I was told by Avis that an internation driving permit, issued by AAA was needed to rent a car in Frankfurt. It was a special rate. Has anyone run into this?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Many countries "require" drivers to carry an IDP with them, and Germany is one of those. It is simply an authorized translation of your license, so you must carry your regular drivers' license with you as well. It's to allow officials to easily read your license information. Many will tell you they've never been asked for one, even in countries where they're required, but if you run into a disgruntled police officer, you might be fined. If it gets you an auto rental deal, it's probably worth the $10 cost at AAA.
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Charlotte,
On five trips to Germany, I've never been asked for my IDP, but I always get one. We're flying to Frankfurt this Oct. and I will again get one from AAA. For the $10 or $12, it's not much to have and IDP just in case you need it.
Paul
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Just returned from Europe--rented a car from Avis at the Frankfurt airport. When I asked them if they wanted the IDP, they said "no" just your stateside driver license. However, my husband had felt that if we were involved in an accident, he might have had to have one. If you can, get a passport-type picture taken before you go. AAA charges $15 for this picture. Costco out here does the picture for a lot less. By the way, I just received an additional bill from Avis claiming that they had to detail the car for $235--a bogus charge. We had the car for 25 days--it did need to be vacuumed! We did videotape the car when we turned it in. Just be aware.
Posted by
Marietta, Georgia
157 posts
Charlotte,
As others have said I got one from AAA and was never asked in both France & Germany this July.
Who knows, but for $10-$15 It is better to plan it safe
Jim
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
I've only been asked for drivers license once in 8 European trips, and when I whipped out the IDP the officer said "NO, NO. You're REAL driver's license." No more IDPs for me.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
22 posts
We are going to France in October and will be driving around the Normandy area. Will we need an IDP for France? What if you're not a AAA member, can you still acquire the permit through them?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Cathie - You can get an IDP at Triple A without being a member. But I have recent experience that one is not required. I was pulled over for speeding and they made do with my Oregon license.
Posted by
Toronto
69 posts
I don't think its mandatory to have the IDP in western Europe -- it's suggested because in case you don't speak the language and are stopped by police, the IDP has all the language translations for your personal info. It was mandatory for us in Eastern Europe -- we could not rent a car without it. It's cheap enough to get and works as official ID too. We were never stopped in France or Switerland or on our trip to E.Europe either. Chances are slim unless you're doing something reckless on the roads.