Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Europe? Country-by-Country Guide 2026

Last Updated: March 2026

If you are a non-EU driver planning to rent or drive a car in Europe, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — a UN-regulated translation of your driver’s license required in 13 European countries and recommended in 8 more. As of March 2026, countries including Italy, Spain, Austria, and Greece strictly enforce this requirement. An IDP costs $20–53 depending on your country, takes under an hour to obtain, and must be arranged before you leave home — you cannot get one after you arrive.

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 is not a license. It is a standardized translation of your existing driver’s license, making it readable by police officers, rental agencies, and border officials across Europe. It does not 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.

Two rules are universal regardless of which convention applies. 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. Use our Europe Travel Planner to check all entry requirements for your destinations.

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.

The 1949 vs. 1968 Convention: Which IDP Do You Need?

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.

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.

How to Get an International Driving Permit

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. Apply in person at any AAA branch (same day), online at aaa.com (mailed), or by mail. Bring two passport-sized photos and a valid US driver’s license. Valid one year from date of issue.

🇨🇦 Canada — CAA ($32 CAD)

Authorized issuer: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) — the only authorized issuer in Canada. Apply in person at any CAA store (processed during your visit) or by mail (allow 4–6 weeks). Bring two passport-sized photos and a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license. Valid one year from date of issue.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — PayPoint Stores (£5.50)

Authorized issuer: As of April 2024, IDPs in the UK are issued exclusively at verified PayPoint store locations — no longer available at the Post Office. Apply in person only — issued on the spot. 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. The 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years; the 1949 IDP 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). Apply in person (issued on the spot) or online (mailed within 3–7 business days). Valid 12 months from date of issue.

🇳🇿 New Zealand — AA NZ (~$30 NZD)

Authorized issuer: Automobile Association New Zealand (AA NZ). Apply in person at an AA NZ branch or online. Valid 12 months from date of issue.

Other countries: Contact your national automobile association or transport authority. Find your country’s authorized IDP issuer at internationaldrivingpermit.org.

Renting a Car in Europe Without an IDP

The rental counter and the law don’t always agree. In countries like Italy, Austria, and Spain, driving without an IDP when one is required is a legal offense — fines range from €100 to several hundred euros, and in Italy the penalty escalates significantly if you’re in an accident. Many rental agencies across Europe require an IDP regardless of whether the country legally mandates one. Being turned away at the counter with no alternative is a real possibility.

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.

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, 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 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 based on distance driven — 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), Luxembourg, and most Baltic states.

Speed Limits

The general pattern across most of Europe: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80–100 km/h on rural roads, and 120–130 km/h on motorways. Germany’s autobahns have no speed limit on many sections, though 130 km/h is recommended. The UK uses miles per hour — 70 mph on motorways. Speed cameras are widespread and automated. France, Italy, and the Netherlands are particularly aggressive about enforcement.

Low Emission Zones

Many European cities restrict vehicle access 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. If you’re renting, the vehicle typically already has the necessary stickers.

Alcohol Limits

Most European countries enforce a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 g/L (0.05%) — lower than the 0.8 g/L common in the US and UK. Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia enforce zero tolerance (0.0 g/L). If you’re driving, don’t drink.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are far more common in Europe than in North America. Traffic already in the roundabout has priority. 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 does not authorize you to ride motorcycles, your IDP will not either — even for a small rented scooter. This is a common trap for tourists renting 50cc scooters in Italy or Greece. 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 does not 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 already overseas, some issuers like AAA can mail an IDP to an international address, but this takes time and is not 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 are 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 are 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.

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: March 2026.