a licensing office; others mail them.

Check whether your home country is a signatory to the 1926 or 1968 International Driving Permit conventions. Italy recognizes both. If your country is not a signatory, an IDP will not be valid in Italy, though your home license may still be accepted. Your licensing authority can confirm this when you inquire.

What to Bring When You Rent a Car in Italy

Bring your valid home country driver's license, your International Driving Permit (if you have one), your passport, and a credit card in your name. The rental company will photocopy or scan your license and IDP. If you do not have an IDP, some rental companies will still rent to you, but others will refuse — policies vary by company and location. Larger international chains like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar often request an IDP; smaller local companies may not.

If a rental company refuses to rent without an IDP and you do not have one, you have two options: find a different rental company, or contact your home country's licensing authority to see if they can issue an IDP quickly before your trip. If your trip is imminent and your home country does not issue IDPs quickly, some travelers have had success explaining the situation to the rental company and offering to sign additional liability waivers, though this is not may provide to work.

Italian Police and Your Driving Documents

If an Italian police officer stops you while driving, you must produce your valid home country license. An IDP is not a substitute — it is a supporting document. Police will check that your license is current and that you are not driving in violation of any restrictions on it. Having an IDP makes this interaction faster because the officer can read the information in Italian without needing to interpret your home country's license format.

If you are stopped and do not have your license with you, you can face a fine. If you do not have an IDP and the officer cannot read your license, you may face delays, though this is rare with modern police training. The safest approach is to carry both your home license and your IDP at all times while driving in Italy.

Validity, Renewal, and What Happens If Yours Expires

An International Driving Permit is typically valid for one to three years, depending on your home country's rules. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, it is no longer valid in Italy, even if your home country license is still current.

If your IDP expires while you are in Italy, you cannot renew it there — you must return to your home country or contact your home country's licensing authority to request a new one. This is why it is important to check the expiration date before booking your trip. If you are planning to spend several months in Italy or return frequently, consider the timing of your IDP's expiration and renew it before you leave home.

If your home country license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not expired. The two documents must both be current for the IDP to work.

Alternatives If You Cannot Get an International Driving Permit

If your home country does not issue International Driving Permits, or if you do not have time to obtain one before your trip, you have options. Some car rental companies will rent to you with only your home country license, particularly if it is in English or uses Latin characters. Smaller local rental agencies are often more flexible than international chains.

You can also carry an official translation of your license. Some countries' licensing authorities issue certified translations; others do not. Contact your home country's licensing authority to ask whether they offer this service. A certified translation is not the same as an IDP, but it may help a rental company understand your license.

If you are driving your own vehicle or a borrowed one rather than renting, you do not need an IDP at all — your home country license is sufficient. Italian law recognizes valid licenses from most countries. The IDP is primarily a convenience for rental companies and a courtesy for police interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Italy if I forgot to get one before I traveled?

No. Italy does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. You must obtain one from your home country's licensing authority before you travel. If you are already in Italy without one and need to rent a car, contact the rental company directly — some will rent without an IDP, though many will not.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a European driving license?

No. A European driving license is a license issued by a European country to its residents. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works with any country's license. They are separate things. If you are a resident of an EU country, you hold a European license; if you are visiting from outside Europe, you hold your home country's license and may carry an IDP alongside it.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy if I have a valid U.S. license?

No, you do not legally need one. Your U.S. license is valid in Italy. However, car rental companies often request an IDP, and having one makes interactions with police simpler. It is not required, but it is practical.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

In the United States, AAA issues them same-day or within a few days at most locations. By mail through AATA, it takes one to two weeks. In other countries, the timeline varies — some issue them on the spot, others take weeks. Check with your home country's licensing authority for their specific timeline.

What if my International Driving Permit is in a language other than Italian?

That is fine. An IDP is designed to be readable in multiple languages — it typically includes translations into ten or more languages, including Italian. The point of an IDP is that it is multilingual, so police and rental companies can understand it regardless of which language they read.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.