What an International Driving Permit Is and Why Italy Requires One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. 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 as proof that your U.S. license is valid. Without one, you may face delays at checkpoints, difficulty renting a vehicle, or disputes with rental agencies about whether your license is legitimate.
The IDP is not a replacement for your U.S. driver's license — you must carry both documents together at all times while driving in Italy. The permit itself grants no driving privileges; it only confirms that your home license is real and current. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not override that status.
Italy recognizes IDPs issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. You cannot obtain an IDP directly from the Italian government or from any online service claiming to issue one remotely.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP from AAA or AATA in the United States before you travel; Italy does not issue them.
- Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession; an IDP cannot be issued if your license is expired or suspended.
- The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one business day to issue in person at an AAA office, or up to two weeks by mail.
- You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo, and proof of U.S. residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to obtain an IDP.
- An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be carried with your U.S. license at all times while driving in Italy.
How to Obtain an IDP Through AAA
The American Automobile Association is the most widely available source for an IDP. AAA has over 1,000 local offices across the United States. To find the office nearest you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.
Visit your local AAA office in person with the following documents: your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), and proof of U.S. residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain an IDP, though members may receive a small discount. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on your state and whether you are a member.
If you process your request in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same business day or within one business day. If you mail your documents to AAA, processing takes seven to fourteen business days, plus mail transit time. Many AAA offices also accept requests by phone or online, but you will still need to mail in your photograph and proof of residency, which adds time to the process.
How to Obtain an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller but equally valid alternative to AAA. AATA has fewer physical offices than AAA, but you can request an IDP entirely by mail or through their website.
To explore through AATA, visit their website and read the IDP request form, or call their office to request one by phone. Complete the form and mail it along with your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photograph, proof of U.S. residency, and a check or money order for $20 (AATA does not accept credit cards by mail). AATA's mailing address is listed on their website and on the request form itself.
Processing time through AATA is typically ten to fourteen business days from the date they receive your complete process, plus mail transit time in both directions. This makes AATA slower than in-person AAA service, but it may be your only option if you live far from an AAA office or prefer to avoid traveling to one. AATA does not have walk-in office locations in most states.
Documents You Must Bring or Submit
Your process will be rejected if any of these documents are missing or invalid. Gather them before you visit an AAA office or mail your request to AATA.
| Document | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. Driver's License | Must not be expired or suspended | This is the document the IDP translates. If it is expired, renew it first through your state DMV. |
| Passport-Style Photograph | 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last 6 months | You can obtain this at any pharmacy with a photo service, or at a professional photography studio. Do not use a selfie or a cropped photo. |
| Proof of U.S. Residency | Document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address | Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail. A driver's license alone does not count as proof of residency. |
| Payment | $15–$20, depending on provider and membership status | AAA accepts cash, check, or credit card in person. AATA accepts check or money order by mail only. |
Timeline: When to explore Before Your Trip
Plan to obtain your IDP at least two weeks before you depart for Italy, even if you choose in-person service at AAA. This buffer accounts for unexpected delays, mail transit time, or errors in your process that require resubmission.
If you are explore in person at an AAA office, you can wait until one week before departure, since you will receive your IDP the same day or the next business day. However, if you are explore by mail through AAA or AATA, you must explore at least three weeks in advance to account for mail delivery and processing time.
Do not wait until the day before your flight. If your process is incomplete or your documents are rejected, you will not have time to correct it and reapply. If you are leaving within one week and do not yet have an IDP, visit an AAA office in person — this is your only option to receive the permit before you travel.
What to Do If Your IDP Is Lost or Damaged in Italy
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are in Italy, you cannot obtain a replacement from Italian authorities. You must continue to carry your U.S. driver's license, which remains valid on its own. If you are stopped by police, explain that your IDP was lost and show your U.S. license.
Italian police are familiar with this situation and will not penalize you for a missing IDP if your U.S. license is valid and current. However, car rental companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, depending on their policy. Contact your rental company when ready if this occurs and ask whether they will accept your U.S. license alone or require you to purchase additional insurance.
After you return to the United States, you can request a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as your original process. There is no expedited replacement process, so plan for the standard processing time. Keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip — do not carry it loose in a pocket or bag where it can be easily lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day in Italy?
Most car rental companies in Italy require an IDP, regardless of rental length. Some smaller local agencies may accept a U.S. license alone, but you cannot know this in advance. Obtaining an IDP before you travel eliminates this uncertainty and prevents delays at the rental counter. It costs $15 to $20 and takes one day if you visit AAA in person.
Can I get an IDP after I arrive in Italy?
No. Italy does not issue IDPs. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates in Italy cannot issue them either. You must obtain your IDP in the United States before you depart. If you forgot to get one, your only option is to contact AAA or AATA by phone or email from Italy and request expedited mail service to your hotel, though this is not may provide to arrive in time.
Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?
No. An International Driving License is a scam product sold online by unauthorized websites. It has no legal standing in Italy or anywhere else. The only legitimate international driving document is the IDP issued by AAA or AATA. Do not purchase anything else.
How long is an IDP valid?
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If your trip to Italy is more than three years away, you do not need to obtain an IDP yet. If your IDP will expire before your trip, obtain a new one before you depart. An expired IDP has no value and will not be accepted by police or rental companies.
What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?
You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired U.S. license. Renew your license through your state DMV first, then explore for an IDP. This adds time to your preparation, so check your license expiration date at least one month before your planned trip to Italy.