IDL?

I look at the IDP (International Driving Permit) as "insurance" and following the law even though it might seem excessive. We've never been asked to present it at the car rental businesses in Costa Rica or Palermo, Italy.
Here is AAA's link. Btw, I think we paid only $25 @ 8 months ago. The link says $20. . . You don't even have to go to a AAA office but can mail everything in.
https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

The IDP--permit, not license--translates your license into a common format. Some countries require it, some don't

It's not so much that the rental agencies require it but the police may if you are stopped. No IDP in some countries and you could be in big trouble.

Think of it as a $20 insurance policy.

Being asked for it has nothing to do with it being a requirement. You need it if you are pulled or have an accident. Some have reported being denied a car without it, and I believe them.

Some European States require it by law, others don't.

Italy does require it (art. 135 of the Italian Vehicle Code) and the minimum fine for not having it is €408.

The rental agency couldn't care less if you have it or not. I've never been asked by the rental agencies either.

But I was pulled over twice by the Carabinieri for a random check in the past 10 years (last time this past July 2024), and they did ask to see it.

So the choice is yours. Either pay $20 to the AAA (+$9 if you need them to take your photos) or pay the Carabinieri or the Polizia €408 if you get pulled over.

Here is what the US Embassy in Italy says:

https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/transportation-driving/

The clerk at the rental agency may or may not require that you show them your IDP in addition to your DL. That does not negate your obligation to have one if required by law in the country you are in. We have had to show it to police twice, once at a road block in France, and once in Italy. Keep in mind, that in some countries you would not only be subject to a fine, but the car could be seized (since you would be considered an unlicensed driver), and in an accident your insurance would be void for the same reason.

I was asked for it at a rental desk in Civittavecchia, after a cruise.

I realize that you are just asking a civil question, but I am reminded of some assigned novel in High School (1967) where an American held up his passport and expected the rebels to stop shooting while he crossed the street! “You not at home”, so there is little to be gained by trying to get a different answer.

I also look for the legally required safety equipment so I’m not charged for it upon the vehicle return.

I felt some doubt that Pseudoephedrine was actually illegal in Singapore, but I decided to remove it from my travel meds for just that trip!

I was driving near Fussen a few years back and came to a closed intersection. The officer came to the car and asked for my license. He spoke very little English and I spoke hardly any German. I showed him my actual license and the IDL. I then managed to make him understand I needed a new direction on my map to get around the road closure. Once he figured out what I was trying to say he showed me on the map where to go. I was very glad I had the IDL.

“Europe” isn’t really a unifying concept here because many countries specifically accept foreign licenses by country (list given), or foreign licenses in English, or foreign licenses in the Latin alphabet— whatever the national code says.

Some countries like Germany accept licenses of a certain international format, so in this case your Oklahoma license would work (and Laurie Beth’s Minnesota license would also work) but Roberto’s California license would not.

I was asked for it at a rental desk

I have heard of others being asked in Italy at time of rental, so perhaps the most compelling reason to get one in Italy so as not to upset the trip there and be stranded.

So country by country and depending upon your state license, but usually not a requirement in the most popular countries in Europe.

On a related note, Avis requires the renter to show proof of being licensed for at least 6 months. I’ve been licensed for over 45 years but just renewed it in October so I took my expired license too. Then the Avis associate at the rental office never asked to see it. Oh well!

Some countries like Germany accept licenses of a certain international
format, so in this case your Oklahoma license would work (and Laurie
Beth’s Minnesota license would also work) but Roberto’s California
license would not.

I'm not a legal expert, but as far as I can tell a license from Oklahoma or Minnesota is not valid in Germany without an IDP.

Come to think of it, even at home, the last time I was asked by the police for my driver's license was after I was rear ended in about 1990. Guess I don't need my DL either since I've never needed it.

The only time we were every stopped by the police in many trips we were asked for the IDP and the cop was visibly disappointed that we had it as he was winding up. I think it might also cause problems with your insurance in an accident if you were not properly licensed with it. You will definitely be asked to show it if in an accident. It is cheap. It is ridiculous that it needs to be constantly renewed; once should be enough. But it is cheap and required so we always carried it.

as far as I can tell a license from Oklahoma or Minnesota

Did you look? Do an image search. They both have the Vienna convention elements and field numbering ID system. Missing is the birthplace but I don’t think that’s a deal breaker.

“So country by country and depending upon your state license, but usually not a requirement in the most popular countries in Europe.”

It’s the law in France, and as Roberto said, in Italy. Those two have the highest number of visitors, so the IDP, or a qualified translation is required in the two most popular countries.

Did you look? Do an image search.

I did, they have some elements from the Vienna convention but not all. Most important is probably that they use different categories.

they have some elements from the Vienna convention but not all. Most important is probably that they use different categories.

Every license is good for car. Is the OP going to rent a truck? That’s a different case.

It’s the law in France, and as Roberto said, in Italy. Those two have the highest number of visitors,

Can’t confirm but by my observation I think more Americans/year rent cars in the UK and Germany than in Italy.

Note that the Rick Steves page on IDPs is pretty balanced (not righteous) and doesn’t recommend one for France, nor do I.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/rental-car-requirements

I’ve heard the Italy stories and I’ve read the rental car ads in Prague with the warning of no rentals without IDPs, so agree that there’s a place for it.

There's a rant coming and this comment isn't directed to the OP or any of the responders to her post.

For fun, I typed "IDL", "IDP', "International Driving Licence" and "International Driving Permit" in the search bar and collectively got over 4,000 hits. Sure, some of those are duplicates, but I cant understand the fascination, questioning, agonizing and analyses with a $25 item. More important things often don't get discussed as much.

