What a Greece International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. Greece accepts IDPs from drivers whose home licenses are not in Greek or English. You do not need an IDP if your license is already in English — Greece recognizes English-language licenses from countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia without one. If your license is in another language, Greek authorities may not accept it as valid proof of driving authority, even if it is legitimate in your home country.

The IDP itself does not grant you driving rights. It is a translation document only. You must carry both your valid home country license and the IDP together; neither one alone is sufficient. Greek police and rental car companies will ask to see both documents. The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your home license expires, whichever comes first.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an IDP for Greece only if your home country license is not in English or Greek; English-language licenses do not require one.
  • The IDP must be obtained in your home country before you travel — you cannot get one in Greece or from any Greek authority.
  • You must carry both your home license and the IDP together at all times while driving in Greece; one document alone is not valid.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $30 USD depending on your home country and is valid for three years or until your home license expires.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day to two weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail in your home country.

Where to Get an IDP in Your Home Country

You must obtain your IDP from the motor vehicle authority in your home country, not from Greece. 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. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) both issue IDPs. In Australia, your state's motor registry issues them — for example, Service NSW in New South Wales or VicRoads in Victoria.

If you are from a country not listed here, contact your national motor vehicle authority or your country's embassy in Greece to find the authorized issuer. Do not attempt to obtain an IDP from a travel agency, online service, or unofficial vendor — these documents must come from an official government body or its designated agent to be valid in Greece.

Some countries allow you to request an IDP by mail; others require you to explore in person. A few offer same-day issuance if you visit in person. Check your home country's specific process before you travel, as processing times vary widely.

Documents You Need to Bring

The exact documents required depend on your home country, but the standard list includes your valid home country driver's license, a completed process form (provided by the issuing authority), and one or two passport-sized photographs (usually 2 × 2 inches or 35 × 45 millimeters). Some authorities also require proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.

Bring your passport or national ID card as well, even if it is not explicitly required, because the issuing authority may ask to verify your identity. If you are explore by mail, make photocopies of your license and ID rather than sending originals. Keep a copy of your completed process form for your records.

Do not attempt to explore for an IDP in Greece. Greek authorities do not issue IDPs to foreign visitors or residents. You must have the document before you arrive.

Cost and Processing Time

An IDP typically costs between $15 and $30 USD, though the exact fee varies by country. In the United States, AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members; AATA charges $20. In Canada, CAA charges approximately $25 CAD. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office charges £5.50 and the DVLA charges £5.50. In Australia, fees range from $20 to $30 AUD depending on the state.

Processing time also varies. If you explore in person at an AAA office in the United States, you can receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, expect two to three weeks. In the United Kingdom, Post Office processing takes three to five working days; DVLA processing takes up to two weeks. In Australia, in-person applications are usually processed within one hour, while mail applications take five to ten business days. Plan ahead and do not wait until the day before your trip.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP in Greece

If you lose your IDP while in Greece, you cannot obtain a replacement from any Greek authority. Your only option is to contact your home country's motor vehicle authority or embassy in Greece and request an emergency replacement. This process is slow and may take several weeks. In the meantime, you can still drive on your home country license alone if it is in English or Greek, but if your license is in another language, you will not have valid proof of driving authority.

To avoid this situation, make a photocopy of both sides of your IDP and store it separately from the original. Keep a photo of the document on your phone as well. If you lose the original, the copy and photo will help you prove you had one and speed up a replacement request through your embassy.

Driving Rules and Restrictions in Greece

Carrying your IDP and home license is only the first step. Greece has specific driving rules you must follow. The minimum driving age in Greece is 18 years old. You must carry your documents at all times while driving — police can stop you and ask to see them. Failure to produce both your home license and IDP can result in a fine of €350 to €700.

Greece requires all drivers to carry a reflective safety vest, a warning triangle, and a headlight beam adjuster. Driving under the influence is illegal and carries severe penalties. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Rental car companies will ask to see your IDP and home license before handing over the keys, and many will refuse to rent to you if you cannot produce both documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if my license is in English?

No. Greece recognizes English-language licenses from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries without an IDP. You only need an IDP if your home license is printed in a language other than English or Greek.

Can I get an IDP in Greece when I arrive?

No. IDPs must be obtained from your home country's motor vehicle authority before you travel. Greek authorities do not issue them, and no Greek organization is authorized to do so. Plan ahead and obtain your IDP before your trip.

What happens if I drive in Greece without an IDP when I need one?

If your home license is not in English or Greek and you do not have an IDP, you do not have valid proof of driving authority in Greece. Police can fine you €350 to €700 and may impound your vehicle. Rental car companies will refuse to rent to you. Always carry both documents together.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your home country license expires, whichever comes first. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel to Greece to make sure it has not expired.

Can I use an expired IDP in Greece?

No. An expired IDP is not valid. If your IDP has expired, you must obtain a new one from your home country's motor vehicle authority before traveling to Greece. Do not attempt to drive with an expired IDP.