Driving in Italy - license requirements

Karen, An International Driver's Permit is compulsory for driving in Italy, and failure to produce one if requested can result in fines on the spot! This must be used in conjunction with your home D.L. as an IDP is not a license. You may want to have a look at This Website for some great information not only on IDP's but also "random traffic stops" (put "IDP" in the search window at the top, and it will take you to the correct page). As the others have mentioned, travel by train is very easy. Unless you need a car to reach a location that's not well served by public transport, trains are a great option. In renting a car in Italy, you may also want to have a look at some of the posts here regarding ZTL areas, traffic tickets, etc. Happy travels!

In theory, yes. No good reason not to get one. Have you considered the trains?

Better to have and not need than to...you know the rest. Just go to your local AAA office to get one. Takes no time at all and cost is only $15 (maybe $20 in some places).

Karen, We have done it both ways IDP and no IDP, but then again we have never been stopped. Although the Caribinieri look handsome and smart in their blue uniforms I don't think they have much tolerance for those who flaunt Italy's traffic laws. So as Clint Eastwood said in Dirty Harry, "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?" Pay the $15.00 and travel safe with piece of mind.

Great, info, if it is that easy might as well go for it

You know, there is an Italy specific section to this bulletin board, right? It's called "To the Boot". Happy travels.

An International Drivers Permit is required BY LAW in Italy. Also, just a general FYI, an IDP is a legal requirement in some countries so that they may confirm that your state issued drivers license is valid. A cop in Italy has no good way of making sure your license is the real thing. Same goes for rental car agents. It is also helpful for interpreting the data on the license.

Hi Karen:
Get the International Licence. Other good advice, take your GPS if it has europe in it. Life is so, so much easier on a driver in Italy with a GPS unit. Road and street names change by the block. It can be very confusing. Distractions can lead to accidents. I have driven in Italy numerous times and the difference between driving with a GPS unit and without one is like night and day. And I don't belive I am a wimp for using one. I grew up driving in NYC.

This topic comes up often, but I think the opinion on having one has changed with EU rugulations. It used to be that almost nobody ever looked at the IDP, the rental agencies never, even the Police would only occasionally request it. That has changed with greater enforcement by the EU, especially in countries with traditionally high traffic accidents. Now in many areas, you will not get a rental car without one, and as mentioned, getting caught means a fine. Italy along with Greece are two countries that have really stepped up enforcement.

I picked one up at AAA before a trip to Italy. We leased our car in Amsterdam and turned it in when we got to Rome. I never had a ticket or accident but felt better knowing I had the required document if asked. If nothing else, it's a cheap souvenir to add to your scrapbook.