International Drivers License/Driving Permit

The confusion is that many people do not realize that there is no such thing as an International Driver License. Even the very fine consolidator Auto Europe uses the term International Driver License on its Web site instead of International Driver Permit. An IDP is simply a translation of the essential information on your driver license into eight different languages, making it easier for the police in a non-English speaking country to read it. And the information on the Frommer's site is flat out wrong. An IDP is required by law in Italy (and certain other European countries). If you are stopped by the Italian police, they may overlook the law--or they may make you pay a fine if you don't have an IDP. While a rental car agency in Italy may ignore the law and only ask to see a person's regular license, I've read about agencies in Italy that have asked to see both the regular license and an IDP before handing over the keys.

You MAY see websites advertising International Drivers' "Licenses," supposedly good anywhere in the world. They are all scams, without exception.

I checked the Frommers site to be sure. It does in fact have that statement. And it's wrong.

As many of us have discussed here before, IDPs are required in Italy and the penalty for not having one can be 75 Euros payable on the spot. Italy has enough random police stops that you have a decent chance of being stopped. If the police office insists on an IDP, you'll want to have one.

I would still be interested to know where the License/Permit mis-information is coming from (guidebooks? rental car agencies? websites? travel agents?). The International Drivers License question constantly appears on all of the travel chat sites, taking up travelers' energy and time, when they could instead be dealing with other issues.

I think it is less mis-information than the lack of concern about providing correct information. The need to have an IDP in the past has been very casual. More than just a translation, the IDP is a physical representation of an agreement between countries to recognize each others driving priveledges. Since it is well known that my US license is valid in Italy, few have ever relied on the IDP to validate that fact. In fact, there is little to stop me from driving in Europe on a suspended or restricted license as long as I have a card, but I can't get an IDP with a suspended license. Times are changing though and countries are more insistent that IDPs be shown. I suspect that travel advice will change as well with time.

Paul...Under Italian law now, while your U-S driver's license may be valid, it is illegal not to have an IDP. While the 1949 Geneva Multilateral Road Traffic Convention set out that drivers' licenses will be accepted in the countries of all signatories, it also allow nations to opt for a IDP as well.....a move that the Italian government made three years ago.

Like many laws in Italy, the International Driver's Permit requirements are sporadically enforced. Yet having an IDP is the law in Italy!.

Some rental agents do not ask for proof of IDP; most US agencies do - but again it depends on the agent behind the counter. If you've ever driven over here you know how randomly traffic laws are enforced. Italians often tend to look the other way UNTIL... the law works to their advantage! Then if you do not have an IDP you are in trouble...

If you have an accident, a traffic ticket, or a traffic stop you will be asked to produce your IDP. I've seen many posts saying you don't need one, ignore it, etc. Folks - you're making a big mistake if you do not make the effort to purchase and carry with you an IDP. I live here and carry mine in my motorino every day.

It is the law and although inconsistently enforced, you're not an EU or Italian citizen and thus open to more scrutiny (and fines). Play it safe - if you're driving in Italy, get an IDP. For info, CLICK HERE

Ciao,
Ron

Asking about a International Driver's License is like saying you need a Xerox copy when what you're really asking the receptionist for is an copy of something from the Epson printer behind him/her, "do you have any scotch-tape?" meaning any brand tape, need I go on? International Driver's License is just common slang and is understood as such. The Inter'l Driver's Permit is for the benefit of non-English literate police.

Well, if you decide you want one, click here for the application. Remember you need 2 photos (2x2) and you can get it at AAA or by mail.

Remember to sign the back of your photos!

Marie...unfortunately, for the uninitiated, it is not. Many websites offer "international driver's licenses" with claims you can use them around the world. Since they still exist on the web, one must assume they are making money from the unwary. Many also advertise that these licenses will replace your normal driver's license, or, indeed, be legitimate even if you don't have a driver's license. All are scams, nothing more. So when people ask about "international drivers' licenses," we like to make sure they know the difference between the illegitimate offerings, and the legitimate "international drivers' permit." Asking for "scotch tape" or a "Xerox copy" wo't result in you losing your money to a scam, or being tossed in jail.....paying for an "international drivers' license" might!

yes, there is such a thing. I just received mines in they mail. I got it for $15 from AAA. It is good for one year

But...do you need an IDP for France or Germany? We will be renting cars in these countries, not Italy.

An IDP is NOT required in either France or Germany. However, it's still a good idea to have one. If you are in an accident or are stopped by the police, it will make the whole paperwork process go more quickly and smoothly.

I now agree about having one in France. I did get stopped there, and it took the gendarme some time to figure out my state drivers license. I very much wanted him to be in a good mood and I think a translation would have made his job easier and allowed me to be on my way sooner. And I repented on the importance of having one for Italy last year.

Keep in mind that photo-radar is becoming much more common so your chances of being stopped for speeding are increasing.