Last Updated: February 2026
Planning a European road trip? Before you pick up rental car keys in Rome or hit the autobahn in Germany, there’s one document you need to sort out: the International Driving Permit (IDP). Here’s which countries require one, how to get one, and what every driver needs to know before getting behind the wheel in Europe.
⚡ IDP Quick Reference
| What is it? | A UN-regulated translation of your driver’s license into 10 languages |
| Cost | $20 USD (US) · $32 CAD (Canada) · £5.50 (UK) · $53 AUD (Australia) |
| Valid for | 1 year (US, Canada, Australia) · Up to 3 years (UK 1968 IDP) |
| Where to get it | Your country’s authorized auto association — before you leave home |
| Required in | Austria, Italy, Spain, Greece, and 10 other European countries |
| Do you need one? | If you’re a non-EU driver renting a car in Europe — yes, get one |
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is a small gray booklet, slightly larger than a passport, that translates your driver’s license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Japanese, Italian, and Portuguese. It contains your name, photo, and the vehicle categories you’re licensed to drive.
An IDP isn’t a license. It’s a standardized translation of your existing driver’s license, making it readable by police officers, rental agencies, and border officials across Europe. It doesn’t replace your license — it supplements it. You must carry both whenever you drive.
IDPs are regulated by the United Nations under two international treaties:
The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic — The older of the two agreements, ratified by 101 countries. IDPs issued under this convention are valid for one year from the date of issue.
The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic — The newer agreement, ratified by 83 countries. Most European nations follow this convention. IDPs issued under it can be valid for up to three years, though many countries still limit recognition to one year after arrival.
ℹ️ Why this matters: The United States, Canada, and several other major countries signed the 1949 Geneva Convention but never ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention. Most European countries follow the 1968 convention. This mismatch is the root of most IDP confusion — and the reason some European countries are stricter about requiring one than others.
Regardless of which convention applies, two rules are universal. First, an IDP is never valid on its own — you must always carry your original, physical driver’s license alongside it. Second, an IDP can only be issued in the same country that issued your driver’s license. You cannot get one after you arrive at your destination.
Which European Countries Require an IDP?
IDP requirements vary by country and by the nationality of the driver. EU and EEA citizens generally don’t need an IDP to drive anywhere in Europe — their domestic licenses are mutually recognized. For everyone else, the rules are more complicated.
The tables below cover IDP requirements for non-EU/EEA license holders. Use our Europe Visa Checker to find out what other documents you need for your destination.
Countries Where an IDP Is Required
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Austria | Required if your license is not in German. Strictly enforced, especially in rural areas and alpine passes. |
| Bulgaria | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Czech Republic | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Estonia | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Greece | Required for non-EU drivers. Rental agencies enforce this consistently. |
| Hungary | Requires an IDP or a certified Hungarian translation of your license. The IDP is the easiest option. |
| Italy | Required for all non-EU drivers. Italy is notorious for enforcing this — fines escalate dramatically if you’re in an accident without one. |
| Poland | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Romania | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Serbia | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Slovakia | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Slovenia | Required for non-EU drivers. |
| Spain | Required for non-EU drivers. Alternatively, carry an official Spanish translation of your license, but the IDP is cheaper and easier. |
Countries Where an IDP Is Recommended
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Not strictly required, but strongly recommended for smoother interactions with authorities. |
| Croatia | Not legally required for short stays, but rental companies often ask for one. |
| France | French law doesn’t always mandate an IDP, but most rental companies require one. |
| Germany | Many drivers get by without an IDP, but it’s helpful for police interactions and some rental agencies require one. |
| Montenegro | Recommended for non-EU drivers. |
| North Macedonia | Recommended for non-EU drivers. |
| Portugal | Not legally required for short visits, but recommended for rentals and police encounters. |
| Turkey | Recommended, and many rental companies require one. |
Countries Where an IDP Is Generally Not Required
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Cyprus | UK and Commonwealth licenses accepted. Other non-EU licenses — check before traveling. |
| Denmark | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Finland | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Iceland | Foreign licenses accepted for up to one month. |
| Ireland | Foreign licenses accepted for up to 12 months. Drives on the left. |
| Latvia | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Lithuania | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Luxembourg | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Malta | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. Drives on the left. |
| Netherlands | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Norway | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Sweden | Foreign licenses accepted for short stays. |
| Switzerland | Foreign licenses accepted for up to 12 months. |
| United Kingdom | Foreign licenses accepted for up to 12 months. Drives on the left. |
⚠️ Important: Even in countries where an IDP isn’t legally required, individual rental car companies may still demand one. This is especially common with budget rental agencies. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your rental company before you travel.
The 1949 vs. 1968 Convention: Which IDP Do You Need?
This is where things get confusing, and getting it wrong can leave you driving with the wrong paperwork.
