Most European countries accept your U.S. driver's license, but some require an International Driving Permit as backup

You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in most of Europe. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and many others recognize a valid U.S. driver's license on its own. However, some countries either require an IDP by law or make it strongly advisable because police may not accept an English-language license without one. The safest approach is to carry both your U.S. license and an IDP together — the IDP is inexpensive and solves the problem in countries where it matters.

An International Driving Permit is not a separate license. It is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license into multiple languages, issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It costs $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase. You can obtain one at any AAA office or online through AAA's website before you leave the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and costs $20 for one year or $30 for three years from AAA.
  • Most Western European countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but an IDP removes uncertainty and is required by law in some Eastern European nations.
  • Countries that legally require an IDP include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
  • You must obtain an IDP before leaving the United States — you cannot get one once you arrive in Europe.
  • Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries where local law does not, so check your rental agreement before you travel.

Countries where an International Driving Permit is legally required

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine all require an International Driving Permit by law. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you must carry one. Driving without an IDP in these places can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both, even if you have a valid U.S. license.

These countries are mostly in Eastern Europe or the Balkans. If your trip stays within Western Europe — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries — you do not legally need an IDP. However, rental companies operating in these countries often require one anyway, so check your rental agreement.

Countries where an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended

Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic do not legally require an IDP, but police may refuse to accept an English-language license without one. Carrying an IDP removes this friction. In Greece especially, some rural police have been known to turn away drivers with only a U.S. license, even though the law technically permits it.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal all accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. You are unlikely to encounter problems in these countries. That said, carrying an IDP costs nothing and eliminates any possibility of a misunderstanding with a police officer who is unfamiliar with U.S. documents.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you leave

Visit any AAA office in person or go to AAA.com and order online. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the process fee. AAA issues the permit on the spot at physical offices, usually within minutes. Online orders take five to seven business days to arrive by mail.

The one-year IDP costs $20; the three-year IDP costs $30. Both are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must purchase a new one when it expires.

You must obtain the IDP before you leave the United States. No European country issues IDPs to foreign visitors, and you cannot get one at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

What to do if you are already in Europe without an IDP

If you are already traveling in Europe and realize you need an IDP, you have limited options. You cannot obtain one in Europe. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are staying and ask whether they can issue an emergency travel document or refer you to an alternative. In most cases, they cannot help with an IDP specifically.

If you are renting a car, tell the rental company when ready that you do not have an IDP. Some companies will refuse to rent to you; others will rent but may not cover you under their insurance if you are stopped by police. If you are driving your own vehicle, avoid driving in countries that legally require an IDP, and carry a printed copy of your U.S. license and any documentation from AAA showing you attempted to obtain a permit.

Rental car companies and International Driving Permit requirements

Most major rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Europcar — require an International Driving Permit even in countries where local law does not mandate one. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you book. Some companies state the requirement clearly; others do not mention it until you arrive at the counter.

If a rental company refuses to rent to you because you lack an IDP, you have no legal recourse in most countries. The company is enforcing its own policy, not a government law. This is why obtaining an IDP before you leave the United States is the simplest solution.

Other documents you need to drive in Europe

Beyond your driver's license and IDP, you will need your vehicle registration (if driving your own car), proof of insurance, and a passport. Many European countries also require a GB sticker or UK number plate identifier if you are driving a vehicle registered in the United States or Canada, though this applies mainly to long-term residents rather than tourists.

Some countries require additional items: a reflective safety vest, headlight beam adjusters, and a warning triangle. Rental companies typically provide these. If you are driving your own vehicle, check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in France or Germany?

No, France and Germany accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, carrying an IDP is still a good idea because it removes any possibility of a misunderstanding with police. The IDP is inexpensive and takes only a few minutes to obtain at an AAA office.

Can I get an International Driving Permit at a U.S. embassy in Europe?

No. U.S. embassies and consulates do not issue International Driving Permits. You must obtain one from AAA before you leave the United States. Plan ahead and visit an AAA office or order online at least one week before your departure.

What happens if I drive in Romania or Serbia without an IDP?

Both countries legally require an IDP. Driving without one can result in fines ranging from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the country and the officer's discretion. Your vehicle may also be impounded. Rental companies operating in these countries will refuse to rent to you without an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that supplements your U.S. driver's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together. An IDP is valid only while your U.S. license is valid.

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

AAA issues permits on the spot at physical offices, usually within minutes. Online orders take five to seven business days to arrive by mail. Order online at least one week before your trip to allow time for delivery.