Your US driver's license works in most European countries, but only for a limited time and only if it meets specific requirements

A valid US driver's license lets you rent a car and drive legally in most European Union countries, plus the UK, Switzerland, and Norway — but not indefinitely. You can typically drive for up to 12 months on your US license alone. After that, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a European license to continue legally. Some countries also require an IDP even during that first year, and a few have additional rules about license age or vehicle type.

The catch: your US license must be valid and in your name. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, it is not valid anywhere — not in the US and not in Europe. If you arrived at this page from checking your license status and found a problem, you cannot legally drive in Europe until you resolve it at home.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid US driver's license permits driving in most European countries for up to 12 months without an International Driving Permit, but some countries require an IDP from day one.
  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your US license issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and costs around $20.
  • Your US license must be current and not suspended or revoked; if it is, you cannot legally drive in Europe regardless of how long you plan to stay.
  • Some European countries have minimum age requirements for renting certain vehicle types, and a few require you to carry your US license plus your IDP together.
  • Car rental companies often ask for an IDP even when it is not legally required, so carrying one avoids disputes at pickup.

Which European countries accept a US license without an IDP

Most EU member states — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands — accept your US license for up to 12 months. The UK, Switzerland, and Norway also recognize US licenses for the same period. During that year, you do not legally need an International Driving Permit in these countries.

However, some countries require an IDP even for short visits. Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Romania are stricter and ask for an IDP from the start, even if you are only staying a few days. If you are unsure about your specific destination, an IDP is the safest choice because it is inexpensive and solves the problem everywhere.

Car rental companies add another layer: many require an IDP at the counter regardless of local law. They do this to reduce disputes and because an IDP is a standardized translation that makes your license readable to police and rental staff. Even if a country does not legally require one, the rental company might refuse to hand over the keys without it.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you leave

An International Driving Permit is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It is a booklet that translates your US license into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries.

To get one, you need your valid US driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. In-person service usually takes 15 minutes and costs around $20. By mail, allow one to two weeks and expect the same fee. You do not need to be a AAA member, though members sometimes receive discounts.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so time your process for close to your travel date. If you get one now and do not travel for a year, you will need a new one when you leave. Bring both your US license and your IDP when you drive in Europe — they work together, not as replacements for each other.

What happens if your US license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Europe, period. A suspension or revocation is a US legal status that follows you internationally. European police can check your status through Interpol or through their own records if they stop you, and driving on a suspended license in a foreign country can result in arrest, fines, or both.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call them directly before booking travel. Most states let you check online using your license number and date of birth. If you find a suspension, you must resolve it in your home state before you travel — there is no workaround.

Age requirements and vehicle restrictions in Europe

Most European countries let you drive at 18 with a valid license, the same as the US. However, car rental companies often impose their own rules: many will not rent to drivers under 21 or 25, and some charge extra for drivers under 30. These are rental policies, not laws, but they are enforced at the counter.

A few countries have restrictions on the types of vehicles you can drive on a foreign license. Some require that you have held your license for a minimum period — often one or two years — before driving certain engine sizes or vehicle categories. Check with your rental company about the specific car you want and your age; they will tell you whether your US license is accepted for that vehicle.

What to carry when you drive in Europe

Carry your original US driver's license at all times when driving. Do not carry a copy or a photo. If you have an International Driving Permit, carry that too — keep them together. Some countries also require you to carry your passport or national ID, so have that with you as well.

You will also need proof of car insurance. If you are renting, the rental company provides this. If you are driving your own car shipped to Europe or a borrowed car, contact your US insurance company before you leave to confirm they cover you abroad — many do not, or only for a limited time. European car insurance is inexpensive and can be bought at the rental counter or online before you arrive.

Keep your documents in a safe place in the car, not on your person while walking. If you are stopped by police, hand over your license and permit. Do not hand over your passport unless they specifically ask for it.

What to do if your license expires while you are in Europe

If your US license expires while you are abroad, you cannot legally drive anymore. You cannot renew it from Europe — you must do it in person or by mail in your home state. If you are staying longer than 12 months, plan ahead: renew your license before you leave, or arrange for someone at home to renew it and mail it to you.

Some US states allow you to renew by mail if you have a valid license and no violations. Check your state's DMV website to see if mail renewal is an option. If it is, you can have your new license mailed to a friend or family member's address and have them forward it to you in Europe. This takes several weeks, so do not wait until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with an expired US license?

No. An expired license is not valid anywhere, including Europe. You must renew it before you travel or arrange for it to be renewed and mailed to you while you are abroad. European police will not accept an expired US license, and rental companies will refuse to rent to you.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a week?

Not legally in most countries, but car rental companies often require one anyway. It is inexpensive and takes 15 minutes to get in person, so it is worth having even for a short trip. A few countries like Greece require it by law regardless of length of stay.

What if I lose my US license while I am in Europe?

Contact your state's DMV when ready and ask them to mail a replacement to your home address or to a trusted contact. You cannot get a replacement in Europe. Until it arrives, you cannot legally drive. If you have an International Driving Permit, it is not valid without your original US license, so losing one means losing both.

Can I drive in Russia or Turkey with my US license?

Russia and Turkey are not in the European Union and have different rules. Russia requires an International Driving Permit by law. Turkey accepts a US license for up to three months but also recommends an IDP. Check the specific country's embassy website or your rental company before you travel, as rules change and vary by region.

Does my US auto insurance cover me if I drive a rental car in Europe?

Most US auto insurance does not cover rentals abroad. Contact your insurance company before you travel to confirm. If you are not covered, the rental company will sell you European insurance at the counter, or you can buy it online before you arrive, which is usually cheaper.