Getting conflicting information. Coming from the States and would like to rent a car for the day. Is a International Driving Permit (IDP) required or just recommended?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16794 posts
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2569 posts
Yes, it is required.
Posted by
1063 posts
You get it at the auto club for about $30. You don't need to be a member. It's valid for one year.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34402 posts
it is required unless you go to a lot of trouble and much more expense to get an attested translation from certain folks acceptable to the Italian authorities - so effectively yes, it is required
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4747 posts
It's the law.
Posted by
OP
43 posts
Thank you everyone for their response. I will for sure get it if I decide to rent a car.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34402 posts
if you do decide to get a car also get familiar with Italian road signs, what a ZTL means and how to avoid it and about automated speed cameras work, and how to tell if your details have been given to the police after an offence.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12164 posts
I will for sure get it if I decide to rent a car.
Be sure you have it before you leave home.
You do not want to be this situation ---
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/international-drivers-license-86ee77ae-0270-40da-9146-4a5106ec3f80
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
711 posts
Just know that as mentioned speed devices are common ....you will not see a police car but you can receive a ticket. Modena has just installed more of these and there have been lots of fines assessed. Watch the speed limits... on many roads they will seem very low in comparison to the US.