Do you need an international driver license to rent a car in europe

How to know if you need an international drivers permit. If youre from the usa and are planning on renting a car in europe, check out our guide before taking the wheel. Renting and driving a car in europe in order to rent or lease a car in europe, noneuropeans need a valid drivers license from their home state or province. Contact the appropriate countrys driver licensing authority for details. You also need to present your original driving license with the international permit or translation. Do you need an international drivers license for rental. How to know if you need an international drivers permit for a car rental overseas. If this italian policeman asks for your idp, will you be prepared. International driving permit an international driving permit, or idp, is a special driver s licence that allows licensed motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. International drivers license for spain rick steves. Your idp should always be accompanied by your valid local driving licence. The surrogate driver must present a valid drivers license and meet sixts standard requirements for rental. Follow these tips to make sure you ll be able to take the wheel at your destination. How to know if you need an international drivers permit for a.

Otherwise, you need to get your foreign driving license translated by the adac the german national breakdown and recovery service or an internationally. Greek laws require a foreign driver to have an international driving permit idp as well as a stateissued drivers license to operate a vehicle in the country. Most hertz locations accept china drivers license hertz locations in usa, canada, most countries in europe and asia excluding japan and korea now accept china drivers license when it is accompanied with an english translation, free to apply now. There is no such thing as an international driving licence. Take it from the worldrenowned expert on travel in europe, rick steves. Rental car without international license we are already. My husband and i are in our 30s and have us drivers licenses. This driving permit is a requirement to drive in spain, and without the permit, you could face punishment if stopped by law enforcement.

If you are planning to rent a car in spain, applying for an international driving permit is important. To pick up a rental car, you need a valid form of identification usually a drivers license and a form of payment usually a credit card. Youll still need to carry a valid drivers license from home. Mar 31, 2019 first, its worth knowing that there is no such thing as an international drivers licence. I rented and drove a car in france with a new zealand driver license with no translation or idp necessary. Do i need an international drivers licence for europe.

International driving permit required in romania for a us. Im already out of us traveling through eu and will be in romania in 2 weeks. If youre renting a car on your next international trip, you may need an additional id. Rules change from country to country and by car rental. You should check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit or live in to find specific drivers license requirements. To rent a car in france you must be at least 21 years old or 25 years old minimum age varies by rental agency, and have a credit card in your name. There are also instances where you can be fined for not having one should you be pulled over by the police. International drivers license for spain rick steves travel. Kiwis driving overseas waka kotahi nz transport agency.

Europe do i really need international driver license in greece to rent a car. With your idp in hand, you might think you ll be ready to rent a car in any of the countries listed. Many times, rental car companies will not enforce this requirement, but they may come in handy if you are pulled over for a traffic incident. Us drivers license and automatic rental cars switzerland. A few englishspeaking european countriesengland, scotland, wales, northern ireland and ireland.

If your destination country is not listed above and you would like to check driving requirements, do not hesitate to see the specific terms and conditions per country or contact. Find out the rental companys policies and other requirements in advance. International driving permits idp are not required for american licensed drivers to drive a rental car in the uk. Do i need an international drivers licence for car hire. It contains your name, photograph, and driver information.

Us drivers license and automatic rental cars switzerland forum. Is an international driving permit the same thing as an international driving license. However if travelling to eastern europe, we would strongly recommend you get one. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver s licence, issued by a competent authority, in his or her country of residence. When you use an international driving permit you will always need your usual national driving licence with you as well. People who drive rental cars say the idp is overrated, but can come in handy as a complement to your passport and driver s license.

Do americans need special permits to rent and drive a car in france. An idp is a translation of your drivers license and is required to be carried along with your domestic license while driving in most destinations in europe. As car rental specialists with over 60 years of experience assisting drivers around the world we know all there is to know about how to safely and legally drive in a foreign country. An international driving permit is a translation of your regular driving licence that works alongside it. Spain requires foreign drivers who have a license in english to obtain an idp prior to arriving in spain. Whether youre american or canadian, your passport and drivers license are all you need in most. Learn about driving licenses, car insurance, driving laws and rules, buying or leasing a car and safety.

