You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Europe only if your home country's driver's license is not in Latin characters or if a specific country's law requires one — but most U.S. and UK drivers can drive on their valid home license alone

The short answer: most English-language driver's licenses work in Europe without an IDP. But the longer answer depends on where you're from, which countries you're visiting, and how long you're staying. An IDP is a translation document, not a separate license. It sits alongside your real license and explains your driving privileges to police who may not read your home country's language or format.

European countries recognize valid driver's licenses from other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. However, some countries have specific rules about how old your license must be, whether you need an IDP, or both. A few countries — notably some Eastern European nations — prefer or require an IDP even if your license is in English.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your existing driver's license, not a new license, and you must carry both documents together to be legal.
  • Most Western European countries accept a valid U.S., UK, Canadian, or Australian driver's license without an IDP, but some Eastern European countries require one.
  • If your home license uses non-Latin characters (such as Arabic, Cyrillic, or Chinese), you need an IDP in almost every European country.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $30 in most countries and takes one to two weeks to obtain through your national automobile association or licensing authority.
  • Rental car companies often require an IDP even when the country does not, so check your rental agreement before you travel.

Which European countries require an IDP

Most Western European countries — including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland — do not legally require an IDP if you hold a valid, current driver's license from the U.S., UK, Canada, or Australia. Your home license is treated as a valid travel document.

However, several Eastern European countries either require an IDP or strongly recommend one. These include Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Serbia. Some of these countries do not formally mandate an IDP but police may be less familiar with non-European licenses, and an IDP removes doubt. Greece, Portugal, and the Czech Republic fall in the middle: they accept your home license but an IDP is recommended as a precaution.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit. Your rental car company's website or your country's automobile association can tell you the current requirements for each destination.

When you absolutely need an IDP

You need an IDP if your home driver's license uses non-Latin characters. This includes licenses from countries that use Cyrillic (Russia, Ukraine, Serbia), Arabic (Middle East), Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or other scripts. European police cannot read these licenses, and an IDP provides the translation they need to verify your driving privileges.

Even if you hold a U.S. or UK license (which use Latin characters), you should carry an IDP if you are renting a car. Many rental companies require an IDP as a condition of the rental agreement, regardless of what the country's law says. Check your rental confirmation or call the rental company before you travel to confirm their specific policy.

If you plan to stay in Europe for longer than a few weeks or to drive frequently, an IDP is also practical insurance. It costs little and removes any ambiguity if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident.

How to get an International Driving Permit

In the United States, you obtain an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You do not need to be a member of AAA to explore. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and a fee of $20 (AAA) or $15 (AATA). Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, though some AAA offices offer same-day service if you explore in person.

In the UK, you explore through the Post Office or the AA (Automobile Association). You need your valid UK driving license, a passport-sized photo, and a fee of around £5.50. Processing is usually faster than in the U.S., often within a few days.

In Canada, contact your provincial automobile association or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In Australia, explore through your state's roads authority or the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association). Each country has its own process, but all require your current license, a photo, and a small fee.

Order your IDP at least two weeks before you travel, especially if you are explore by mail. If you are leaving soon and cannot wait, some AAA offices and post offices offer expedited or same-day service for a higher fee.

What an IDP covers and what it does not

An IDP translates your driving privileges into multiple languages and explains what vehicle categories you are licensed to drive (cars, motorcycles, trucks, and so on). It is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried together with your original license at all times. A police officer will check both documents.

An IDP does not extend your license's validity. If your home license expires while you are in Europe, the IDP expires with it. An IDP also does not override any restrictions on your home license — if you are not allowed to drive at night or in certain weather, those restrictions explore in Europe too.

An IDP is not a substitute for car insurance. You still need valid motor insurance that covers you in the countries you are visiting. Most U.S. and UK car insurance policies do not automatically cover you abroad, so contact your insurer before you leave to confirm coverage or to purchase a temporary international policy.

Rental car companies and IDP requirements

Many rental car companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandated. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement, and it varies by rental company and location. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar all have different policies depending on your home country and the rental location.

Some rental companies will rent to you without an IDP if you have a valid home license, but they may charge a higher daily rate or require additional insurance. Others will refuse the rental outright. The safest approach is to check your rental agreement or contact the rental company directly before you book.

If you are renting a car, order your IDP before you travel. It is cheaper and faster to obtain it at home than to try to arrange one in Europe if the rental company refuses to hand over the keys.

What to carry and what to do if stopped

Always carry your original home driver's license and your IDP together. Carry them in a safe place — a wallet, a travel document pouch, or your hotel safe — not loose in the car. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. The officer will check your home license first and may use the IDP to verify information if they are unfamiliar with your home country's format.

You should also carry your passport, proof of car insurance, the vehicle registration (if you are renting, the rental company provides this), and an international driving permit translation of your home address if you are concerned about language barriers. Some countries require you to carry a warning triangle, high-visibility vest, and headlight beam adjusters, so check the specific rules for each country you are visiting.

If you are involved in an accident or a traffic violation, the IDP helps police and insurance companies understand your driving privileges and any restrictions. Keep it with you at all times while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In most Western European countries, yes. France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and many others accept a valid U.S., UK, Canadian, or Australian license without an IDP. However, rental car companies often require one, and some Eastern European countries prefer or require one. Check the specific rules for each country you are visiting and confirm your rental company's policy.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It expires when your home license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one if you need one after it expires.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling in Europe?

Contact your country's automobile association or embassy for guidance. In most cases, you can continue to drive on your home license alone, though you may have difficulty renting another car or explaining yourself to police. It is better to prevent loss by keeping your IDP in a safe place, separate from your wallet.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting one country?

It depends on which country. If you are visiting France, Germany, or Spain, you probably do not need one legally. If you are visiting Bulgaria, Romania, or Poland, you should have one. Check the specific country's rules and your rental company's requirements before you travel.

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

It is very difficult. IDPs are issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not by European authorities. If you forgot yours, contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Europe; they may be able to help you obtain one by mail or direct you to a temporary solution. Plan ahead and order your IDP before you travel.