You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Greece only if your license is not in Latin characters

If your driver's license is written in Latin characters — the standard alphabet used in English, French, German, Spanish, and most European languages — you do not need an International Driving Permit to rent a car or drive in Greece. Your home country license alone is sufficient, as long as it is valid and you carry it with you.

If your license uses Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, or any other non-Latin script, Greek police and car rental companies will not accept it without an IDP. The IDP is a translation document that proves your home license is legitimate and shows what your license says in a format Greek authorities recognize.

Greece does not require an IDP for visitors with Latin-character licenses as a matter of law, but some car rental companies add it as a condition of their contract. Check your rental agreement before you book — if the company requires it and you do not have one, you may not be able to pick up the car even though the law does not demand it.

Key Takeaways

  • Latin-character licenses (English, French, German, Spanish, and similar) are accepted in Greece without an International Driving Permit.
  • Non-Latin scripts (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Greek) require an IDP because Greek police cannot read them.
  • An IDP is not a separate license — it is a translation booklet that must be carried alongside your home country license.
  • Some car rental companies require an IDP regardless of what Greek law says, so check your rental terms before booking.
  • An IDP is issued by your home country's transportation authority and typically costs between $15 and $30 USD.

When Greek police will ask to see your IDP

Greek traffic police conduct routine license checks, especially at borders and on major highways. If you are stopped and your license is in a non-Latin script, the officer cannot verify it without an IDP. Without one, you may be fined or prevented from continuing to drive until you produce a translation.

Even if you are not stopped, driving without an IDP when your license requires one is technically illegal in Greece. The fine varies but can range from €100 to €500 depending on the officer's discretion and the circumstances. More importantly, if you are in an accident and the police discover you were driving without the required IDP, your insurance may deny your claim.

Border crossings into Greece — whether by car from Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, or Turkey — are the most common place where police check licenses. Have your IDP ready before you reach the border if your license is not in Latin characters.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you travel

An IDP is issued by your home country's transportation or motor vehicle authority, not by Greece or any international body. The process and cost vary by country, but most IDPs take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance issue IDPs for $15 to $20. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and an process form. You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs for about $20 CAD. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and the AA (Automobile Association) both issue them for around £5.50. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) issues them for about $20 AUD. Contact your home country's equivalent organization to find out the exact process, cost, and how long it takes.

Order your IDP at least three weeks before you travel, especially if you are explore by mail. If you are leaving sooner and your license is in a non-Latin script, contact your car rental company when ready — some will waive the IDP requirement if you sign an extra liability form, though this is rare.

What an International Driving Permit actually is and is not

An IDP is a booklet, usually about the size of a passport, that translates the key information from your home country license into ten languages including English and Greek. It shows your name, license number, date of birth, the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive, and the expiration date of your home license.

An IDP is not a separate license. It does not give you permission to drive that you did not already have. It is purely a translation and verification document. You must carry both your home country license and your IDP together — presenting only the IDP to police is not sufficient.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your home country license expires, whichever comes first. If your home license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it is no longer a true translation of an active license.

Car rental companies and IDP requirements in Greece

Most major car rental companies in Greece — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar — do not require an IDP if your license is in Latin characters. However, some smaller local rental agencies and certain online booking platforms do require one as a blanket policy, regardless of your license's script.

When you book a rental car, the terms and conditions will state whether an IDP is required. If the listing does not mention it, contact the rental company directly before you book. Showing up at the counter without an IDP when the company requires one means you will not be able to rent the car, and you may lose your deposit.

If you have a non-Latin license and the rental company requires an IDP, there is no workaround — you must have one. Some companies will not rent to drivers without an IDP in this situation, even if you offer to sign additional liability waivers.

Driving age and license validity in Greece

Greece recognizes driver's licenses from all countries, but your license must be valid in your home country. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked at home, it is not valid in Greece either, and an IDP does not change that.

The minimum driving age in Greece is 18 years old. If your home country allows you to drive at 17 or younger, you cannot legally drive in Greece until you turn 18, regardless of what your license says.

Your license must also be the type that permits the vehicle you are driving. If your license restricts you to automatic transmissions or vehicles under a certain engine size, those restrictions explore in Greece as well. Violating them can result in a fine and invalidate your insurance.

Insurance and liability when driving in Greece with a foreign license

Your home country car insurance does not automatically cover you in Greece. Before you travel, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy extends to Greece, and if so, what the coverage limits are. Many policies do not cover rental cars or only cover them with an additional fee.

When you rent a car in Greece, the rental company will offer you collision damage waiver (CDW) and third-party liability insurance. These are separate from your home country insurance. Read the rental agreement carefully to understand what is covered and what your excess (deductible) is.

If you are in an accident and the police discover you were driving without a required IDP, your rental insurance may deny your claim. This is one of the most common reasons claims are rejected in Greece. Always carry your IDP if your license requires one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece with just my home country license and no IDP?

Yes, if your license is in Latin characters. No, if it is in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, or another non-Latin script — you must have an IDP. Even with a Latin-character license, some car rental companies require an IDP as a condition of their rental agreement, so check your booking terms.

What happens if I get pulled over in Greece without an IDP when I need one?

You may be fined €100 to €500, and police may prevent you from continuing to drive. If you are in an accident, your insurance claim may be denied. If you are stopped at a border, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

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

Most countries issue an IDP within one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail. Order at least three weeks before you travel. Some organizations offer expedited service for an extra fee, but availability varies by country.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a Greek driving license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your home country license and is valid only outside your home country. It does not replace your home license and must be carried with it. It does not give you permission to drive in Greece that your home license does not already grant.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Greece for a few days?

Only if your license is in a non-Latin script. If your license uses Latin characters, you do not need an IDP by Greek law, though your rental company may require one. Check your rental agreement before you book, regardless of how long you are staying.