Do I really need an international drivers license?

You only need it if you are stopped by the police for ANY reason. I had one on my last trip to Italy and did not need it but it sure made me feel more comfortable.

yes, I guess your right, I know what I'll be doing in the morning.. Hitting the AAA office. Happy Travels!

By the way, it's a permit, not a license. You will also need your state driver's license.

Safe travels and watch out for those ZTLs!

It is required BY LAW in Italy. True, you may never be asked for it, but if you have an accident or get stopped you will face immediate penalties for not having one for each person planning to drive.

when my group rented a car in Italy in July, each of the 3 of us who were going to drive had to show it to the car rental counter person.

This from the US Embassy website (emphases theirs):
"Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S. [...] Unfortunately, there is no agreement for reciprocal recognition of drivers' licenses between the United States and Italy."

See also:
http://www.welcomeoffice.fvg.it/udine/dailylife/driving-licence/non-eu-citizen.aspx
http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/the-idp-question
http://www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/random-traffic-stops
http://businesstravel.about.com/od/internationaltravel/a/Do-You-Need-An-International-Drivers-Permit-For-Italy.htm
http://www.usag.vicenza.army.mil/sites/local/dt.asp
http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/driving/international-driving-permit.htm
http://www.italiantourism.com/transp.html#Driving_License__

What hassle are you talking about?
It takes 10 minutes to get an IDP at any AAA office and it costs only $15.
All you need is two passport photos which the AAA can even do for you for some extra $$.

A bigger hassle is if you don't have one and you get pulled over by the Italian police or Carabinieri (which they routinely do at check point even if you do nothing wrong).

About 6 months ago, I got a new one here - they didn't even need photos, somehow just copied the photo from my driver's license onto the int'l permit.

By here, you mean Israel, Chani? That's the first time I've heard of taking photos off the license.

Has anybody else seen that method, in a different country?

Yes, in Israel. I was really surprised. The color photo looks like it was printed right on the back page - where a photo is usually stapled or pasted.

Get the International Driving Permit. Your car rental agency won't ask for it and to be honest you probably won't need it but legally you are supposed to have it. With all the money you are spending to travel to Italy spend the extra $20 and be safe. If you have an accident or get stopped by the police and there is a problem you will be kicking yourself for not having one. FYI - the police can pull you over without a reason, you don't need to have done something wrong.

Some car rental companies do ask to see the IDP and will refuse the rental if you don't have one. It's legally required so get one for everyone who will be driving. You'll need it along with your actual license.

Donna

One more incentive for having an IDP , if you are involved in an accident and don't have one , your insurance underwriter can easily void your coverage on the grounds that you are technically an unlicensed driver . Given that insurance companies have a well deserved reputation for squirming out of paying claims , it would be wise not to take chances

We tell everyone traveling to Italy to get an International Drivers License and to bring their original license. I was in Italy last October and when I went to get my car the person at the counter asked to see my international license. I was so glad I had one. I wouldn't have wanted to be denied the car and then hunt around town for another option. Its so easy to get and so worth it.

The recurring misnomer here is that it is an International Driving Permit, not a License. You still need your state (or province) license to drive. IDP is not valid without it.