You need either your valid home country license plus an International Driving Permit, or your home country license alone if it meets Greece's standards

Greece accepts driving licenses from most countries, but the rules depend on where your license was issued and how long you plan to stay. If your license is from an EU or EEA country (including the UK), you can drive on it alone for as long as it remains valid. If your license is from outside the EU or EEA — including the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other countries — you must carry both your home country license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Greece does not recognize an IDP by itself; it is only valid when presented alongside your original license.

The IDP is not a replacement license. It is a translation document that Greek police and car rental companies recognize as proof you hold a valid license at home. You must obtain it before you travel, because you cannot get one in Greece. The process takes two to four weeks in most countries, though some issue them in days.

If you are a resident of Greece (holding a residence permit), you must exchange your foreign license for a Greek license within a set timeframe — usually within one year of establishing residence. Temporary visitors do not need to exchange.

Key Takeaways

  • EU and EEA license holders can drive in Greece on their home license alone for the duration of its validity.
  • Non-EU and non-EEA license holders must carry both their home country license and a valid International Driving Permit.
  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained before traveling to Greece; it cannot be issued there.
  • Greece requires you to carry your original license, passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance at all times while driving.
  • Residents of Greece must exchange their foreign license for a Greek license within one year of establishing residence.

Which Countries' Licenses Are Recognized Without an IDP

All EU member states and EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) issue licenses that Greece recognizes without an International Driving Permit. This includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

If your license is from any of these countries and is currently valid, you can drive in Greece on that license alone. You do not need an IDP. However, you must still carry your original license, your passport, your vehicle's registration documents, and proof of insurance. Greek police conduct roadside checks and will ask for all four documents.

If your license is from any other country — including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, or most others — you must obtain an International Driving Permit before you travel.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Before You Travel

The process for obtaining an IDP varies by country, but the timeline is similar everywhere: two to four weeks is standard, though some countries issue them faster. You must explore in your home country before you leave; Greece does not issue them to visitors.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American International Automobile Association (AIAA) both issue IDPs. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form. The fee is typically $20 to $30. Processing takes five to ten business days by mail, or you can obtain one in person at an AAA office the same day if you visit in person.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. You need a valid Canadian driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed form. The fee is around $25 CAD. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) issue IDPs. You need a valid Australian driver's license, a passport photo, and a form. The fee is around $20 to $30 AUD. Processing takes one to two weeks.

In the UK, the Post Office issues IDPs. You need a valid UK photocard license, a passport photo, and a form. The fee is £5.50. Processing takes five to ten working days.

Check with your country's national automobile association or your government's transport authority for the exact process, required documents, and current fees in your location.

Documents You Must Carry While Driving in Greece

Greek law requires you to carry four documents at all times while driving. Police conduct roadside checks, and you can be fined if you cannot produce any of them. The documents are: your original driver's license (or your home country license plus IDP if you are from outside the EU/EEA), your passport or national ID card, your vehicle's registration document (the Greek equivalent is called the Άδεια Κυκλοφορίας, or circulation permit), and proof of insurance.

If you are renting a car, the rental company will provide the registration document and proof of insurance. You are responsible for carrying your license and passport. If you are driving your own vehicle, you must have all documents with you. Fines for missing documents range from €100 to €500 depending on which document is missing and the officer's discretion.

Keep copies of your documents in a separate location (such as your hotel or accommodation) in case your originals are lost or stolen. If your documents are stolen, contact your rental company when ready if you are driving a rental, and contact the local police to file a report.

Age Requirements and License Validity in Greece

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Greece. Your home country license must be valid — not expired — at the time you drive. If your license has expired, you cannot drive in Greece, even if you hold an International Driving Permit. Greece does not extend expired licenses or issue temporary driving permission to visitors.

If your license will expire during your trip, renew it before you travel. The process varies by country and can take several weeks. Do not assume you can drive on an expired license in Greece because you are a visitor; Greek police will not accept it.

Some countries issue licenses with a validity period of ten years; others issue them for five years or less. Check your license to confirm the expiration date before you book your trip.

Exchanging Your License if You Become a Resident

If you move to Greece and establish a residence permit, you must exchange your foreign driver's license for a Greek license within one year. This is a legal requirement, not optional. After one year, you cannot drive on your foreign license, even if it is still valid.

To exchange your license, you must visit a local traffic police office (Τμήμα Τροχαίας) or a designated licensing authority. You will need your foreign license, your passport, proof of residence in Greece (such as a rental agreement or utility bill), a medical certificate confirming you are fit to drive, and proof that you have passed a theory test on Greek traffic rules. Some applicants are exempt from the theory test if their home country has a reciprocal agreement with Greece; check with the local traffic police office to confirm whether you are exempt.

The exchange process takes several weeks. During this time, you can continue to drive on your foreign license while your Greek license is being processed. Once your Greek license is issued, you must use it and cannot drive on your foreign license.

Driving Rules and Insurance in Greece

Greece has specific traffic rules that differ from many other countries. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you have a hands-free system. Drink-driving limits are strict: 0.05% blood alcohol for drivers over 24 years old, and 0.02% for drivers under 24.

You must carry proof of insurance at all times. Your home country insurance may not be valid in Greece. Before you travel, contact your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers driving in Greece, or purchase a temporary Greek insurance policy. Car rental companies typically include insurance, but read the terms carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

If you are involved in an accident, call the police when ready and do not move your vehicle unless it is blocking traffic. Exchange details with the other driver, take photographs of the damage, and obtain a police report. Your insurance company will need this report to process a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Greece on my expired license if I have an International Driving Permit?

No. Your home country license must be valid at the time you drive. An International Driving Permit does not extend an expired license. If your license has expired, you cannot drive in Greece, and you cannot renew it there. Renew your license before you travel.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Greece?

Yes, if your license is from outside the EU or EEA. Car rental companies require both your home country license and an IDP. They will not rent to you without both documents. EU and EEA license holders do not need an IDP.

What happens if I drive in Greece without an International Driving Permit when I need one?

You can be fined by police if you cannot produce both your home country license and an IDP. Fines range from €100 to €500. You may also be unable to rent a car, because rental companies will not release a vehicle without the required documents. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance may not cover the claim if you were driving without the required documents.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Greece if I forgot to get one before I traveled?

No. Greece does not issue International Driving Permits to visitors. You must obtain one in your home country before you travel. If you arrive without one and your license is from outside the EU or EEA, you cannot legally drive. Contact your country's automobile association to see if they can issue an IDP while you are abroad, though this is not usually possible.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your home country license expires, whichever comes first. If your home country license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP is no longer valid. You cannot drive on an expired license, even if your IDP is still current.