International Drivers License Needed for Spain?

First of all, it's an International Driving Permit. It's not a license, it's a simple document with translations into multiple languages of the various labels on your regular drivers license, which you must also have with you. And yes, technically it's required across much of Europe - including Spain. If you've driven all over Europe, you probably should have had one before.

It's quick, cheap, easy to get. To me, it seems foolish to drive overseas without it.

Yes, absolutely.

Yes, you are required to have one in Spain. You may or may not be asked to show it when renting a car, but if you do not have one if you are stopped by the police for some reason, or if you are involved in an accident, I understand you will be in deep and expensive doo-dah with the police.

Probably worth pointing out that the IDP is more than just a translation, that is just the format for ease of use. The IDP is actually a Notarized validation that what ever you call a drivers license or regardless of how it looks, is actually a valid drivers license in your home locale.

There was a posting here a couple of years ago where someone didn't have the IDP in Italy, was involved in a minor accident not his fault, but the police came within inches of impounding his rental vehicle because he did not have a proper driver license to drive it. This is the old cliche --- Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Maybe a false saving of $25. Why chance it???

Yes, it is required. The U.S. Department of State website is a good source for checking what is required for driving in any country. I’ve never been asked for it when picking up a rental car in any country except Austria.

Thanks everyone - I will get one. Most (not all) of my past driving has been for work. I am now retired. Based on your comments, I cannot believe my company didn't demand we have one!

On a trip to Japan this past summer, I was stopped by police while driving.

Mea cupla, I did commit the infraction (passing a slow truck in a no-passing zone).

I handed the police officer my US (Washington State) drivers license. He looked at it and made a sour face. I then handed him my IDP. He nodded, and looked visibly relieved. He took a minute to look at both, then handed them back to me, and said in broken English, "today warning - careful next time. Go!". He bowed, saluted me, and motioned for me to drive on. I did.

I was glad I had the IDP with me.