International drivers license needed for Italy?

Yes, you do - they are easily obtained at AAA.

IDL:= License does not exist, any on the internet are frauds.
IDP:= International Driving Permit is what is required for Italy (and France, and several others) and available at AAA.

UNLESS - do you have a current German Driving License? If you have a current EU driving license it is in common format and therefor an IDP is not required for Italy or France.

You do NOT need an international drivers license, there is no such thing. You need an international drivers permit, IDP, to drive in Italy. It is a simple translation of your license and must be used in conjunction with your actual license. You can get them at any AAA before leaving for your trip. If you have a european drivers license you won't need an IDP.

Donna

Susanne,

As the others have mentioned, Yes you do need an I.D.P. for driving in Italy. You may never be asked to show it, but if you are involved in any kind of "incident" and can't produce an I.D.P., you can face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!

Currently in Italy:
An IDP is required. There have been several intersections where cars have been randomly pulled over for "documents" checks in the last couple of weeks - checking for valid insurance. I noticed "tourist" vehicles also controlled as well as locals (coming into Siracusa). Also observed many controls at the entrance of the ZTL zones (both urban and small town historic centers). So, you may need to show it to police, even if there is no 'incident'...

I agree, being pulled over for a routine check is also a possibility. I recall a post here several months ago from a traveller that was pulled over in Spain for a routine check, and asked to produce an I.D.P. Unfortunately that had been left in the hotel room, so the traveller was fined ~€250 on the spot, and marched to the nearest ATM to get the cash.

Thank you for all your great tips! Went to AAA and got my IDP..very simple and easy.