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 recognized by police and rental agencies across Europe, including Italy. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that works only when presented alongside your original, valid license.
Whether you need one depends on your citizenship and how long you plan to stay. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most other non-EU countries can drive in Italy on a valid home license for up to one year. An IDP is not legally required but is strongly recommended because Italian police and car rental companies often expect it, and it removes language barriers if you are stopped.
EU and EEA citizens (those from European Union or European Economic Area countries) do not need an IDP at all — their home license is valid in Italy for as long as it remains current. If you are from the UK, you still need only your UK license, though carrying an IDP can smooth interactions with rental agencies.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit translates your home license into multiple languages and is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not by Italy.
- Non-EU citizens can drive in Italy on a home license alone for up to one year, but an IDP is recommended because rental companies and police expect it.
- You must obtain an IDP before you travel — Italy does not issue them, and you cannot get one at the border or airport.
- An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires even if your home license does not.
- Carrying both your home license and IDP together is required; an IDP alone has no legal standing.
Where and How to Get an International Driving Permit
You obtain an IDP from your home country's motor vehicle authority before you leave, not from Italy. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to get one from AAA — you can walk into any AAA office or order by mail.
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) handle issuance. In the UK, the Post Office and the AA (Automobile Association) both issue them. Each country has its own issuing body, so search "[your country] international driving permit" to find the right office.
The process is straightforward: bring or mail your valid home license, a completed process form (provided by the issuing organization), one or two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Processing usually takes a few days to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail. Some organizations offer rush processing for an additional fee.
Cost and Validity Period
An IDP costs between $15 and $30 USD depending on your country and issuing organization. In the US, AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. CAA in Canada charges similar amounts in Canadian dollars. The fee is non-refundable even if you do not use the permit.
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. It expires on its printed expiration date regardless of whether your home license is still valid. If your home license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless — you must have both documents current to drive legally in Italy.
What Information an IDP Contains and How to Use It
An IDP is a booklet, usually about the size of a passport, that contains your name, photograph, license number, and driving record information translated into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and other languages. It also lists any restrictions on your home license — such as corrective lenses or manual transmission only — in those same languages.
When you drive in Italy, you must carry both your IDP and your original home license together. Police will not accept an IDP alone. Rental car companies will ask to see both documents before handing over keys. If you are stopped and can show only the IDP without the home license, you may face a fine for not carrying your license, even though the IDP itself is valid.
The IDP serves as proof to Italian authorities and rental agencies that your home license is legitimate and that you understand the rules of the road in your country. It is particularly useful if you are stopped by police who do not speak English — they can read the Italian translation of your information and restrictions without confusion.
Driving Rules and Insurance Requirements in Italy
Holding an IDP does not change the rules you must follow while driving in Italy. You must obey Italian traffic laws, which differ from those in most English-speaking countries. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns, 90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary roads, 110 km/h (68 mph) on main roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
You must carry your IDP and home license at all times while driving. You must also carry proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a reflective safety vest. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Drink-driving limits are strict — 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood for most drivers, and 0 for drivers under 21 or with less than three years' experience.
Before you rent a car, confirm that your home insurance covers you in Italy, or purchase additional coverage through the rental company. Many home insurance policies do not extend to Europe, and driving uninsured is illegal and can result in heavy fines and vehicle impoundment.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged IDP
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are in Italy, you cannot replace it there. You must contact your home country's issuing organization and request a replacement, which will be mailed to your home address. This process takes weeks, so you will not have a replacement before you leave Italy.
If you lose your IDP during your trip, you can still drive legally on your home license alone, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you without the IDP. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have lost the IDP but are carrying your valid home license. Most police will accept this, though you may face a minor fine for not carrying the IDP.
To avoid this situation, make a photocopy of both your IDP and home license before you travel and keep them in a separate location from the originals. Some travelers photograph both documents on their phone as well, though Italian police may not accept a photograph as proof.
Alternatives if You Cannot Get an IDP Before Travel
If you are unable to obtain an IDP before your trip, you can still drive in Italy on your home license alone for up to one year. However, you will face practical obstacles. Rental car companies often refuse to rent without an IDP, particularly at airport locations. If you are stopped by police, language barriers may make the interaction more difficult.
Some travelers have had success obtaining an IDP at the last minute by visiting an AAA or equivalent office in person and paying for rush processing. If you are traveling within a few days, this is worth attempting. Otherwise, consider using public transportation, hiring a driver, or using ride-sharing services instead of renting a car.
Another option is to contact your rental car company in advance and ask whether they will accept your home license without an IDP. Some companies, particularly smaller local agencies, may agree if you provide additional documentation such as an international credit card and travel insurance proof. This is not may provide, so do not rely on it as your only plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Italy if I forgot to get one before I left?
No. Italy does not issue IDPs to anyone. You must obtain one from your home country's motor vehicle authority before you travel. If you arrive without one, you can still drive on your home license, but rental companies may refuse to rent to you.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Italy?
Most rental car companies require an IDP along with your home license, even though it is not legally required by Italian law. Some smaller local agencies may accept a home license alone, but this is not standard. Contact the rental company before you book to confirm their policy.
What happens if I drive in Italy without an IDP and get stopped by police?
If you are carrying a valid home license, you are driving legally. Police may ask why you do not have an IDP, but you will not face a fine for driving without one. However, communication may be more difficult if the officer does not speak English.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an Italian driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country and is valid only when presented with your home license. It does not replace your home license and does not give you the right to drive in Italy on its own. To drive legally, you must have both documents.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. It expires on its printed expiration date even if your home license is still valid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one.