driver's license in Santorini Greece

Kimi - I found you will get different information each time you call the same rental car company - it just depends on who you talk with. The rental agency might not require an International driver's permit to pick up the car, but according to the State Dept website and Greek National Tourism website, it's still required in Greece for anyone from outside of the EU. You will need both your valid US license and an IDP if you have to deal with the police. Last year, the rental car agencies just wanted my US license, but one did ask if I had an IDP but I didn't have to show it.
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1127.html#traffic_safety Tourists and temporary residents who will stay in Greece for fewer than 185 days, and plan to drive, must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems. http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/touring/by_car_and_motorbike/by_car Driving Licenses E.U. Member-State citizens may use their own national driving license, while citizens of other countries must have an international driving license together with their own valid national driving license.

As a U.S. Citizen you definitely need an International Driving Permit. Sometimes it's possible to rent a car just by showing your passport and a current drivers license. No problem. BUT.................... If you get in an accident and don't have the IDP you'll be in serious trouble with the Greek Police. Greek Law requires it and if you can't produce it you could possibly be detained until you come up with the cash to pay for any and all damages to the vehicles involved regardless of whose fault it is and whether or not the damages were pre-existing (especially if the other car belongs to a local seizing the opportunity to play the system!) AND................... Your insurance will be invalidated because technically you will have been driving illegally. And in that regard I also encourage you to take out the local insurance offered when you pick up the car, as much coverage as you can get. Don't rely on the automatic insurance your credit card claims to provide you. You'll be in a foreign country and there won't be a claims adjustor handy.
Just as important: Don't take "No Problem" as a substitute for indicating on the rental acceptance form every little scratch, dent, tear, stain, crack and missing part on the vehicle, inside and out and underneath. Take photos to back up your inspection. If the rental agent resists signing off on all that you've indicated walk away and find another agency.

I wouldn't stress about it. Just go to AAA, pay your $15 (no test required--the IDP is really just a translation of your US license) and get your international permit. Then you won't have to worry about it. Super simple and cheap! You should carry the IDP and your US drivers license together. Both are required.

kimi, Lee provided the correct information. You will need your regular D.L. (be sure to check the expiry date) PLUS an International Driver's Permit, which you can obtain at any AAA office for reasonable cost (two Passport photos required, which in some cases can be taken at the issuing office). Note that an I.D.P. is not a license, but rather a translation of the terms of your home D.L. The Permits are valid for one year. I rented a car on Santorini on my last visit there, and as I recall I was asked to produce an I.D.P. by the rental firm. You may be interested in this pertinent information on the U.S. State Department website: "Tourists and temporary residents who will stay in Greece for fewer than 185 days, and plan to drive, must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems." And this..... "A driver without one, however, will be cited for failure to have one in the event of an accident, and may be open to civil suit as well. Fines are high. Small motorbike rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting." You might pass this information on to your "fellow HelpLine community" and your "European friend", as they need to be aware of the correct information so they don't get into problems when driving in Greece. Happy travels!

Kimi - Also, the IDP is good for a year. You can choose the date you want it to be effective - I usually put the earliest date I could be renting a car, not the date I get it or leave for a trip. By doing that, last year I was able to use my IDP from the year before as it was still valid.

My experience in Greece is that almost all rental companies will refuse to rent a vehicle without proof of the IDP. This is different than in other countries that also require IDPs. The other comments about penalties and loss of insurance coverage are correct, even if a company rents to you without it.

Thank you everyone who helped me clear the confusion. It looks like it's unanimous that I definitely need to get an IDP. I originally was going to get the permit but when I email the car rental company to confirm, he told me that I need the international license not the permit. This made me so confused and a little upset that I had to fork out $40 just to drive for 5 days. Like Julie mentioned, I guess it depends on who I talk to but if the country's regulations require only a IDP then I'm just going to get that. Thanks again!
Kimi

I think some of your confusion stems from the use of the word "Permit" vs. the word "License". In the case of the IDP they're one and the same. The cost is $15 plus a photo fee if you don't bring 2 passport photos with you.

"Kimi - Also, the IDP is good for a year. You can choose the date you want it to be effective..." I'll be darned. Never knew that - thanks for the info, Julie!