You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your valid U.S. driver's license to drive legally in Italy

Italy recognizes your U.S. driver's license, but only alongside an International Driving Permit. The IDP is a translation document that explains your license to Italian police and rental companies in a format they understand. You cannot drive in Italy with only your U.S. license — you must carry both documents together. The IDP is not a separate license; it is a companion document that remains valid only as long as your U.S. license is valid.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the United States. You cannot obtain one in Italy, and you cannot get one from an Italian consulate or embassy. The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office, or you can order by mail if you do not have a local branch nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States and must be obtained before you travel to Italy.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment (typically $20 for AAA) to get an IDP.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so time your process to match your travel dates.
  • You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times while driving in Italy — either document alone is not sufficient.
  • Rental car companies in Italy often require an IDP, and some will refuse to rent to you without one even if you have a valid U.S. license.

What you need to bring to AAA or AATA

You will need your current, valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DL-43 or the equivalent for AATA), one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. Most AAA offices accept cash, check, or card. AATA accepts payment by mail or in person depending on the location.

The passport photo is the most common item people forget. It must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly against a plain background, and meet standard passport photo dimensions. You can get one taken at most AAA offices, at CVS, Walgreens, or a local photography studio. Bring the photo with you or have it taken on-site if the office offers that service.

Your driver's license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license is expired or will expire before your trip, renew it first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. An IDP cannot be issued for an expired license.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. Use the AAA website locator tool to find the office closest to you, check their hours, and confirm they offer IDP services (most do, but some smaller branches may not). You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) offers mail-in service. You send your process, photo, driver's license copy, and payment to their office, and they mail the IDP back to you. This takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks — so plan ahead if you are using the mail route.

Some travel agencies and AAA-affiliated businesses also issue IDPs, but the AAA office is the most straightforward option. Call ahead to confirm the office has IDP forms in stock and to ask about wait times, especially during peak travel seasons.

The cost and how long it takes

AAA charges $20 for an International Driving Permit as of the most recent update, though this price can vary slightly by location. AATA charges a similar amount plus postage if you use mail service. This is a one-time fee per IDP; you do not pay renewal fees because you must obtain a new IDP each time you travel.

In-person service at an AAA office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The office will verify your license, check your photo, process payment, and issue the IDP on the spot. You walk out with the document the same day. If you use mail service through AATA, allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing and delivery, so submit your process well before your travel date.

When to explore before your Italy trip

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you explore in January and do not travel until September, your IDP will still be valid during your trip. However, if you explore in September and travel the following October, your IDP will have expired by then and you will need a new one.

explore at least two weeks before your trip if you are using in-person service, to give yourself a buffer in case the office is busy. If you are using mail service, explore at least six weeks ahead. If you are traveling multiple times within a year, you can use the same IDP for all trips as long as it has not expired.

What to do when you arrive in Italy

Keep your U.S. driver's license and IDP together in your wallet or travel documents. Italian police can stop you at any time and ask to see your driving documents. You must show both — your license and the IDP together. Showing only one is not sufficient and can result in a fine.

When you rent a car in Italy, the rental company will ask to see both documents. Many rental companies will not complete the rental without an IDP, even if you have a valid U.S. license. Some companies may charge an extra fee if you do not have one, or they may refuse to rent to you altogether. Having the IDP prevents this problem.

If you lose your IDP while in Italy, you cannot get a replacement there. You would need to contact AAA or AATA from Italy, which is difficult. Keep your IDP in a safe place, separate from your license if possible, so you do not lose both documents at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

Yes. Rental companies in Italy require an IDP regardless of how long you rent the car. Even if you are renting for a few hours, you must have both your U.S. license and your IDP. Some companies will not complete the rental without it.

Can I get an International Driving Permit at the airport or in Italy?

No. IDPs are issued only by AAA and AATA in the United States before you travel. You cannot get one at an airport, from an Italian consulate, or from any office in Italy. You must obtain it before you leave the U.S.

What happens if I drive in Italy without an International Driving Permit?

You can be stopped by police and fined. Italian law requires both a valid driver's license and an IDP. Driving without the IDP is a traffic violation. You may also have trouble with your rental car insurance if you are involved in an accident and do not have the required documents.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP 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 documents together. An international license is a different thing issued by some countries; the U.S. does not issue international licenses.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you travel to Italy multiple times within that year, you can use the same IDP for all trips. Once the year expires, you must get a new IDP if you plan to drive in Italy again.