Remember what you need is an international drivers permit, not an international drivers license. In most european countries, your american drivers license and passport are all you need to rent a car. Meet the renting locations minimum age requirements. With an international drivers license permit, you can rent a car or motorcycle in all sorts of exotic locations with the freedom to stop anytime, and anywhere, traveling at your own pace. Passports, drivers licenses, and international driving permits. Hello i have a car reserved through avis to be picked up upon arrival in fra. Do i need an international drivers permit to rent a car in. Is an international drivers permit idp required to rent a car overseas. A tourists guide to driving in europe radisson blu. Jul 12, 2017 7 things to know before renting a car in europe. Argentina, burkina faso, egypt, ethiopia, greece, japan, kenya, kuwait, senegal, south africa. Some agencies may require you to have had your drivers license for at least one year. Find out if you need an international driving permit to drive abroad if youre from the uk.

If you rent a car in that country, your car will already have one, but if you cross country borders, you. Check if you need an international driving permit idp to drive abroad on holiday and how to exchange your licence if you move abroad including driving in the eu after brexit. If you want to drive in spain, you can use your foreign driving license for the first six months if you are from outside the european union eu area, or for up to two years. The international driving permit is an official document that certifies the validity of your home driver s license in 10 languages. It is the only international driving permit acceptable in order to drive in japan. Idps are intended to act as a translation of your original licence. Despite what the official page says, it doesnt seem to always be applied to tourists in practice. However, it is important to remember that your idp only supplements your regular driver s license.

Do i need a international dirvers permit to drive in europe. International driving permit idp europe for visitors. Many times, rental car companies will not enforce this requirement, but they may. Rent car in england car hire europe uk and europe travel. If you are planning on driving whilst in europe, it is recommended that you obtain an international licence, officially called an international driving permit idp, prior to your departure from australia or your home country an idp is an internationally recognised form of identification, and in many cases is a prerequisite for hiring a car. Reserving your rental car before you leave can mean substantial savingsmost international carrental agencies discount standard rates if you reserve ahead for a minimum number of days and pay in.

Except, presenting japanese translation of your domestic driver s license that you can get at the japanese embassy is also permitted if you have the domestic driver s license issued in swiss, germany, france, italy, belgium and taiwan. Idps may not be valid the whole time you stay abroad and may only be valid with a u. Theres a lot of backandforth discussion about whether you need an international driving permit to rent a car in europe. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers license issued by a u. Although greek car rental agencies routinely accept standard driver s. Once you have stayed in a country longer than the time limit, or you are moving to a country permanently, you may be able to convert your new zealand driver licence to an overseas driver licence. Your name and other license information are shown in a standard, internationally recognized format, and a passportsize photo completes the. To legally drive a car in canada, youll need a drivers licence issued by the government of your province or territory. Also, is it easy to rent an automatic car or is there a high probability that we will get a stick shift rental car even if we specified automatic. Do i need an international drivers licence or permit. An idp translates your driver s license into 10 different languages. Also, beware of internet scam artists who sell socalled international drivers licenses to unlicensed drivers or motorists whose licenses have been suspended for drunk driving and other violations.

Travel stack exchange is a question and answer site for road warriors and seasoned travelers. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid drivers licence, issued by a. When you go to pick up your car they will ask to see your confirmation number, drivers license, passport, and credit card. All countries have limits on how long you can use your new zealand driver licence or idp before you must get a local driver licence. Whether you re american or canadian, your passport and driver s license are all you need in most european countries.

International drivers permit international drivers. I have seen such requirement mentioned several times, more persistently than for other countries. An international driving permit, or idp, is a special drivers licence that allows licensed motorists to drive in other countries without further tests or applications. If you rent a car in that country, your car will already have one, but if you cross country borders, you will need to get one right after you. Europcar recommends you carry an international driving permit. You cant actually get an international driving licence. The idp can be issued by an associate member of the australian automobile association aaa you just have to make sure. Do americans need special permits to rent and drive a car in.

