We are in Málaga and plan to rent a car for a day or two. Is it necessary to have an International Driver's License? Can we get one from here? How long will it take? Thank you!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
No you cannot get an IDP in Spain. You get those from AAA in the states. What you can get is an official translation of your driver’s license. It would serve the same purpose since if stopped it would show your license is valid and you’re authorized to driver a passenger car. The rental agency may be able to do it for you. No idea what it would cost. I’ve never been asked for it, but always have it.
I’ve never been asked by anybody to see the IDP and drove around Spain multiple times without one before I knew it was a requirement. You could drive without one, but if you were stopped or got into an accident and asked for it, there can be a fairly hefty fine.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2726 posts
This is from the US Embassy in Spain:
Can I drive with my U.S. driver’s license in Spain?
U.S. citizens who plan to drive in Spain must obtain an international
driving permit (IDP) prior to their arrival. An international driving
permit translates your state-issued driver’s license into ten
languages so that officials in foreign countries can interpret it. The
IDP is not valid by itself and must be carried in addition to your
state-issued driver’s license.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
@CL - the OP is already in Spain.
Posted by
11570 posts
A good lesson for other travelers to Spain and Europe in general.