I have an NYC license. I am already in Spain for a holiday and just realised that I should ideally be carrying an IDP. I have already rented a car and the rental agency gave me the car with just my US license but nonchalantly said and IDP is recommended not necessary for renting. How may I get an IDP now? I'm in Toledo and heading to Granada next.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
You can't. You need to get your IDP in the same country that issued your licence (the USA). Only the US authorities can certify your licence is valid (which is what an IDP is).
Now you just have to hope you are not pulled over by tha police and asked for your licence.
If you have a US licence you need the IDP to drive any car, not just a rented one.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11881 posts
Drive very carefully.
You do not want to find out if you meet the insurance policy definition of a "legal driver" and have an issue of coverage being voided
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
Also, smile nicely and accept the ticket if you get a fine for not having a IDP. I think it is 200E. Also keep in mind that there is no 10% leniency on the speed limit. Keep under it.
I believe it is actually law, not a 'recommendation', but I expect that is something you'll check out next international trip.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all. Feeling a little nervous finding ourself in a tight spot now that we have back to back bookings in diff cities. Public transport won't be feasible since we don't have any other travel reservations/research done yet. Any tips and suggestions are much appreciated.
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
If you lay out your itinerary for us, we may be able to tell you that trains/buses would work fine. I don't usually buy train tickets very far ahead of time, though of course that can drive up the cost of the fast trains.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
I don't know the roads between the cities, but just do your best to be cautious and follow the driving rules there. Sorry, I am going to be doing some more warnings. Granada is a nightmare to park or drive in. Hopefully you have reviewed the location of your lodgings and the route. Much of the Albycin is closed to traffic through the day and streets are so narrow that side windows need to be folded in.
If it is just to do the day drive, then check in the car at the first agency in town and taxi to your lodgings. If lodgings are more on the periphery, then you have more breathing space. If you haven't researched the drive to lodgings through Granada (or any future town), then ask your hotelier about the narrowness of the streets or a further parking area.
Google street view may help with the perspective and width of streets.
Also bone up on Spain's road signs.
Edit: or as acraven said, we can help with some public transit options.
For example, Renfe train Toledo - Madrid (all trains from Toledo go to Madrid), then ticket Madrid to Granada. Where after that?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
It has been said on this forum that a certified translation of one's home drivers licence can be a substitute for an IDP. The US Consulate nearest to where you are might be able to refer you to a licensed translator. Otherwise, drive carefully, prudently and prayerfully. Buona fortuna.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4656 posts
US embassy website says this:
Driving in Spain
U.S. citizens visiting Spain who want to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit prior to their arrival in Spain. An international driving permit (IDP) translates your state-issued driver’s license into 10 languages so you can show it to officials in foreign countries to help them interpret your driver’s license. The IDP is not valid by itself and must be carried with your driver’s license. Click the following link for more information on driving overseas.
U.S. citizens who are residents of Spain must obtain a valid Spanish driver’s license. At this time, there is no agreement between the United States and Spain for the validation of a U.S. driver’s license; therefore, holders of a U.S. license must attend a Spanish driving school and take the Spanish exam. You can find more information on the Spanish Traffic Authority website.
I guess if you can get the local embassy to translate it, it could work but how much time will it involve? You can at least call them to enquire.
U.S. Embassy Madrid
Calle de Serrano, 75
28006 Madrid, Spain
Phone: (+34) 91-587-2200
Fax: (+34) 91-587-2303
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
Drive as close to the speed limit it as possible. Most tickets will come from traffic cameras and you'll receive it a month after your trip is over. If you happen to get one, pay it promptly and there is a discount.
The road between Toledo and Granada is mostly interstate. The part between Toledo and the E5 is 2 lanes, but a nice road. Just before the E5 is Consuegra with a castle and windmills. It's a nice stop. Stay on the E5 and it will meet with the E902 near Bailen. The E902 will take you directly into Granada. As someone else stated, driving in Granada (or any Spanish city) is a pain. If you happen to be staying up by the Alhambra follow the directions on your hotel's website and don't depend on GPS since it will try and take you through the city rather than skirting it.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33845 posts
I may have entirely the wrong end of the stick, but I'm pretty sure that the only country that may accept an authorised translation of the entire licence instead of an IDP is France. I don't remember ever hearing that about Spain.
On the other hand my little grey cells are not so young as they once were and I may be misremembering...
On the other other hand it couldn't hurt .... but would cost plenty of time and likely a fair bit of money.