What an International Driving Permit Does in Italy

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages, including Italian. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license. Italian police and car rental companies recognize it as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate, which matters because not all officials read English fluently or trust unfamiliar documents.

Italy does not require an IDP by law, but renting a car there almost always does. Most rental agencies will refuse to hand over keys without one, even if your U.S. license is current. If you plan to drive in Italy — whether a rental car, a borrowed vehicle, or your own car shipped there — you need an IDP before you leave the United States.

The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires whether you use it or not, so there is no point obtaining one years in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit; the IDP is a translation document, not a replacement.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at a local AAA office or by mail through either AAA or AATA, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and requires two passport-sized photos, your valid U.S. driver's license, and a completed process form.
  • Italy recognizes only the IDP issued by AAA or AATA; permits from other countries or organizations will not be accepted by rental companies or police.

Who Can Issue an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue one. If you see an IDP offered anywhere else, it is not valid in Italy or anywhere else.

AAA is the larger and more widely available of the two. Most people obtain their IDP through a local AAA office. AATA is a smaller organization but offers the same service and the same document. Both issue the same internationally recognized permit.

What You Need Before You explore

Before you visit AAA or AATA or mail in an process, gather these items:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (your current license must not be expired)
  • Two passport-sized photographs (2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months)
  • A completed process form (AAA Form 14 or AATA Form 14, depending on which organization you use)
  • Payment (cash, check, or card, depending on the office or method)

You do not need to renew your U.S. license before getting an IDP. Your current license is sufficient, even if it will expire soon after you travel. However, if your license is already expired, you must renew it first — an IDP cannot be issued for an expired license.

The process form is straightforward and takes five minutes to complete. Both AAA and AATA provide the form on their websites, and AAA offices have printed copies available.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA

If you are a AAA member, visit your local AAA office with your license, two passport photos, and the completed form. Non-members can also obtain an IDP at any AAA office; membership is not required. The office will verify your information, take your payment, and issue the permit on the spot. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

To find the nearest AAA office, go to AAA.com and use their office locator. Call ahead to confirm they have the form in stock and that they are not unusually busy. Some offices in small towns may not issue IDPs regularly, so a quick call saves a wasted trip.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. AAA accepts cash, check, and card.

Getting an IDP by Mail

If you cannot visit an AAA office or prefer to mail your process, both AAA and AATA accept mail requests. read the process form from their websites, complete it, and mail it with your two passport photos, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your process to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks, not including mail transit time. If you are leaving for Italy in less than three weeks, visit an office in person instead.

The cost by mail is the same as in person: $15 for AAA members, $20 for non-members. AATA charges $20 regardless of membership status.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your International Driving Permit will arrive as a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. Keep it with your U.S. driver's license at all times while in Italy. They must be carried together — the IDP alone is not valid without your original U.S. license present.

When you rent a car, present both documents to the rental agent. When stopped by police, hand over both your U.S. license and your IDP. Do not leave either document in the car; carry them with you.

The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, it expires and is no longer recognized. If you plan to return to Italy after three years, you will need to obtain a new one before you travel.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP Before Your Trip

If you lose your IDP after receiving it but before you leave for Italy, contact the organization that issued it when ready. AAA and AATA can issue a replacement, though the process takes time. If you are leaving within days, visiting an office in person is your only option for a same-day replacement.

If you lose your IDP while in Italy, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone, though rental companies may refuse to rent to you without it. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the nearest U.S. consulate for guidance on obtaining a replacement while abroad. Most travelers in this situation straightforward complete their trip and do not attempt to replace the permit overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting Italy for a few days?

If you plan to rent a car or drive, yes. Nearly all rental companies require an IDP, regardless of trip length. If you are not driving — only using public transportation or taxis — you do not need one.

Can I use an International Driving Permit from another country, like Canada or the UK?

No. Italy recognizes only the IDP issued by AAA or AATA. If you hold a Canadian or British IDP, it will not be accepted by Italian rental companies or police. You must obtain a U.S.-issued IDP before you travel.

What if my U.S. driver's license is from a state I no longer live in?

That is not a problem. Your IDP is based on your current valid U.S. license, regardless of which state issued it. You do not need to update your address or renew your license before getting an IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit if I order online?

By mail, one to two weeks plus postal transit time. If you order online through AAA or AATA, you print the form, mail it with your photos and payment, and wait for the permit to arrive. For faster service, visit a local AAA office in person and receive it the same day.

Will my International Driving Permit work in countries other than Italy?

Yes. An International Driving Permit issued by AAA or AATA is recognized in over 150 countries. If you plan to drive in multiple European countries, one IDP covers all of them.