You need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) in Greece only if your home license is not in Latin characters

Greece will accept your valid home driver's license if it uses the Latin alphabet — which includes licenses from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Western Europe. You do not need an IDP to drive legally in Greece with these licenses.

If your license is printed in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, or any other non-Latin script, you must carry an IDP alongside your home license. Greek police and car rental companies cannot read non-Latin characters, and driving without an IDP when your license requires one can result in a fine or your vehicle being impounded.

An IDP is not a replacement for your home license — it is a translation document that sits beside it. Both must be valid and with you whenever you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • If your home driver's license uses Latin characters, you can drive in Greece with only that license and your passport.
  • If your license uses non-Latin characters (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, or others), you must obtain an IDP before you travel.
  • An IDP is obtained from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority before you leave — you cannot get one in Greece.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.
  • Greek police may ask to see both your home license and your IDP together; carrying only the IDP is not enough.

How to know if your license needs an IDP

Check the alphabet your license is printed in. If the text on your license looks like English, French, German, Spanish, or any other Western European language, your license uses Latin characters and you do not need an IDP.

If your license is in Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Arabic, Hebrew, Thai, Japanese, Mandarin, or Greek itself, you need an IDP. The same applies to any script that does not use the 26-letter Latin alphabet.

When in doubt, contact your home country's automobile association before you book your trip. They can confirm in minutes whether your specific license requires an IDP for Greece.

Where to get an IDP before you travel

You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you leave — Greece does not issue them to visitors. The process takes one to three weeks in most places, so plan ahead.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. You will need your valid home driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The cost is typically $15 to $20, and you can request either a one-year or three-year permit.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs through its provincial branches. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both offer them. In Australia, state-based motoring clubs like the NRMA issue IDPs. Contact your country's national automobile association to find the exact office nearest you.

Some countries allow you to explore by mail or online, with the IDP mailed to you before your departure. Others require an in-person visit. Check your association's website for current processing times and fees.

What to carry when you drive in Greece

You must have three documents with you at all times when driving: your valid home driver's license, your passport, and your IDP (if your license requires one). Greek police conduct routine traffic stops and will ask to see all three.

Keep these documents in a safe, accessible place — not locked in the trunk. A document holder in the glove compartment or a small folder in your bag works well. If you are stopped and cannot produce any of these documents, you may be fined or have your vehicle detained.

Rental car companies in Greece will also ask to see your home license, passport, and IDP before handing over the keys. Some companies require an IDP even if Greek law does not, so confirm their requirements when you book.

Driving age and license validity in Greece

Your home driver's license must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Greece. If your license expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive, even if you have an IDP.

Greece recognizes drivers aged 18 and older with a valid license. If you are under 18 in your home country but aged 18 or older when you arrive in Greece, you can drive with your valid home license — but check your home country's rules about driving abroad before you leave, as some countries restrict this.

If your license has been suspended or revoked in your home country, it is not valid in Greece, and an IDP does not override that suspension.

Renting a car in Greece with a foreign license

Most car rental companies in Greece will rent to you with a valid foreign driver's license, but policies vary. Some require an IDP regardless of whether Greek law mandates one, while others do not. Always confirm the rental company's specific requirements when you book.

You will typically need to be at least 21 years old (some companies require 25), hold a valid license for at least one year, and provide a credit card for the deposit. Bring your passport, home license, and IDP (if applicable) to the rental counter.

Check whether your home car insurance or credit card covers rental cars in Greece, or whether you need to purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver. This is separate from the IDP question but equally important before you drive.

What happens if you drive without the required IDP

If you are stopped by Greek police and your license requires an IDP but you do not have one, you may be fined. The amount varies, but fines for missing documents can range from €50 to €500 depending on the officer's discretion and the specific circumstances.

In some cases, police may impound your vehicle until you produce the IDP or arrange for someone to bring it to you. This can result in additional storage fees and significant delays to your trip.

Rental car companies may also refuse to let you drive their vehicle if you cannot show an IDP when one is required, or they may charge you a penalty if you return the car and admit you drove without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece with just my home license if it is in Latin characters?

Yes. If your license uses the Latin alphabet and is currently valid, you can drive in Greece with only your home license and your passport. An IDP is not required. However, always carry both documents together when driving.

What if my license is expired but I have an IDP?

You cannot drive in Greece with an expired license, even if your IDP is valid. An IDP is a translation of your home license, not a replacement for it. Both documents must be current and valid.

Can I get an IDP in Greece if I forgot to get one before I left?

No. Greece does not issue IDPs to visitors. If you need an IDP and do not have one, you cannot legally drive in Greece if your license requires one. Contact your home country's automobile association to see if they can mail an IDP to you in Greece, though this is rarely possible within a short timeframe.

Do I need an IDP if I am driving a rental car in Greece?

If your home license requires an IDP under Greek law, yes — the requirement applies whether you are driving your own car or a rental. However, some rental companies have their own stricter policies and may require an IDP even if your license is in Latin characters. Check with the rental company before you book.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is typically valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. The cost is usually higher for the three-year version. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel to may support it covers your entire trip.