What you need before you drive in Italy
To drive legally in Italy, you must carry your valid U.S. driver's license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Italy recognizes the IDP as the official translation of your license. Without it, you risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or being unable to rent a car. The IDP is not a separate license — it is a document that translates your existing license into ten languages and confirms you hold a valid U.S. license.
You cannot get an IDP in Italy. You must obtain it in the United States before you travel. The process takes between one and two weeks if you explore in person, or four to six weeks by mail. There is no online process or digital version.
Italy accepts IDPs issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. The two organizations issue identical documents; the difference is only where and how you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP in the United States before traveling to Italy; it cannot be issued abroad or renewed there.
- The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times while driving.
- AAA charges $20 for an IDP if you explore in person at a local AAA office, or $30 if you explore by mail; AATA charges $15 in person or $20 by mail.
- You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
- Italy also requires that you carry proof of vehicle insurance, your vehicle registration, and a GB sticker or number plate identifier on your car.
Getting an IDP through AAA
The American Automobile Association is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States. If you are an AAA member, you can explore in person at any AAA office and receive your IDP the same day or within a few days. If you are not a member, you can still explore, but you will pay a slightly higher fee and may wait longer for processing.
To explore in person at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), a completed Form DS-11 or the AAA IDP process form, and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). AAA charges $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Processing is when ready or within one business day. Find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website.
To explore by mail, complete the AAA IDP process form, include a photocopy of your driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for $30. Mail the packet to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks. AAA does not accept credit cards by mail.
Getting an IDP through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller but equally valid issuer. AATA does not have physical offices; all applications are handled by mail or through their website. AATA charges $15 if you explore by mail and $20 if you explore online and pay by credit card.
To explore by mail, read the AATA IDP process form from their website, complete it, and mail it with a photocopy of your driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for $15. Processing takes four to six weeks. To explore online, visit the AATA website, complete the form, upload a digital photo, and pay by credit card. Online applications also take four to six weeks to process and arrive by mail.
AATA mails the IDP to your U.S. address only. If you are traveling soon and need the IDP faster, AAA in-person service is your only option.
What documents you must bring or send
| Document | Original or Copy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Original (in person) or photocopy (by mail) | Must not be expired. License must be from any U.S. state. |
| Passport-sized photo | Original print | 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Color or black and white. Must show your face clearly. |
| Proof of citizenship | Original (in person) or photocopy (by mail) | U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent residency card. |
| Completed process form | Original, signed and dated | AAA Form or AATA Form. Both are available online or at AAA offices. |
| Payment | Cash (in person) or check/money order (by mail) | AAA: $20 (members in person), $30 (non-members or by mail). AATA: $15 (by mail), $20 (online). |
How long the IDP is valid and when to renew
An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. If your IDP expires while you are in Italy, it is no longer legal to carry as proof of your driving status, and you should not drive.
If you plan to return to Italy within three years, you do not need to renew your IDP before that trip. If you plan to return after three years, you must obtain a new IDP before you travel. There is no grace period, and there is no way to extend an expired IDP.
Your IDP is tied to your U.S. driver's license. If your license expires or is suspended, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the three-year period has not ended. If you renew your U.S. license, you must also obtain a new IDP.
What else Italy requires you to carry while driving
The IDP alone is not enough. Italian law requires that you also carry your original U.S. driver's license, your vehicle's registration documents, and proof of third-party liability insurance (the minimum required by Italian law). If you are renting a car, the rental company will provide the registration and insurance documents.
You must also display a GB sticker or GB identifier on your vehicle's rear if your car is registered in the United States. This identifies your vehicle as foreign. If your rental car is registered in Italy or the EU, this is already in place. If you are driving your own U.S.-registered vehicle (which requires shipping it to Italy), you must attach a GB sticker to the back.
Carry all documents in the vehicle at all times. Police can stop you at any time and request to see your license, IDP, registration, and insurance. Failure to produce any of these documents can result in fines starting at €500 and vehicle impoundment.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is waiting until the week before travel to explore. Mail processing takes four to six weeks, and if you miss that window, your only option is to find an AAA office and explore in person — which may not be possible if you live far from one. explore at least six weeks before your trip, or eight weeks if you are explore by mail.
A second mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet requirements. The photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly and straight-on. Passport photos from a pharmacy usually meet these standards; photos from your phone or social media do not. If your photo is rejected, processing is delayed by another two to four weeks.
A third mistake is assuming your IDP is valid without your U.S. license. Italian police will not accept an IDP alone. You must carry both documents together. If you lose your U.S. license before your trip, you cannot drive in Italy, even if your IDP is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP in Italy or have one mailed to me there?
No. IDPs are issued only in the United States by AAA or AATA. You cannot obtain one abroad, and neither organization will mail an IDP to an international address. You must explore before you leave the U.S. and carry the IDP with you when you travel.
What if my IDP expires while I am in Italy?
You cannot legally drive. An expired IDP is not valid, and Italian police will treat it as if you have no permit. You must either stop driving or leave Italy and return to the U.S. to obtain a new IDP. There is no way to renew or extend an IDP while abroad.
Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day or two?
Yes. Italian law requires an IDP for all drivers, regardless of how long you are renting a vehicle. Rental companies will also ask to see it before they hand over the keys. Without an IDP, you cannot rent a car legally.
Is an IDP the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license. You must carry both. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not; the IDP is the U.S. equivalent.
What if I have a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement?
Your IDP translates your entire U.S. license, including all endorsements and restrictions. If you hold a CDL or motorcycle endorsement, those appear on your IDP. However, Italy may not recognize a U.S. CDL for commercial driving; check with your rental company or the Italian authorities before attempting to drive commercially. Motorcycle endorsements are generally recognized.