For the record, Im pro IDP. Simple simple.

Rant done.

Agree with the above. When spending a lot of money on airfare, hotels etc. get the permit for peace of mind whether it is mandatory or not. The amount of money is miniscule.

I was the original poster, and probably the most ignorant! I’m not a law breaker, I truthfully thought you had to have it to rent a car, but had never been asked for it in all the years of renting. As I stated I did purchase one last year, but was just asking for information about it, thanks to those who contributed.

Every license is good for car.

How is a random policeman supposed to know that? Germany accepts foreign driving licenses that follow the Vienna convention. And the Vienna convention is pretty clear about the five categories used, A-E, and what they mean. If Oklahoma and Minnesota uses different categories, then their licenses do not adhere to the international format that is the Vienna convention, as far as I can tell.

We all know that the best defense for any issue in Europe is to say "I was told it was okay by someone on the Rick Steves Travel Forum."

Since everyone in Europe knows Rick Steves you'll be let off with a smile.

Not.

You can take an "opinion" from someone here if you want but as for me, I'd rather follow the rules. I've learned after years of traveling, if you follow the rules in the country you are visiting, most often you'll be left alone.

But, if you want to go without an IDP that's your business. When you get stopped by a police officer who asks for it, you can explain to him, in English, a language he probably doesn't know well if at all, that your state's license is in the right format and then castigate him for not knowing which of the 50 states has the proper license. After all, you are an American and he should know .

Not.

BTW, this was not intended for the OP. Just a general statement for those who argue against the IDP.

It would be interesting to hear from posters if they have had requests
for the IDL

This is a thread from 2017 where several posters reported that they'd been asked for an IDP (it's not an IDL) at the rental offices, including in Italy.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/international-driving-permit-aaa-waste-of-money

And this:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-car-rental-international-driver-permit

And this:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rental-car-without-international-license-we-are-already-in-italy

There are more threads out there which I don't have time to dig up but as discussed more times than I can count, the bigger issue appears to come in if stopped by the authorities or involved in an accident.

This is the law as written in art. 135 of the Italian Motor Vehicle Code.

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 relevant part is in paragraph 8. If you don’t speak Italian you can use Google Translate and the translation is a good approximation. If you don’t have an IDP or an official sworn translation you are subject to a fine ranging from €408 to €1,634.

If you want to drive without one or even without any drivers’ license from any country at all, it is your choice. But don’t complain if you get pulled over and get fined.

End of story.

Susan (OP)

I've read your post and the responses. I understand this was a question to satisfy your curiosity rather than asking for advice.

I'm concerned this thread will only add confusion regarding obtaining an IDP, starting with your use of an inaccurate acronym. If I were a new member looking for information regarding European travel that includes renting a car, I don't think this thread would be useful.

DougMac, I agree with you. It's one of several topics on this Forum that seems bring out strong opinions. That link that Toby shared from the official RS opinion further clouds the issue. The last sentence, "but the permit is a must if you end up dealing with the police." is good, but the rest of the info he provides borders on irresponsible. Why not come out and say that in some countries it is the law? This is a messy topic that Rick Steves himself takes a wishy washy stance on that may get people in trouble.

Be forwarned, police in France for one country, can sieze your car and tow it away if you can't provide an IDP on request.

Definitely required when we picked up our Avis rental car at the Venice airport, spring 2024.

I'm curious if anyone has ever used an 'expired' IDP. I will definitely get a new one this year, but it's kind of a rip off - from AAA they will stamp a validity date, sometimes you can say to prodate it a month or two... depending on when your trip starts, then the expiration is one year from the validity date. But my drivers license hasn't changed since the last one and my picture is the same, and looks like my license picture, so none of the information that is translated has been changes so why are they only good for 1 year?

One time I went to get an IDP from AAA in March, and they could backdated it so that it was only good until September of that year since that's when my drivers license expired. I renewed it and it's now good for another 5 years, so I understand that, but then why should the IDP only be good for 1 year if my license is still valid after that year.

I'm venting, I realize, and I'll still follow the rules and get a new one and give AAA another $20 for a piece of paper that says the same as the last one...

According to the 1968 Vienna Convention where the most recent rules were set, the IDP is supposed to be for no more than THREE years. Seems like a money grab by the AMA for making it one year

We were required to show our IDPs when picking up our rental car in Bari last month. One of our group had left his behind at the apartment, and the rental agency would not add him as an additional driver.

The 1949 model is valid for a maximum of one year. The 1968 model is valid for up to 3 years. However, the validity of the IDP can never exceed the validity of your domestic driver’s license. For the 1968 some time restriction may apply depending on the country you are visiting.
https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/frequently-asked-questions/

Was not aware there are 2 versions.

Roberto - I have a stack of expired IDPs also, although ours are stamped rather than filled in by ink for the date.... I may have to go take a look to see if my house is haunted too.

Also, I never noticed the fact that yes the AAA uses the 1949 model of the IDP. Right up to date!

that's because the USA is one of the few nations which did not adopt the new 1968 convention, rather sticking with the 1949 version. So AAA is stuck. It is also the USA government which requires the one year expiration, not the AAA.

Mamma mia, I’ve never seen so many disparate comments regarding the IDP. In Italy it’s the law, mostly for in case one gets pulled over by the police and SOME car rental places will ask for it while others won’t. I’ve been driving and renting cars in Italy for over 25 years and have always had an IDP with me. Usually I laminate it to protect it. IT IS THE LAW and if you’re pulled over and DO NOT have one you can face very high fines, which are usually paid on the spot or in front of a judge. You don’t want to go that route. It’s also the law in France, Spain, Portugal, Germany and so on. Just follow the law and you’ll be fine.