Is an international license required in Spain and Portugal?
Thanks!
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
The correct term is an "International Driving Permit" (IDP). It is a certified translation of your licence which must be carried with your licence.
The answer to your question depends on which country issued your licence. If you have a licence issued by an EU country, you do not need an IDP. If your licence is from outside the EU, you do need an IDP for Spain.
9 times out of 10 you will never need to show it, but if you are stopped by the police and asked for your licence, you need to show both your licence and your IDP. Without the IDP, you technically do not have a valid licence and can be prosecuted for driving without a licence.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thanks very much! I suspected as much since we were stopped in Italy last year where it is imperative to have the International Driving Permit. Too bad they are limited to only one year. :)