What an International Driving Permit Is and Why Italy Requires One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages recognized by most countries, including Italy. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license. Italian police and car rental companies will ask to see both documents together.

Italy does not technically require an IDP by law, but car rental companies almost always do. If you plan to rent a car, get one before you leave the United States. If you are driving your own vehicle or a friend's car, you may not need one, but carrying one eliminates confusion at checkpoints and makes insurance claims simpler if something goes wrong.

The IDP is issued only by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue one. You cannot get an IDP from the Italian consulate, the DMV, or any online service.

Key Takeaways

  • The IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The permit costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue, so check the expiration date before you travel.
  • Processing takes about 15 minutes if you explore in person; there is no mail-in option through AAA or AATA.
  • You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times while driving in Italy — one document alone is not sufficient.
  • Car rental companies in Italy will ask for the IDP at pickup, so obtain it before you leave the United States rather than trying to get one abroad.

Step 1: Locate an AAA or AATA Office Near You

Visit the AAA website at aaa.com and use their office locator tool to find a branch near you. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

If there is no AAA office within reasonable distance, contact AATA directly at aata.org or call 1-800-622-7070. AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers areas AAA does not. Both organizations issue the same permit and charge the same $20 fee.

Call ahead before you visit. Some offices issue IDPs only during certain hours or on specific days, and some require you to schedule an appointment. A five-minute call saves a wasted trip.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and either a U.S. passport or a passport card. The office will not accept a passport book that has expired, but an expired driver's license is acceptable as long as you also have a valid passport. If your passport is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it.

Bring a pen. You will fill out a one-page process form on site. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the country you are visiting. It takes about two minutes to complete.

Bring cash or a card. The $20 fee is payable at the time of issue. Most offices accept both, but calling ahead confirms what payment methods they take.

Step 3: Complete the process and Receive Your Permit

Hand your documents and completed form to the staff member at the AAA or AATA office. They will verify that your driver's license is valid and that your passport or passport card is current. They will then issue your IDP on the spot.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. Check it before you leave the office to make sure your name, license number, and expiration date are correct. If there is an error, ask the staff to correct it when ready.

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. Write the expiration date somewhere you will remember — many travelers forget and arrive in Italy with an expired permit. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it cannot be renewed outside the United States.

What to Do If Your IDP Expires Before Your Trip

If you already have an IDP but it expired, you must get a new one. There is no way to extend an expired permit. Return to an AAA or AATA office, bring your expired IDP, your current driver's license, and your passport or passport card, and pay the $20 fee again. The process is identical to your first process.

If your trip is coming up and your IDP is close to expiring, get a new one now rather than waiting. You cannot use an expired IDP in Italy, even if it expired only days before your arrival.

Carrying and Using Your IDP in Italy

Keep your U.S. driver's license and IDP together in your wallet or travel documents. Italian police may stop you at any time and ask to see both. Presenting only one is not sufficient — you must have both documents in your possession.

When you rent a car, the rental company will ask for your IDP at the counter. Have it ready along with your driver's license. Some companies will not complete the rental without it, even if your license is valid. A few companies may accept only your U.S. license if you are renting from a small local agency, but this is rare and not may provide.

If you are stopped by police, hand over both documents without comment. The IDP translates your information into languages the officer may understand better than English. Keep both documents in a safe place — losing either one complicates your ability to drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must visit a physical location with your documents and pay the $20 fee at that time. There is no online or mail-in option.

Do I need an IDP if I am not renting a car?

If you are driving your own vehicle or a friend's car, an IDP is not legally required in Italy. However, it is still useful because it translates your license information and can help if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident. Most travelers get one anyway for this reason.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP remains valid even if your passport expires, as long as you have a valid driver's license. However, you cannot get a new IDP without a current passport. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before you explore for an IDP.

Can I use my IDP in countries other than Italy?

Yes. An IDP is recognized in most countries worldwide, not just Italy. You can use the same permit in France, Spain, Germany, and many other nations. It is valid for three years from the date of issue, regardless of which country you are visiting.

What happens if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it while you are abroad. If you lose it, you still have your U.S. driver's license, which is valid for driving in Italy. However, you will not have the translation, which may complicate interactions with police or rental companies. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on next steps.