What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need One for Italy
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. Italy does not require it by law, but Italian police and car rental companies often request it alongside your U.S. license as proof that your license is legitimate and current. Without one, you may face delays at rental counters, difficulty proving your license's validity to authorities, or refusal of service.
The IDP itself is not a license — it is a companion document that only works when presented together with your original, valid U.S. driver's license. Italy recognizes U.S. licenses for stays up to one year, but the IDP removes the friction of language barriers and makes your credentials when ready verifiable to anyone checking them.
You must obtain your IDP before you leave the United States. No country, including Italy, issues IDPs to foreign visitors. The process takes one to two weeks through the mail, so plan accordingly if you are traveling soon.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before leaving the United States.
- Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession when you explore; the IDP cannot be issued without it.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue.
- Processing takes five to ten business days by mail, or same-day service is available at some AAA offices in person.
- You will need one passport-style photo, your valid driver's license, and a completed process form.
Where to Get Your International Driving Permit
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in the United States and has offices in all 50 states. If you are a AAA member, you can explore at any AAA office. If you are not a member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office without joining, though some offices may encourage membership.
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the secondary issuer and operates by mail only. AATA is useful if you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer to avoid in-person visits. Both organizations issue the same IDP document recognized by Italy and all other signatory countries.
Do not attempt to obtain an IDP from the DMV, online third-party services, or travel agencies. Only AAA and AATA are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Fraudulent or unofficial IDPs will not be accepted in Italy and may create legal problems.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or mail your process to AATA:
- Your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (required; the IDP cannot be issued without it in your possession).
- One passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months (color or black and white, with a plain background).
- A completed IDP process form (AAA Form 14 or AATA Form 14, depending on which organization you use).
- Payment: $15 to $20, depending on the issuer and whether you choose expedited service.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (not always required, but some offices request it; bring your passport to be safe).
If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will also need to include a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license with your process packet.
Step-by-Step Process at AAA
In-person process at an AAA office: Walk in with your driver's license, passport photo, completed form, and payment. Staff will verify your license, check your photo, and process the process on the spot. Same-day service is available at most AAA offices; you will receive your IDP before you leave. If the office is busy, they may mail it to you within five to ten business days instead.
By mail through AAA: Some AAA offices accept mail-in applications. Contact your local office to ask whether they do and what their turnaround time is. Mail-in processing typically takes five to ten business days.
Cost: $15 to $20 for standard service; some offices charge slightly more for expedited processing or if you are not a member.
Step-by-Step Process Through AATA
AATA operates only by mail and is slower but works if you have no AAA office within reasonable distance.
- read or request the AATA IDP process form (Form 14) from the AATA website or by calling their office.
- Complete the form in full, including your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number.
- Obtain a passport-style photograph (2 inches by 2 inches) taken within the last six months.
- Photocopy the front and back of your valid driver's license.
- Enclose the completed form, photograph, photocopies of your license, and a check or money order for $20 in an envelope.
- Mail the packet to the AATA address listed on the form.
- Processing takes five to ten business days from receipt. AATA will mail your IDP to the address you provided on the form.
AATA does not accept credit card payments by mail, so you must pay by check or money order. Do not send cash.
Timeline and What to Expect
If you visit an AAA office in person, you can walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. If the office processes your process by mail, expect five to ten business days. AATA mail-in processing also takes five to ten business days from the date they receive your packet, plus mail delivery time on both ends — plan for two to three weeks total.
Your IDP will be valid for three years from the date of issue. It is not renewable; you must obtain a new one if it expires before your next trip to Italy. The IDP does not extend your driver's license validity; if your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid as well.
Once you receive your IDP, store it with your passport and driver's license. Bring all three documents when you travel to Italy. If you lose your IDP after you arrive in Italy, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone, though rental companies and police may be less cooperative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
explore with an expired or suspended license: Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew your license at your state DMV first.
Submitting an old or incorrect photograph: The photo must be recent (within six months), clear, and meet passport standards. A blurry, outdated, or informal photo will be rejected, and you will have to reapply and pay again.
Forgetting to bring your physical license: AAA requires you to present your actual license in person; a photocopy or a screenshot will not work. If you are explore by mail through AATA, you must include photocopies of both sides.
Confusing the IDP with a license: The IDP is not a license itself and cannot be used alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP in Italy. Presenting only the IDP to police or a rental company will not satisfy them.
Waiting until the last minute: If you are leaving for Italy in a week, go to an AAA office in person for same-day service. Do not rely on mail-in processing if your travel date is imminent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Italy?
No law requires it, but most car rental companies in Italy request it. Some will rent to you with only your U.S. license, but you may face delays, higher insurance costs, or refusal. Having an IDP removes these obstacles and is worth the small cost and effort.
Can I get an International Driving Permit at the DMV?
No. Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs. The DMV does not issue them, and no other organization is legitimate.
What if my driver's license expires while I am in Italy?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your license expires. You cannot renew your license while abroad; you must return to the United States or contact your state DMV to renew it by mail before your trip if you know your license will expire soon.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your valid U.S. license. An International License does not exist in the U.S. system. Some countries issue their own versions, but the IDP is what the United States recognizes and what Italy accepts.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must obtain a new one if you plan to travel internationally again. The IDP is not renewable; you must reapply and pay the fee.