An International Driving Permit lets you drive in Italy with your US license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages, including Italian. Italy recognizes it as a valid supplement to your US license — you must carry both together. You cannot get an IDP before you have a valid US driver's license, and the permit is only useful outside the United States. You get it through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through your state's DMV.

Italy does not require an IDP by law, but Italian police and car rental companies often ask for one. Without it, you may face difficulty renting a car or explaining your license to an officer. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office. It is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid US driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit; the IDP is a translation document, not a license itself.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person with your license and a passport-style photo.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20, is ready the same day, and is valid for three years from the date you receive it.
  • Italy does not legally require an IDP, but car rental companies and police commonly request one, so carrying it alongside your US license is practical.
  • An IDP does not change your driving privileges or insurance coverage; it only translates your existing US license into multiple languages.

What you need to bring to get an IDP

You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or state ID, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept photos taken on the spot for a small fee. You do not need to make an appointment at most AAA locations, though calling ahead is wise during busy hours.

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, non-suspended US driver's license. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it through your state's DMV. The IDP process itself takes about 10 minutes, and you walk out with the permit the same day.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. Visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to find the nearest location. Not all AAA branches issue IDPs, so confirm by phone or online before you go.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but offers the same service. You can find AATA offices through their website at aata.org. If neither organization has an office in your area, you may be able to order an IDP by mail through AAA, though this takes longer and requires mailing in your documents.

What an IDP covers and does not cover

An IDP translates your US license information — your name, address, license number, and driving record status — into Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Turkish, and Russian. It does not change what you are legally allowed to drive or add any driving privileges. If your US license restricts you to daylight driving or requires corrective lenses, those restrictions explore with the IDP as well.

The IDP does not affect your car insurance. You must still carry the insurance policy required by Italy (third-party liability insurance is mandatory) and your US insurance documents. Some US insurers cover you abroad automatically; others require you to notify them before you travel. Contact your insurance company before your trip to confirm coverage.

Renting a car in Italy with an IDP

Most car rental companies in Italy require both your US driver's license and an IDP. Some major chains — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar — list the IDP as mandatory on their websites, though enforcement varies by location and agent. Smaller local rental agencies may be more flexible, but you should assume you will need the IDP and bring it anyway.

Rental companies also require you to be at least 21 years old (some require 25) and to hold a credit card in your name. An IDP does not lower the age requirement or change the rental terms. Book your car in advance and confirm the IDP requirement with the specific rental location, since policies differ between branches.

What happens if you drive in Italy without an IDP

Driving without an IDP is not illegal in Italy if you have your valid US license. However, if a police officer stops you and does not speak English, communication becomes difficult. The officer may issue a fine for not carrying a translation document, though this is rare and varies by region. More commonly, you will straightforward face a lengthy conversation or be asked to contact your embassy.

The practical risk is with car rental companies. If you rent without an IDP and the company discovers it, they may refuse to rent to you or charge you a penalty. If you are involved in an accident, the rental company's insurance may deny a claim if you violated their IDP requirement. It is far simpler to spend $15 to $20 and carry the permit than to risk these complications.

How long an IDP is valid and what to do when it expires

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you plan to drive in Italy again after three years, you will need to get a new one. The process is identical: return to an AAA or AATA office with your current US license, a new passport photo, and the $15 to $20 fee.

An expired IDP is not recognized by Italian authorities or car rental companies. If your IDP expires while you are in Italy, you cannot renew it there — you would need to return to the United States or contact your embassy. Plan ahead if you are taking a long trip or multiple trips over several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended?

No. AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP if your US license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You must have a valid, active license. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Italy either, regardless of whether you have an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Italy for a few days?

Legally, no — Italy does not require it. Practically, yes — car rental companies almost always ask for one, and police may request it during a traffic stop. If you are renting a car, assume you need it. If you are using public transportation only, you do not.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

AAA offers mail-in service, but it is slower and requires you to mail your documents. In-person process at an AAA office is faster and safer, since you keep your original license in your hands. AATA requires in-person process at their offices.

What if my US driver's license has a different name than my passport?

Bring both documents to the AAA or AATA office. The IDP will match your driver's license name, since it is a translation of that document. If your passport name differs, you may need to explain this to Italian authorities, but the IDP itself will be correct as long as it matches your license.

Does an International Driving Permit work in countries other than Italy?

Yes. An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is useful anywhere your US license alone might not be understood. If you are traveling to multiple European countries, one IDP covers all of them for three years.