Key Takeaways
- An IDP is legally required in most European countries if your driver's license was issued outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
- Some countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom — will not rent you a car without an IDP, even if the law does not technically require one.
- An IDP must be obtained in your home country before you travel; no European country will issue one to you on arrival.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried alongside your original driver's license at all times.
- Rental car companies often have stricter requirements than national law, so check your rental agreement before you book.
Countries Where an IDP Is Legally Required
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia all require an IDP if your license was issued outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. This applies whether you are driving your own vehicle or a rental car. Police can stop you and fine you if you cannot produce both your original license and a valid IDP.
The United Kingdom, despite leaving the EU, also requires an IDP for non-UK drivers. If you hold a US, Canadian, Australian, or other non-UK license, you must carry an IDP. The same rule applies to Ireland, which is not part of the EU's freedom of movement agreement for licenses.
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland do not legally require an IDP for short-term visitors, but car rental companies in these countries almost always demand one as a condition of the rental contract. This means that even though the law may not require it, you cannot rent a car without one.
Countries Where an IDP Is Recommended but Not Legally Required
Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Malta do not have a legal requirement for an IDP from non-EU drivers, but local police may ask for one and may not accept your home country license alone as sufficient proof of driving authority. Carrying an IDP removes any ambiguity and protects you if you are stopped.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not require an IDP for EU or EEA license holders, but they do require one for drivers from outside those regions. If you are from the United States, Canada, or Australia, you need an IDP to drive legally in either country.
What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required
Driving without an IDP in a country that requires one is treated as driving without a valid license. Fines range from 50 euros in some countries to several hundred euros in others. In France and Germany, fines can exceed 200 euros, and police may impound your rental car or issue a citation that follows you home.
If you are involved in an accident and do not have an IDP, your insurance may refuse to cover the claim, even if the accident was not your fault. This is because you were driving illegally. Rental car companies will also charge you for any damage and may pursue you for the full cost of the vehicle.
Some countries treat driving without proper documentation as a criminal offense rather than a traffic violation. In these cases, you may face court proceedings or be required to post a bond before leaving the country.
How to Obtain an IDP Before You Travel
An IDP must be obtained in your home country before you leave — no European country will issue one to you. In the United States, you can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). In Canada, contact the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) or the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) can issue one.
The process typically takes one to two weeks by mail, though some offices offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form. The cost varies by country but is usually between 15 and 30 dollars or the equivalent in your local currency.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are planning a multi-year stay in Europe, you will need to renew it before it expires. Some countries allow you to renew by mail from Europe, but this varies — check with your home country's issuing authority before you travel.
Renting a Car: What Rental Companies Actually Require
Rental car companies have their own policies, which are often stricter than national law. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt all require an IDP for drivers from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, regardless of whether the country's law requires one. Some companies will not rent to you at all without an IDP; others will rent but charge a higher daily rate or require additional insurance.
When you book a rental car online, check the terms and conditions carefully. Many booking sites do not mention the IDP requirement until you reach the final step of checkout. If you arrive at the rental desk without an IDP and the company requires one, they may refuse to rent to you and keep your deposit.
A few smaller, local rental companies may not enforce the IDP requirement as strictly, but this is rare and unpredictable. It is safer to assume that you will need an IDP for any rental car in Europe.
Driving Your Own Vehicle: Registration and Documentation
If you are driving your own car from North America or another non-European country, you will need an IDP in addition to your original license. You will also need an International Registration Certificate (also called a carnet de passage) or a Green Card (international motor insurance certificate), depending on your destination and how long you are staying.
Your home country's automobile association can provide these documents. The process is similar to obtaining an IDP — you explore in your home country before you travel. Some countries require these documents to be notarized or certified by your national automobile authority.
If you are shipping a car to Europe or importing one temporarily, the requirements are different and depend on whether you are moving permanently or visiting. Contact your destination country's customs authority or automobile association for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I have an EU driver's license but I am visiting from outside Europe?
No. If your license was issued by an EU, EEA, or Swiss authority, it is valid throughout Europe without an IDP. However, some car rental companies may still ask for one as a matter of policy — check your rental agreement before you book.
Can I get an IDP in Europe if I forgot to get one before I left?
No. An IDP can only be issued in your home country by the authorized authority there. If you arrive in Europe without one and the country requires it, you cannot legally drive. Some travelers have obtained temporary solutions through their embassy, but this is not reliable and should not be counted on.
Is an IDP the same as a translation of my driver's license?
No. An IDP is a separate official document issued by your home country's automobile authority. A translation of your license is not a legal substitute. Some countries accept both an IDP and a certified translation, but an IDP alone is always safer and is required by most rental companies.
What if my IDP expires while I am in Europe?
You cannot legally drive once your IDP expires. If you are staying longer than one year, you need to renew it before it expires. Some countries allow renewal by mail from abroad, but you must arrange this before the expiration date. Check with your home country's issuing authority about their renewal policy.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Turkey or other countries bordering Europe?
Yes. Turkey, Morocco, and other non-EU countries that border Europe also require an IDP from non-national drivers. The same rules explore as in Europe — check the specific country's requirements before you travel.