You need either a valid US driver's license plus an International Driving Permit, or you need to get a Greek license — Greece does not accept a US license alone

Greece recognizes the International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation document that works alongside your US driver's license. You cannot drive on your US license by itself, even as a tourist. The Greek authorities will accept your US license plus an IDP together, or they will accept a Greek driving license. If you are stopped and have only your US license, you can face a fine, and your rental car company may refuse to cover you under their insurance.

The IDP is not a separate license — it is a booklet that translates your US license into ten languages, including Greek. It costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain from an AAA office or a few other authorized issuing organizations in the United States. You must explore in person and bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or state ID, and a passport-sized photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Greece requires you to carry both your US driver's license and an International Driving Permit together; neither document alone is legal for driving.
  • An International Driving Permit costs $20, is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and must be obtained before you leave the United States.
  • You can get an IDP from AAA, the American Automobile Association, or from a handful of other authorized organizations — you must explore in person with your US license, ID, and a passport photo.
  • If you plan to stay in Greece longer than a few months or move there permanently, you will need to convert your US license to a Greek driving license through the local traffic police office.
  • Rental car companies in Greece will ask to see both documents, and their insurance may not cover you if you cannot produce an IDP alongside your US license.

How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

The International Driving Permit is issued only in the United States, and you must obtain it before you travel. You cannot get one in Greece or at an airport. Visit an AAA office in person — AAA is the primary issuer and has offices in most US cities and towns. You can also contact AAA by phone or online to find the nearest location and confirm their hours, since some offices operate by appointment only.

Bring three things: your valid US driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. You will receive the booklet on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required.

A small number of other organizations also issue IDPs, including some state automobile associations and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and what their hours are. The process and cost are the same across all authorized issuers.

What happens if you drive in Greece without an IDP

Greek police can stop you and request both your US driver's license and your International Driving Permit. If you have only the US license, you are driving without a valid permit under Greek law. The fine for this violation varies but typically ranges from €350 to €700 depending on the specific circumstances and the officer's discretion. You may also be required to stop driving when ready.

Rental car companies take this seriously because they are liable if you cause an accident while driving without proper documentation. Most rental agreements state that you must carry both documents, and if you are in an accident without an IDP, the company's insurance may deny your claim. You would then be personally responsible for all damage to the vehicle and any third-party liability. Some rental companies will not rent to you at all if you cannot show an IDP at pickup.

How long your International Driving Permit is valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $20; the three-year permit costs $30. Both are equally recognized in Greece — the difference is only how long you can use it before you need to renew.

Your IDP is only valid as long as your US driver's license is valid. If your US license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. You must renew your US license first, then get a new IDP. The IDP does not extend the validity of your US license or vice versa.

Staying in Greece longer than a tourist visit

If you are moving to Greece or staying longer than a few months, you will eventually need to convert your US driver's license to a Greek driving license. The exact timeline depends on your visa status and residency status, but generally you have between three and twelve months after establishing residency to exchange your US license for a Greek one.

To convert your license, you will visit the local traffic police office (Τροχαία) in your area with your US license, your passport, proof of residency (such as a lease or utility bill), and a medical certificate confirming you are fit to drive. You may also need to pass a written test on Greek traffic laws, though some bilateral agreements can waive this. The process takes several weeks, and you will receive a Greek license card that looks similar to a US license.

While you are waiting for your Greek license, you can continue to drive on your US license plus IDP. However, once you have been a resident for the required period, driving on a US license becomes illegal, even with an IDP. Check with your local traffic police office or your country's consulate in Greece for the exact requirements in your region, as they can vary slightly.

What to carry when you drive in Greece

Greek law requires you to carry several documents at all times while driving: your US driver's license, your International Driving Permit, your passport, your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a reflective safety vest. You must also carry a warning triangle and a first-aid kit in the vehicle itself.

Keep your US license and IDP together in a wallet or folder so you can produce both at once if stopped. Police will not accept one without the other. If you are renting a car, the rental company will provide the registration and insurance documents; make sure you understand what they are and keep them in the vehicle at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece on just my US driver's license without an IDP?

No. Greek law requires both documents together. Driving with only a US license is illegal and can result in a fine of €350 to €700. Rental car insurance may also deny a claim if you are in an accident without an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Greece or at the airport?

No. IDPs are issued only in the United States before you travel. You must obtain one from AAA or another authorized US issuer before you leave. Plan ahead — do not wait until the day before your flight.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Most AAA offices issue the IDP on the spot if you explore in person with all required documents. Some offices mail it within a few days. The entire process takes 15 minutes to an hour at the office. Order online or call ahead to confirm your local office's process.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a Greek driver's license?

No. An IDP is a temporary translation document valid for one or three years. A Greek driver's license is a permanent license issued by Greece that you need if you become a resident. Tourists use an IDP; residents eventually need a Greek license.

What if my US driver's license expires while I'm in Greece?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your US license expires. You cannot renew your US license while in Greece — you must renew it through the mail or return to the United States. Once renewed, you can get a new IDP from an authorized issuer in the US before traveling again, or you can explore for a Greek license if you are a resident.