International driver's license required in Spain?

An International Driver's License is a scam. But an International Driver's Permit is required in some countries, and is nice to have in others. It's a translation of your license, and does not substitute for it (you need to carry both). It's available at AAA offices for $15 and two photos (non AAA members can get one there too), and is good for a year. Italy is one country where it is legally required; I don't know about Spain. Don't trust reports about whether one was required to rent the car; the car rental companies couldn't care less, as they won't get in trouble - you will. If a policeman says one is required, it is. And in addition to being stopped for a violation, several have posted about roadblocks where all cars were being stopped. So, even without violating any laws, or being suspected of this, you could be stopped and have your papers inspected. Again, I'm not saying one is needed for Spain (I don't know). But if you do find out that it is legally required, don't chance it.

"Don't trust reports about whether one was required to rent the car; the car rental companies couldn't care less, as they won't get in trouble - you will." I know this thread is about Spain, but the above statement is just wrong. For example, in Greece, if you do not have an IDP you will not be able to rent a car. - PERIOD! The rental agencies are very strict on this - I know from firsthand experience. This is not always true in Italy or Spain, but some might be more strict than others. I also have firsthand experience on how useful they can be, even when not required. In the UK, I almost was denied my rental car because the agent couldn't figure out how the renewal sticker on my state license worked (the printed date on the front was out of date). She specifically asked if I had an IDP - which I didn't. Fortunately after some debate and discussion with her supervisor, they rented me the car. So it's not just a translation - it's a verification of the validity of your own license. And according to Rick Steves, an IDP is required in Spain.

Douglas, I'm not saying rental companies in some places don't require it. But I've read statements like " We weren't asked for one in Italy at the car rental desk, so it's not required." It is required in Italy, but the rental car desk doesn't enforce it - the police do. As you say, it certainly can be required to get past the rental car desk. But the fact that it you can rent without it doesn't prove that it's not required, either. Your England story shows how it is useful, beyond whether it is "required." So we agree - just get it!

kat, This information is posted on the official U.S. State Department travel information website: "U.S. citizens must obtain International Driving Permits prior to their arrival if they plan to drive in Spain. You are not allowed to drive on your American license. While rental car companies may rent a vehicle to you without the International Driving Permit, this is illegal and, if pulled over for a traffic violation, your rental car may be detained and towed to the nearest impound lot." Considering the very reasonable cost, it would most definitely be a good idea to get one! Having your car towed would NOT be a "pleasant vacation memory"!!! Happy travels!

Thank you all for your help!

I love that a Canadian found the official U.S. State Department info!
Many thanks to all of you!

It's required in Spain. It's easy enough to get. Takes 10 minutes at your local AAA office.

Yes. I just drove around Spain (put better than 3,000 km on our rental). I checked it out ahead of time and we were required to have an IDP. I picked it up at AAA - which takes ten to twenty minutes if you need photos, less if you have some extra passport type photos handy. As usual, I wasn't stopped or in any accidents so I was never asked for it but it's better to have it and not need it. The rental company may have asked me for it, but I don't specifically remember them asking.