We took advice and got internationl DL for our trip to Italy but do we need one for France? Donna
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Nope....it's not required in France, but even if it was, the IDP is an internationally-recognized document, good wherever they're required.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Always better to have it and not need it versus .........you know the rest.
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Donna, I believe Norm is correct. You don't need a separate International Driving Permit for each country. I get mine at Triple A.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Norm is correct. He is always correct. It is NOT needed in France, but is required in Italy. It is good for all countries, and expires in one year. It is NOT a drivers license, but is just a translation of your drivers license for the police. You must present both to the Italian cop when he stops you.
Some people have reported that some of the auto rental agencies won't rent a car to you if you can't show them your IDP (in Italy), but I did not have that problem when I picked up my car from Europecar in Italy two weeks ago.
AAA was a great place to pick one up. One stop shopping; picture and all. Pick up a good Michelin map there too, to use with your GPS.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
The ONLY organizations authorized to issue IDP's in the US are AAA and the National Automobile Club.
Beware of scammers issuing "international drivers licenses" that are not the official IDP.