Hello,
I’ve heard mixed reports on whether International Drivers licences are required to rent cars and drive in Italy. Can anyone provide updated information ASAP? Thanks!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16618 posts
To clarify, it's an International Driver's PERMIT, not license, and the short answer is that yes, you should get one. This individual paid a very large price for neglecting that little detail (aside from acting like a complete knob.)
Posted by
Adams Basin
564 posts
Yes, you do.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8124 posts
Yes, but regardless, for the cost, it is cheap insurance in case some one asks for it. Did I use it in Italy? Avis was not too interested in it, and I did not get stopped by Police, but glad I had it.
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
A few years ago, I watched a customer at Hertz in Orvieto get snagged for no IDP. They were going to double his rate because he was now considered a risk. He became irate and exclaimed he had rented 24 times in Italy, and this was never an issue. He walked out without a car. I was glad we had ours with us!
They do seem silly - because what they are is an affadavit by some anonymous American official swearing that the (insert state) driver's license is true and valid. But when in Rome... Go to AAA and get it done.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Joan -- it is the translation that is important. If the officer is not English speaking or at least reading, the translation quickly gives him the important information. No one is certifying that the US license is valid and you must have the US license with the IDP.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2014 posts
Some years back we were driving in Italy and were stopped at a police road check. None of the police officers spoke English. We showed them our drivers license & Intl. driver's permit from AAA and they waved us on. So glad we had taken that extra little step to get one.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4625 posts
If I'm reading this correctly https://www.aci.it/i-servizi/normative/codice-della-strada/titolo-iv-guida-dei-veicoli-e-conduzione-degli-animali/art-135-circolazione-con-patenti-di-guida-rilasciate-da-stati-esteri.html the fine if you're caught without an IDP in Italy is €408-1634 and they can seize your drivers license.
I'm no lawyer, but since an IDP is the law, I have to wonder if your insurance would be valid since you're driving without a valid license-not that insurance companies are ever looking for reasons not to pay out a claim...
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
@ Frank - thank you for correcting me. I did not realize that you still need to have your US dl with you, makes more sense.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks all for the information!