There are two types of IDP currently in circulation, each based on a different UN convention. They look similar — both are gray booklets with white interior pages — but they are not interchangeable in every country.
| Feature | 1949 Geneva Convention IDP | 1968 Vienna Convention IDP |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year from date of issue | Up to 3 years (or until license expires) |
| Issued by | US, Canada, Australia, and others | UK, most EU countries, and others |
| Accepted in | Countries party to the 1949 convention | Countries party to the 1968 convention |
| In practice | Most European countries accept both types | |
If you hold a US, Canadian, or Australian license, your country issues the 1949 convention IDP. This is accepted throughout Europe in practice, even in countries that follow the 1968 convention. You don’t need to worry about getting the “wrong” one — just get the IDP from your country’s authorized issuer.
If you hold a UK license, the situation changed after Brexit. The UK now issues all three IDP types (1926, 1949, and 1968) depending on your destination. Check the UK government’s official tool at GOV.UK to find out which type you need.
✅ Bottom line: For most travelers driving in Europe, the IDP issued by your home country’s authorized agency will work. The convention distinction matters more on paper than in practice at most European borders and rental counters.
How to Get an International Driving Permit
The process is universally straightforward — no driving tests, no background checks, and usually no appointment needed. The key rule: you must get your IDP before you leave home. You cannot obtain one after you arrive at your destination.
🇺🇸 United States — AAA ($20)
Authorized issuer: American Automobile Association (AAA) — the only organization authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member.
What you need: Completed IDP application, two passport-sized photos, and a valid US driver’s license.
How to apply: In person at any AAA branch (same day), online at aaa.com (mailed), or by mail.
Validity: One year from date of issue.
🇨🇦 Canada — CAA ($32 CAD)
Authorized issuer: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) — the only authorized issuer in Canada.
What you need: Completed CAA application, two passport-sized photos, and a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license (G or G2 in Ontario; equivalent in other provinces).
How to apply: In person at any CAA store (processed during your visit) or by mail (allow 4-6 weeks).
Validity: One year from date of issue, or until your provincial license expires (whichever comes first).
Note: Canadians do not need an IDP to drive in the United States.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — PayPoint Stores (£5.50)
Authorized issuer: As of April 2024, IDPs in the UK are issued exclusively at verified PayPoint store locations. They are no longer available at the Post Office.
What you need: A valid UK photocard driving license. If you have a paper license, you’ll also need a passport-sized photo and your passport as proof of ID.
How to apply: In person at a verified PayPoint store — issued on the spot. You cannot apply online or by post.
Important: The UK issues three types of IDP (1926, 1949, and 1968) depending on your destination. Use the GOV.UK country checker to find which type you need.
Validity: 1968 IDP valid for 3 years; 1949 IDP valid for 1 year.
🇦🇺 Australia — State Motoring Clubs ($53 AUD)
Authorized issuer: Australian Automobile Association (AAA) through state member clubs — NRMA (NSW), RACV (Victoria), RACQ (Queensland), RAA (South Australia), RAC (Western Australia), and RACT (Tasmania).
What you need: A valid Australian driver’s license (provisional P1/P2 or full — no learner permits) and a passport-sized photo.
How to apply: In person at your state’s motoring club (issued on the spot) or online (mailed within 3-7 business days).
Validity: 12 months from date of issue, or until your Australian license expires (whichever comes first).
🇳🇿 New Zealand — AA NZ (~$30 NZD)
Authorized issuer: Automobile Association New Zealand (AA NZ).
What you need: A valid New Zealand driver’s license and a passport-sized photo.
How to apply: In person at an AA NZ branch or online through the AA NZ website.
Validity: 12 months from date of issue.
Other countries: Contact your national automobile association or transport authority. You can find your country’s authorized IDP issuer at internationaldrivingpermit.org.
🚨 Scam warning: Only get your IDP from your country’s officially authorized issuer (AAA in the US, CAA in Canada, PayPoint in the UK, AAA member clubs in Australia). Any website selling an “international driver’s license” is a scam. There is no such thing as an international driver’s license.
Renting a Car in Europe Without an IDP
Here’s the reality: the rental counter and the law don’t always agree.
What the law says varies by country, as outlined in the tables above. In countries like Italy, Austria, and Spain, driving without an IDP when one is required is a legal offense. Fines can range from €100 to several hundred euros, and in Italy, the penalty escalates significantly if you’re involved in an accident.
What rental companies say is often stricter than the law. Many agencies across Europe — including major chains — require an IDP regardless of whether the country legally mandates one. Being turned away at the counter with no alternative is a real possibility.
What actually happens is that many travelers drive across Europe without an IDP and never encounter a problem. They pick up their rental car, drive for two weeks, return it, and fly home without anyone ever asking.
The risk is what happens when things go wrong. If you’re in an accident and don’t have the legally required documentation, your rental insurance may be voided — meaning you’re personally liable for all damages.
ℹ️ Our recommendation: An IDP costs $20-50 depending on your country and takes less than an hour to obtain. Weighed against the risk of an insurance claim being denied or a rental being refused, it’s one of the cheapest pieces of insurance you can buy.
Tips for Driving in Europe
Which Side of the Road?
Most of Europe drives on the right. The exceptions are the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus — all of which drive on the left. If you’re crossing between right-hand and left-hand drive countries (for example, taking a ferry from France to the UK), be especially careful in the first hour after the switch. Roundabouts, highway merges, and parking lots are where drivers most commonly revert to habit.
