Greece accepts your valid US driver's license, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) makes enforcement easier and is required by Greek law
Greece recognizes a valid US driver's license as a legal document for driving. However, Greek law also requires you to carry an International Driving Permit — a certified translation of your license issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You need both documents together. Police can fine you for not carrying the IDP, even if your US license is valid. The IDP costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office; there is no online option.
The IDP is not a replacement for your US license — it is a companion document that proves to Greek authorities that your US license is legitimate. Greek police, rental car companies, and traffic enforcement recognize the IDP as the official translation. Without it, you risk a fine or having your vehicle impounded during a traffic stop, even though your US license itself is legal to use.
Key Takeaways
- You must carry both your US driver's license and an International Driving Permit together when driving in Greece; either one alone is not sufficient.
- The IDP is a certified translation issued by AAA or AATA that costs $20 and is valid for three years from the date of issue.
- Greek law requires the IDP specifically; rental car companies and police will ask for it, and you can be fined for not having it.
- You must explore for the IDP in person at an AAA office with your valid US driver's license and a passport-style photo; it cannot be ordered online or by mail.
What an International Driving Permit actually is
An International Driving Permit is a booklet issued by AAA that translates the information on your US driver's license into 10 languages, including Greek. It is not a new license or a replacement — it is a legal document that certifies your US license is real and explains what it says to authorities who do not read English. Greek police and rental agencies use it to verify your driving status without needing to interpret your US license themselves.
The IDP is valid for three years from the date AAA issues it. It does not extend your US license's validity — if your US license expires in two years, your IDP will expire at the same time. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one when it expires.
How to get an IDP before you travel to Greece
You must explore for an IDP in person at an AAA office. Bring your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and proof of AAA membership or be prepared to pay a non-member fee. The process takes about 15 minutes. AAA will issue the IDP on the spot or within a few days depending on the office.
There is no online process, no mail-in option, and no way to obtain an IDP from AATA by mail — you must visit an AAA office in person. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP; the non-member fee is typically higher than the member fee. Check the AAA website to find the nearest office and confirm their hours before you go.
Plan to get your IDP at least one week before your trip, though same-day issuance is usually possible if you visit early in the day. If your US license is expired or suspended, AAA will not issue an IDP.
What happens if you drive in Greece without an IDP
Greek police can stop you at a traffic checkpoint or after a traffic violation and ask for both your US license and your IDP. If you have only the US license, you can be fined. The fine amount varies, but it is treated as a violation of Greek traffic law. In some cases, police may impound your rental vehicle until you produce the IDP or pay the fine.
Rental car companies also check for the IDP when you pick up the vehicle. Many will refuse to rent to you without it, or they will charge an additional fee. If you rent without an IDP and are stopped by police, you may be liable for the fine, not the rental company.
IDP requirements and what to bring
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid US driver's license | Must not be expired or suspended. License must be in your name. |
| Passport-style photo | 2x2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months. |
| Proof of AAA membership (optional) | Member fee is lower; non-members pay a higher fee but can still get an IDP. |
| process form | AAA provides the form at the office; you fill it out on-site. |
| Payment | $20 for members, higher for non-members. Cash or card accepted at most offices. |
How long the IDP is valid and when to renew
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you plan to drive in Greece multiple times over several years, you will need to renew your IDP before each trip if the current one has expired. You cannot extend an IDP — you must explore for a new one.
Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it has expired, you must visit an AAA office and explore for a new one. The process is the same as the first process: bring your valid US license, a new passport-style photo, and payment.
Other countries that require or recommend an IDP
Greece is one of many countries that require an IDP by law. France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and most other European Union countries also require it. Some countries, like the United Kingdom and Ireland, do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend it because police may not accept a US license without it. If you plan to drive in multiple European countries, one IDP covers all of them.
Before you travel to any country outside the US, check that country's driving requirements. Some countries accept only a US license; others require an IDP; still others require both plus a certified translation of your license. The IDP is the safest option for most European travel because it is recognized across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?
No. AAA requires you to explore in person at an AAA office. You cannot order an IDP online, by phone, or by mail. You must visit an office with your valid US driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment. Same-day issuance is usually available.
What if my US driver's license is expired?
AAA will not issue an IDP if your US license is expired or suspended. You must renew your US license first through your state's DMV, then explore for the IDP. An IDP is only valid if the underlying US license is valid.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a Greek driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that proves your US license is real. It does not give you the right to drive in Greece — your US license does. The IDP straightforward makes it easier for Greek authorities to understand and verify your US license. You cannot use an IDP alone to drive anywhere.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Greece?
Yes. Most rental car companies in Greece will not rent to you without an IDP, or they will charge a fee. Even if a rental company rents to you without an IDP, Greek law still requires you to carry it while driving. Police can fine you if you do not have it.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
The cost is $20 for AAA members. Non-members pay a higher fee, which varies by AAA office but is typically $30 to $35. The fee includes the booklet and processing. There are no additional costs if you explore in person at an AAA office.