What an International Driver's Permit Is and Whether You Need One
An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid home license. Greece recognizes IDPs, and you may need one depending on where your license was issued.
If your license is from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other English-speaking countries, Greek police and rental car companies will usually accept it without an IDP. If your license is from a non-Latin alphabet country — such as Russia, China, Japan, or Greece itself — an IDP becomes practically necessary, because your home license will be unreadable to Greek authorities and rental agencies.
Even when not legally required, an IDP can prevent friction at checkpoints and rental counters. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driver's Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid home license, not as a replacement for it.
- You need an IDP in Greece if your home license uses a non-Latin alphabet, or if you want to avoid potential disputes with rental companies and police.
- The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by Greece or any international office.
- You must carry both your home license and your IDP together when driving in Greece; one without the other is incomplete.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it does not extend your home license's expiration date.
How to Get an International Driver's Permit From Your Home Country
The IDP is issued by your home country's national automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. In Canada, it is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) or RAC handle them. In Australia, it is the NRMA or equivalent state motoring club.
You cannot get an IDP from Greece, from any Greek authority, or from any international office. You must obtain it before you leave your home country. The process is straightforward: visit the issuing organization in person or online, provide your valid home license, a passport-sized photograph, and payment. Most organizations charge $15 to $30 and mail the permit within one to two weeks. Some offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
You will need to specify whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP. The three-year version costs slightly more but is valid longer. Either version is recognized in Greece without difference.
What Documents to Carry When Driving in Greece
Greek law requires you to carry your valid home driver's license at all times while driving. If you have an IDP, you must carry both documents together. Carrying only the IDP without your home license is not sufficient and can result in a fine. Carrying only your home license when you have an IDP is also incomplete, though less likely to cause a problem if your license is in Latin characters.
In addition to your license and IDP, Greek law requires you to carry your vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, and your passport or national ID card. Rental car companies will provide the registration and insurance documents. Keep all of these in the vehicle at all times, not in checked luggage or at your accommodation.
If you are stopped by police and cannot produce any of these documents, you face an on-the-spot fine. The fine is typically €100 to €500 depending on which document is missing and the officer's discretion.
Age and License Duration Requirements in Greece
Greece recognizes driver's licenses issued by other countries to drivers aged 18 and older. Your home license must be valid — not expired — on the date you drive in Greece. If your license expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive after that date, even if you have an IDP.
An IDP does not extend the validity of your home license. If your home license expires in three months, your IDP will not allow you to drive in Greece after that date. Check your home license's expiration date before booking your trip.
Some rental car companies impose their own age minimums — often 21 or 25 — regardless of what your license says. This is a rental company policy, not a Greek law. Check with the rental company directly about their age requirements.
Renting a Car in Greece With a Foreign License
Most major rental car companies in Greece will rent to you with a valid home license alone, provided it is in Latin characters and you meet their age requirement. However, many companies prefer or require an IDP, especially if your license is difficult to read or uses a non-Latin alphabet. Some smaller local rental agencies may insist on an IDP regardless of your license's alphabet.
When you reserve a car, tell the rental company what country your license is from. Ask explicitly whether they require an IDP. If they do, you will need to have obtained it before arrival. If they do not require it but you have one, bring it anyway — it can only help if there is a dispute about your license's validity.
At pickup, the rental company will photocopy or scan your license and passport. If you have an IDP, they will usually photocopy that as well. Keep a copy of the rental agreement and the company's contact information in case of an accident or traffic stop.
Traffic Stops and Police Checks in Greece
Greek police conduct routine traffic stops and document checks, especially on major highways and near borders. When stopped, produce your home license, IDP (if you have one), passport, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Speak calmly and hand over documents without argument.
If an officer questions the validity of your home license, your IDP serves as official proof that it is genuine and translates your information into a language the officer can read. This is the IDP's primary practical value at a traffic stop. If you do not have an IDP and your license is in a non-Latin alphabet, the officer may have difficulty verifying it and may issue a fine out of caution.
If you receive a traffic fine, ask for a receipt and the officer's name and badge number. Fines can be paid on the spot in cash or at a police station within a specified period. Do not refuse to pay or argue extensively — this can escalate the situation.
What Happens if You Drive Without an IDP When You Need One
If you are stopped while driving with a non-Latin alphabet license and no IDP, Greek police may issue a fine for failing to carry required documents. The fine is typically €100 to €200, though it can be higher. The officer may also refuse to allow you to continue driving until you produce the missing document or arrange for someone to bring it to you.
If you are involved in an accident and do not have an IDP, your insurance claim may be delayed or disputed if your license cannot be easily verified. Rental car companies may also hold you liable for additional costs if they cannot confirm your license's validity.
The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet or if you are uncertain whether Greek authorities will accept your home license alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driver's Permit in Greece if I forgot to get one before I arrived?
No. The IDP is issued only by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. Greece does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. If you arrive without one and your license is in a non-Latin alphabet, you will need to either rent from a company that accepts your home license alone, or arrange for someone in your home country to obtain and mail an IDP to you — a process that takes one to two weeks.
Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an International Driving Permit?
These terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to the same document: the IDP issued under the 1926 and 1968 United Nations conventions. There is no difference between an "International Driver's Permit" and an "International Driving Permit."
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Greece for a few days?
If your home license is in Latin characters and you are renting from a major company, you likely do not need an IDP. However, if your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is strongly recommended even for a short trip. The cost and effort are small compared to the risk of a fine or rental dispute.
What if my home license is expired but I have a renewal process pending?
An expired license is not valid in Greece, regardless of whether you have applied for renewal. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have an IDP. Renew your home license before you travel.
Can I drive in other European countries with the same IDP I use in Greece?
Yes. An IDP issued by your home country is recognized throughout Europe and in most countries worldwide. You do not need separate IDPs for different countries. One IDP covers all destinations.