Italy requires an International Driving Permit if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country

If you hold a valid driver's license from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other non-European countries, you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original license to drive legally in Italy. The IDP is a translation document that allows Italian police and rental companies to verify your driving record. Without it, you risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or being unable to rent a car.

If your license is from an EU or EEA member state (including the UK, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein), you do not need an IDP — your national license alone is sufficient. The same applies if you hold a license from Switzerland or certain other countries with reciprocal agreements with Italy.

The IDP is not a separate license and does not replace your original license. You must carry both documents together. The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, though it is only useful while your original license remains valid.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-EU and non-EEA drivers must obtain an International Driving Permit before traveling to Italy, along with their original national license.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's licensing authority (the DMV in the United States, Service Ontario in Canada, or equivalent) and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country.
  • You must explore for the IDP in person at your licensing authority; it cannot be obtained by mail or online in most countries.
  • The IDP is valid for three years but is only useful while your original license has not expired.
  • EU, EEA, UK, Swiss, and certain other license holders do not need an IDP to drive in Italy.

Where to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot obtain one directly from your state's DMV. Both organizations issue the same document; the choice between them depends on which has an office near you.

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you must visit an office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 for AAA or the equivalent for AATA), and a passport-style photograph. The cost is typically $20 at AAA and $15 at AATA, though prices vary slightly by location. Processing is usually same-day or next-day. You do not need to renew your state license first; your current license is sufficient.

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. Check the AAA or AATA website to find the nearest office and confirm current hours before you visit, as some offices have reduced hours or require appointments.

How to get an International Driving Permit in Canada

In Canada, each province and territory issues IDPs through its own licensing authority. In Ontario, you explore through Service Ontario; in British Columbia, through the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia); in Quebec, through the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). Contact your provincial licensing authority directly to confirm the process and fees for your province.

Most Canadian provinces require you to explore in person at a licensing office with your valid driver's license and proof of identity. Some provinces accept mail-in applications, but this is less common. Fees typically range from $15 to $25 CAD. Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail.

Unlike the United States, Canada does not use a single national issuer. You must contact your specific provincial authority to learn their exact requirements and whether they offer expedited processing if you are leaving soon.

International Driving Permit requirements for other countries

Australia issues IDPs through the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV). You must explore in person with your valid Australian license and a completed process. The cost is approximately AUD $20, and processing is usually same-day.

New Zealand issues IDPs through the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA). You must visit an AA office with your valid New Zealand license, a completed process form, and a passport photograph. The cost is approximately NZD $25, and processing is usually same-day or next-day.

The United Kingdom, Ireland, and other EU countries do not require their citizens to obtain an IDP for travel within the EU. However, UK citizens traveling to Italy after Brexit still do not need an IDP because the UK has a reciprocal agreement with Italy. If you hold a license from a country not listed here, contact your national licensing authority or the Italian embassy in your country to confirm whether an IDP is required.

What to bring when you drive in Italy with an International Driving Permit

You must carry your original national driver's license and your IDP together at all times while driving in Italy. Carrying only the IDP without your original license is not sufficient and will result in a fine. Italian police will ask to see both documents. You should also carry your passport, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance.

Rental car companies in Italy will ask to see both your original license and your IDP before handing over the keys. Some rental companies may refuse to rent to you if you do not have an IDP, even if you are from an EU country, so it is worth confirming their requirements when you book. Keep both documents in an easily accessible place, such as your wallet or the vehicle's glove compartment.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce both documents, you may be fined between €400 and €3,000, depending on the severity of the offense. In some cases, your vehicle may be impounded until you can prove you have a valid license.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, it is only useful while your original national driver's license has not expired. If your license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your license and obtain a new IDP; the old IDP becomes invalid once your original license expires.

If you are planning a long trip to Italy or Europe and your license will expire within three years, consider renewing your license before you explore for the IDP. This way, your IDP will remain valid for the full three years and you will not need to obtain a second one during your travels.

You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online. You must explore for a new one in person at the same organization that issued the original (AAA or AATA in the United States, your provincial authority in Canada, and so on). Plan to explore at least two weeks before your trip to allow time for processing.

Common mistakes when obtaining or using an International Driving Permit

The most common mistake is waiting until the last minute to explore. If you are leaving for Italy in one week and do not yet have an IDP, you may not receive it in time. AAA and AATA offer same-day processing at some locations, but this is not may provide. explore as soon as you know you are traveling.

A second common mistake is assuming that an IDP is a separate license that replaces your original license. It is not. You must carry both documents together. Carrying only the IDP will not satisfy Italian police or rental companies.

A third mistake is obtaining an IDP from an unauthorized source. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are scams and will not be recognized by Italian authorities. The same applies in other countries — always obtain your IDP from your official national licensing authority or an authorized partner.

Finally, do not assume that because you are from an English-speaking country, you do not need an IDP. The IDP is required for all non-EU and non-EEA drivers, regardless of language. The only exception is if your country has a specific reciprocal agreement with Italy, which is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

Yes. Rental companies in Italy require an IDP from all non-EU and non-EEA drivers, regardless of how long you are renting the vehicle. You cannot rent a car without one. If you do not have an IDP, you will need to use public transportation or hire a driver instead.

Can I get an International Driving Permit at the airport when I arrive in Italy?

No. IDPs are issued only by your home country's licensing authority or authorized partner. You cannot obtain one in Italy. You must obtain it before you travel. If you arrive without one, you cannot legally drive or rent a car.

What if my International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while I am in Italy?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Italy when ready. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. In the meantime, you cannot legally drive. Do not attempt to rent a car or drive without the IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that accompanies your original license. An "International License" is not a real document and does not exist. If someone offers to sell you an "International License," it is a scam. You need only an IDP and your original national license.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in other European countries besides Italy?

The rules vary by country. Most EU and EEA countries recognize non-EU licenses without an IDP, but some recommend carrying one. Switzerland, for example, does not require an IDP from most drivers. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel.