What an International Driving Permit Does in Italy

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. Italy accepts it as a secondary form of identification alongside your valid national license — it does not replace your license, and you must carry both documents together when you drive.

Italian police and car rental companies recognize the IDP as proof that your home license is legitimate and current. Without it, a rental company may refuse to rent to you, or police may have difficulty verifying your license if stopped. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body — not by Italy. You must obtain it before you travel, because no Italian office issues them to foreign visitors.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country's automobile association before traveling to Italy; Italian authorities do not issue them.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and costs $15 to $30, depending on your country and which version you choose.
  • You must carry both your national driver's license and the IDP together; the permit alone is not sufficient proof of your right to drive.
  • Car rental companies in Italy often require an IDP even if police do not, so obtaining one before arrival prevents delays and rental refusals.
  • The IDP is issued in ten languages and is recognized by the United Nations, making it valid across Europe and most countries worldwide.

How to Obtain an IDP from Your Home Country

The process and cost vary by country. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. You must visit an office in person with your valid passport, current driver's license, and a passport-sized photograph. The one-year permit costs $20 and the three-year permit costs $30. Processing is when ready — you walk out with the document the same day.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs at provincial offices. You need your passport, driver's license, and a photo. The cost is approximately $25 CAD for a one-year permit. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and RAC both issue them; you can order online or visit in person, and the permit arrives by mail within five to ten business days.

In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) issue permits. You must explore in person with your license and passport. In New Zealand, the Automobile Association (AA) handles them. Most European countries have their own automobile associations that issue IDPs — check your country's national motoring organization for the exact process and fee.

Do not wait until you arrive in Italy to look for an IDP. No Italian office issues them to visitors, and ordering one from abroad while traveling is slow and unreliable. Obtain it before you leave home.

What to Bring When You Drive in Italy

You must carry your national driver's license and your International Driving Permit together at all times when driving. Italian police will ask for both documents if they stop you. Carrying only the IDP without your national license is not sufficient — the IDP is a translation aid, not a standalone license.

You should also carry your passport, vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, and a GB or country-specific sticker on your vehicle if you are driving from outside the EU. A reflective safety vest and headlight beam adjusters are legally required in Italy. Keep all documents in a folder or envelope so you can produce them quickly if stopped.

Car Rental Companies and IDP Requirements

Most car rental agencies in Italy — including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and local firms — require an International Driving Permit as a condition of rental, even though Italian law does not strictly mandate it. Some companies will rent to you without one if your national license is in English or another widely recognized language, but many will refuse or charge a higher deposit.

Rental companies use the IDP to verify that your home license is valid and to reduce their liability if you are involved in an accident. If you arrive without an IDP, you may face a choice between paying a premium, canceling your reservation, or finding a different rental company — and availability may be limited, especially during peak travel season.

Reserve your car in advance and confirm with the rental company whether they require an IDP. If they do and you do not have one, you have time to obtain it from your home country's automobile association before your trip.

How Long the IDP Remains Valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit is cheaper but requires renewal if you plan to drive in Italy again within a few years. The three-year permit costs more upfront but covers multiple trips.

The IDP does not extend the validity of your national driver's license. If your home country's license expires before the IDP does, you cannot legally drive in Italy — you must renew your national license first. Conversely, if your national license is valid but your IDP has expired, you can still drive in Italy, though car rental companies may refuse to rent to you.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you must obtain a new one from your home country's automobile association before your trip.

Alternatives if You Cannot Obtain an IDP

If you cannot obtain an IDP before traveling to Italy, some car rental companies will accept a certified translation of your national driver's license instead. You must have the translation done by a professional translator or notary in your home country — not in Italy. The translation must be on official letterhead and include the translator's credentials.

However, certified translations are not as widely accepted as an IDP, and some rental companies will still refuse. Police may also have difficulty verifying a translation if you are stopped. The IDP remains the most reliable option.

If you are already in Italy without an IDP and need to rent a car, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they will accept a certified translation or another form of verification. Some local rental agencies are more flexible than international chains, though you may pay a higher rate or deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Italy with just my national license and no IDP?

Yes, Italian law does not require an IDP — your national license is sufficient. However, car rental companies often require one as a condition of rental, and police may have difficulty verifying your license if stopped. Carrying an IDP prevents delays and rental refusals.

Do I need to renew my IDP every time I travel to Italy?

No. A one-year IDP covers multiple trips within that year. A three-year IDP covers multiple trips over three years. You only need to renew when the permit expires or when your national license expires, whichever comes first.

What if my national driver's license is not in English?

An IDP is especially useful if your license is not in English or another widely recognized language, because it provides a ten-language translation. Car rental companies are more likely to accept an IDP than a license in an unfamiliar language.

Can I obtain an IDP in Italy if I forgot to get one before I traveled?

No. Only your home country's automobile association issues IDPs. No Italian office issues them to visitors. If you forgot to obtain one, contact your home country's automobile association and ask whether they can mail one to you in Italy, though delivery may take two to four weeks.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

Yes. "International Driving Permit" and "International License" refer to the same document. It is issued by your home country's automobile association and is recognized worldwide as a translation of your national license.