So I screwed up and forgot to get an international driver permit before leaving home. We are currently in Paris and heading to Greece in a few days, where I have reservations for car rentals in Crete, Naxos, and Athens. There doesn't appear to be a way to get an IDP while abroad short of mailing AA my info and waiting 4-6 weeks, which is not really an option since I'm only in Europe for a couple of weeks. Has anyone tried to find an alternative before? Could I find a translator or notary in Crete to translate my license? Is there anything online that isn't a scam? Should I just risk it or am I totally screwed here?
Posted by
York, PA
300 posts
Having just read the webpage from the US Embassy in Athens, I'm not sure I'd risk it.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If a U.S. tourist in Greece is stopped by traffic police and is found
to drive without the proper documentation (valid U.S. license
together with International Driving Permit or, Greek Driving license,
if he/she has exceeded 6 months of stay in Greece) the U.S. citizen
may be arrested and face trial.Some Greek rental car agencies sometimes rent cars to tourists
without informing them of problems that might occur if one is driving
without the proper documentation.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32330 posts
I've never faced that situation, but I suspect you're out of luck. I would NOT recommend driving in Greece without an I.D.P., as the penalties can be severe and it won't be a "happy" holiday memory. If you get arrested in Greece, you may find that you'll be taking an "extended holiday" in a Greek jail. Based on comments I've seen here on the forum, car rental agencies in Greece are asking renters to produce an I.D.P. more often.
I always renew my I.D.P. every year, whether I'm planning to drive or not. You may find this thread interesting.....
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/greece/driving-in-greece
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Glad to see a resolution on your other thread.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
Some people laugh at my pre-trip check list but your situation is why I have one. In your sitaution I would humbly check with the American embassy or consulate in Greece regarding the use of a notarized translation of your drivers license and where you can get one if it is a viable solution. Otherwise you are out of luck. If you take your chances driving without an IDP and have an accident, the financial downside is virtually unlimited as you will likely have you insurance invalidated for driving without a proper license. Sorry, better luck next time.