What You Need to Drive in Italy as a Visitor

If you hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you can drive in Italy without an International Driving Permit (IDP) — but only if your license is in English or has an English translation attached. Italy recognizes licenses from most countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and EU member states. The catch is that Italian police can ask you to produce a certified translation if your license is not in English, and you must carry it with you while driving.

An IDP is not a replacement for your home license; it is a document that translates your license information into multiple languages, including Italian. You need your original license to drive legally anywhere. The IDP straightforward makes it easier if you are stopped and the officer does not speak English or if you need to rent a car from a company that prefers the extra documentation.

How long you are staying in Italy affects whether an IDP is worth getting. If you are visiting for a week or two, your home license plus a translation may be enough. If you are staying longer or renting a car, an IDP removes friction and is inexpensive to obtain before you leave home.

Key Takeaways

  • Your home country driver's license is valid in Italy as long as it is in English or you carry a certified English translation with you at all times while driving.
  • An International Driving Permit is optional but recommended if you are renting a car, staying longer than a few weeks, or want to avoid carrying a separate translation document.
  • You must obtain an IDP in your home country before you travel; you cannot get one in Italy.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.
  • Italian police can ask to see your license and may request a translation, so carrying both your original license and an IDP or certified translation is the safest approach.

When an IDP Makes Sense for Your Trip

You should get an IDP if you are renting a car in Italy. Most rental companies ask for one, especially the larger chains like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Some smaller local rental agencies may accept just your home license and a translation, but requiring an IDP is their standard policy. If you book a rental online, check the company's requirements before you travel — many will not hand over the keys without one.

An IDP is also worth getting if you plan to stay in Italy for more than a month or if you are driving your own vehicle that you have shipped there. The longer you are on the road, the more likely you are to be stopped, and the IDP removes any ambiguity about whether your license is valid.

If you are only visiting for a few days and not renting a car, you can skip the IDP. Just make sure you have a certified English translation of your license, which you can obtain from your home country's motor vehicle department or from a notary public before you leave.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Before You Leave

You must obtain your IDP in your home country; Italian authorities cannot issue one. The process and cost vary by country, but most take between one and two weeks.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, a completed process form, and a fee (typically $15 to $20). Processing takes about one week in person or two to three weeks by mail.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. You need your valid Canadian driver's license, proof of citizenship, a passport photo, and a completed form. The fee is usually around $20 CAD, and processing takes one to two weeks.

In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) issue IDPs. You will need your Australian driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process. The cost is typically $20 to $30 AUD, and processing takes one to two weeks.

In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) issue IDPs. You need your UK license, a passport photo, and an process form. The fee is usually £5.50 to £15, and processing takes about one week.

What to Carry While Driving in Italy

Italian law requires you to carry your original driver's license at all times while driving. If you have an IDP, bring that too — it does not replace your license, but it supports it. If you do not have an IDP, carry a certified English translation of your license instead.

You will also need your passport, vehicle registration (if you are driving your own car), and proof of insurance. Italy requires third-party liability insurance as a minimum; rental companies include this automatically, but if you are driving your own vehicle, make sure your home insurance covers you in Italy or purchase a temporary policy before you travel.

Keep all documents in an easily accessible place, such as the glove compartment. If you are stopped, hand over your license and IDP or translation together so the officer can see that your license is valid and supported by an official translation.

How Long an IDP Remains Valid

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. Most people choose the three-year version if they think they might return to Italy or travel to other countries that recognize IDPs.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you will need to obtain a new one before your trip. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one through the same organization that issued the first one.

Your home country driver's license must also be valid. If your license expires before or during your trip to Italy, you will not be able to drive legally, even with an IDP. Renew your license before you travel if it is set to expire within the next few months.

Alternatives if You Do Not Have an IDP

If you arrive in Italy without an IDP, you can still drive legally as long as you have a certified English translation of your license. You can obtain a translation in Italy from a certified translator, but this takes time and costs money — usually €50 to €100 or more. It is much cheaper and faster to get a translation before you leave home.

Some car rental companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP, even if you have a translation. If this happens, you have a few options: contact the rental company in advance to ask whether they will accept a translation instead, book with a smaller local rental agency that may be more flexible, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or a taxi instead of renting a car.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce a translation, you may be fined. The fine is usually not large, but it is avoidable by carrying the right documents. Plan ahead and bring either an IDP or a certified translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Italy with just my home country license and no translation?

Technically, yes, if your license is in English. However, if you are stopped and the officer asks for a translation, you must produce one or you may be fined. It is safer to carry either an IDP or a certified English translation at all times.

What happens if I get pulled over and do not have an IDP or translation?

Italian police can fine you for not carrying a translation of your license. The fine is usually €40 to €100, depending on the officer's discretion. You will not lose your license or be arrested, but it is an unnecessary expense and hassle.

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Italy?

No. IDPs are issued only in your home country by authorized organizations. You must obtain one before you travel. If you arrive without one, you will need to get a certified translation instead, which takes longer and costs more.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving for a day or two?

Not necessarily. If you are staying for a short trip and not renting a car, you can skip the IDP as long as you carry a certified English translation of your license. For a rental car, most companies require an IDP, so check with them first.

Is an IDP valid in other European countries besides Italy?

Yes. An International Driving Permit is recognized in most countries around the world, including all EU member states. If you are planning a longer European road trip, an IDP is useful for the entire journey.