Toll Roads and Vignettes
Vignette countries require you to purchase a time-based pass (one day to one year) before using motorways. Camera systems enforce them automatically, and fines are steep — €180+ in Austria, up to €800 in Slovenia. Countries using vignettes include Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Toll booth countries charge you based on distance driven. You collect a ticket at the motorway entrance and pay at the exit. Countries using toll booths include France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.
Toll-free countries for passenger vehicles include Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark (except major bridges), Finland, Sweden (except major bridges), Norway (mostly free, some urban tolls), Luxembourg, and most Baltic states.
✅ Pro tip: Buy vignettes online before you cross the border. In Austria, digital vignettes don’t activate until 18 days after purchase (due to a consumer cancellation window), so plan ahead.
Speed Limits
The general pattern across most of Europe is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph) on rural roads, and 120-130 km/h (75-81 mph) on motorways. Germany’s autobahns famously have no speed limit on many sections, though 130 km/h is recommended. The UK uses miles per hour — 70 mph (113 km/h) on motorways.
Speed cameras are widespread and automated. Many countries send fines directly to your rental company, who will charge your credit card plus an administrative fee. France, Italy, and the Netherlands are particularly aggressive about camera enforcement.
Low Emission Zones
Many European cities restrict which vehicles can enter city centers based on emissions. France requires a Crit’Air eco-vignette sticker, Germany uses Umweltzonen (green sticker required), and the UK operates Ultra Low Emission Zones in London and Clean Air Zones in other cities. If you’re renting, the vehicle will typically already have the necessary stickers. Fines for entering without proper authorization range from €68 to over €200.
Mandatory Equipment
Many European countries require specific safety equipment in the vehicle. A warning triangle is required in most countries. A high-visibility vest is required in Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and others. A first-aid kit is required in Austria, Germany, and several Eastern European countries. Rental cars generally come equipped with the basics, but it’s worth knowing what’s required in case you’re stopped.
Alcohol Limits
Most European countries have a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 g/L (0.05%), significantly lower than the 0.8 g/L (0.08%) limit common in the United States and UK. Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia enforce a zero-tolerance policy (0.0 g/L). The safest approach — if you’re driving, don’t drink at all.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are far more common in Europe than in North America. Traffic already in the roundabout has priority (with rare exceptions in France, where priority-to-the-right sometimes applies at older roundabouts). Signal your exit, stay in the appropriate lane, and give way to vehicles already circulating.
IDP for Motorcycles and Scooters
Your IDP covers the vehicle categories listed on your domestic driver’s license. If your license authorizes you to ride motorcycles, your IDP will reflect that.
If your domestic license only covers cars, your IDP will not authorize you to ride a motorcycle or scooter — even a small one. This is a common trap for tourists who rent 50cc scooters in Italy or Greece without the proper license category. If you’re in an accident on a vehicle your license doesn’t cover, your insurance will not pay out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if my license is in English?
Having an English-language license doesn’t exempt you from IDP requirements. Countries that legally require an IDP require it regardless of what language your license is in. The IDP exists as a standardized, internationally recognized format — not just as a translation.
Can I get an IDP after I arrive in Europe?
No. An IDP must be issued in the same country that issued your driver’s license. If you’re American, only AAA in the United States can issue your IDP. If you’re Canadian, only CAA in Canada can issue yours. If you’re already overseas, some issuers (like AAA) can mail an IDP to an international address, but this takes time and isn’t a last-minute solution.
How long is an IDP valid?
For most English-speaking countries (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. UK-issued 1968 IDPs are valid for three years. The IDP cannot exceed the validity of your domestic license — if your license expires in six months, so does your IDP.
Is an IDP the same as an international driver’s license?
There is no such thing as an “international driver’s license.” Any website selling you one is running a scam. The correct document is called an International Driving Permit, and it can only be obtained from your country’s authorized issuing organization.
Do I need an IDP for a motorcycle or scooter?
Your IDP covers the same vehicle categories as your domestic license. If your license includes a motorcycle endorsement, your IDP will too. If it doesn’t, you’re not legally permitted to ride motorcycles abroad regardless of whether you have an IDP.
What happens if I drive without an IDP in a country that requires one?
You can be fined by police during a traffic stop. More critically, if you’re involved in an accident, your rental car insurance or travel insurance may refuse to cover the claim because you were driving without the legally required documentation. This can leave you personally liable for tens of thousands of euros in damages.
Do EU citizens need an IDP in Europe?
No. EU and EEA citizens can drive anywhere within the EU/EEA using their domestic license. No IDP is needed.
🌍 Planning a European Road Trip?
Check what documents you need for every country on your route.
Use the Europe Visa Checker →📚 Related Articles
- Europe Visa Checker — Find out what documents you need for any European country
- Schengen 90/180-Day Rule — Make sure your road trip doesn’t overstay the limit
- ETIAS: Europe’s New Travel Authorization — What’s changing at European borders
- Entry/Exit System (EES) — Europe’s new border tracking system
- Best Travel Insurance for Europe — Protect your trip
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. IDP requirements can change — always verify with official government sources before traveling. Last updated: February 2026.