A couple years ago we rented a car in Italy. He arrived things and when we got the car in Florence. I just showed by US Driver's license. I am now traveling to Sevilla, Spain and is considering renting a car for a couple of days to go the Granada and over to the coast. Reading some materials it indicates what one needs an international driver's permit along with the US license. 1. What is the difference between the International Driver's Permit versus License? 2. Do I need one of these? thank you
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Richard, AFAIK, there is NO SUCH THING as an "International Driver's License". What you'll require is an International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. The basic purpose of an IDP is to provide a translation of the terms of your D.L. in a number of languages, so you must still take your home D.L. I don't know if an I.D.P. is compulsory in Spain, but IMO it would be a good idea to have one (they are compulsory in Italy, and you can be fined on the spot for failing to produce one if requested). You can obtain an I.D.P. easily at any AAA office for a small fee (two Passport photos also required, and the issuing office may be able to take those at the time). Happy travels!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Yes, Spain requires an IDP. Pick one up, for each driver, at AAA. If you have any extra passport pics, bring them and save some money.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
You needed one on your trip to Italy, too. You were a lucky boy. Just because the salesman (saleswoman?) behind the car rental desk didn't ask to see it doesn't mean that you didn't need it. Their job is to extract money from you in exchange for the use of a car. If they deprived you of the use of the car because you didn't have your mandatory IDP their income would go down, and if (s)he worked on commission they might have to pass up a dinner or two. So they have no incentive to chase you for it. And they don't care if your insurance is deemed invalid - they have your credit card. And they don't care if you are arrested - its nothing to do with them.... As I said, you were a lucky boy. Yes, you are legally required to have one in Spain.