We will be renting a car in Florence - does anyone know if you need to have an international permit to rent a car?
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH
2 posts
Four of us traveled to Italy two years ago, and we were not required to have an international driver license. HOWEVER, they would only let two of us drive.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
You don't need an IDP to rent a car; just your state license.
However, Italy requires an IDP to drive in the country. It's not a license itself. It's a translation of your state license so that the officer who pulls you over knows which numbers are your birthdate and which are your license's expiration date. You still need your state license.
If you don't have an IDP in Italy, the police can fine you 75 Euro on the spot. I haven't bothered with getting one in the past, but after researching the matter I will in the future. Here's why: Italy uses roadblocks to check drivers for a variety of reasons. I've never had trouble just showing my passport, but all it takes is one police officer impatient with my lack of Italian language skills to decide that he has a good excuse to fine me for not having an IDP.
They're cheap and easy to get at your AAA office.
Posted by
USR, NJ
277 posts
I agree with the previous posts. I rented a vehicle from a company at the Milan airport. No need for an international permit. Be aware that the vehicle, in all likelihood, will be small compared to the US.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Let me re-emphasize this. The only people that care if you have an International Driving Permit are the Italian authorities. You can rent the car, you can drive around with just your valid US drivers license. However, there have been numerous hooror stories of folks having problems ranging from a quick fine to having their rental car impounded. With you responsible for the fines and fees and more rental time until it is sorted out. Even if you are a perfect driver, someone can run into you and you through no fault of your own with meet up with the police. It takes about 15 minutes and around 20 bucks at AAA to get one. Get one!
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
I rent cars in Italy all the time...they have never assked for an IDP..HOWEVER...it is now the LAW and you should get one (!) There are FREQUENT RANDOM document checks on the roads in Italy and you will most likely be asked to show it, alond with your passport, etc. Don't get upset or anything if they pull you over - it is just random and it happens all the time -you just show your documents and they wave you on. It is easy and fairly cheap to get an IDP from AAA and it is valid for a year - would be REALLY silly not to.