Do you need an international drivers permit for europe. It also provides validation of your south african drivers licence, and an alternative proof of identification when you travel in foreign countries and need to rent a car or obtain insurance. With your idp in hand, you might think youll be ready to rent a car in any of the countries listed. An international drivers permit must be applied for in the country in which you obtained your drivers licence before you travel. Remember what you need is an international driver s permit, not an international driver s license. An international driver s permit idp, sometimes referred to as an idl international driver s license, is a translation of important information from your canadian driver s license into several different languages. An international driving permit lasts for 12 months from the date of issue.

International drivers permit information from auto europe. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit or live in to find specific drivers license requirements. You must agree with me that counter agents arent exactly law enforcement officers, and they really dont care if you will or wont have troubles. I have heard different opinions about the international drivers license and need to figure out whether this is really just a ploy from the aaa auto american company, who issues the licence in the us. Uk and europe travel offer quality car rental options across europe. Do we need an international license too if we want. I was planning on driving through romania for 6 days, booked a car through budget at bucharest hilton, then was surprised to find out that in their fine print it said that noneu citizen must have an international drivers permit idp to rent a car. Do i need an international driving permit in spain. The only legal id which you need to check into a hotel, and the police will ask to see in the very unlikely event that they stop you in the street and ask for id, is a passport, or, for eueea citizens only, their national identity cards.

Rental car without international license we are already in. If your us drivers licence is issued in english, you probably dont need an idp for the uk. But, if you arent excepted, the fact you were able to rent a car in western europe without an idp doesnt mean that you dont need to carry one. Every country has its own take on who can rent drive a car. International driving permit faq learn with auto europe.

International driving licence is mandatory in the following countries. People who rent cars say you need them almost nowhere. If you are planning on driving during your trip to greece, you should get an international drivers license. Do americans need special permits to rent and drive a car. The united states does not issue idps to foreign visitors. The international drivers permit application what are the requirements for an idp. Its best to check with the tourist board for the country you re. You can only get an international driving permit with a foreign license if it is an eu driving license and you are a resident of the uk. In most countries, youll need to get a local licence if you are staying for over 12 months. However, it is important to remember that your idp only supplements your regular drivers license. An international driving permit can be ordered up to 3 months in advance of the start of your travel date but it cant be backdated. I rented from one of the big international rental companies cant remember which one. If you want to rent a car, you may need both your license and an idp. Do you need an international drivers license for rental car.

You will always need your regular driving licence with you whenever you hire a car. In order to rent from enterprise rentacar in the united states and canada, all drivers must meet the following requirements. You will need both to rent and drive a car in another country. If they rent to you without an idp they run the risk of having the car impounded if you have an accident or are stopped for a traffic violation. How to get an international drivers license you might not. Greek laws require a foreign driver to have an international driving permit idp as well as a stateissued driver s license to operate a vehicle in the country. However, in these days of heightened security, car rental companies and insurance companies may require one. Passports, driver s licenses, and international driving permits. If you are pulled over by police whilst driving in europe, you may be fined for not holding a valid idp if that particular country requires foreign drivers to present one. Its a valid form of identification in 150 countries on six continents. It is worth noting that the requirement to hold an international drivers license may be a law of a specific country and not necessarily a requirement of a rental car company.

Many countries require an international driving permit photo. Do i need international drivers licence to rent a car. Do you need an international driving permit in the uk. Sep 25, 2019 maybe you want to go driving in iceland, rent a car to explore morocco, or learn to drive on the opposite side of the road in ireland. It is compulsory in some european countries to present an idp, as well as your current drivers licence from home, when collecting your hire or lease vehicle, or. Carry your identification, license, insurance certificate and vehicle registration carte grise with you when you drive. Also, get information on renting a car and what other documents you may need while driving in the u. Maybe you want to go driving in iceland, rent a car to explore morocco, or learn to drive on the opposite side of the road in ireland. If youre driving in europe and you come from outside the eu, get an idpbut don t. Avis rents vehicles to individuals who are 25 or older. Mar 29, 2019 bring your regular drivers license with you. Although the legal driving age is 18, drivers usually must be over 21 sometimes even older to rent a car. Some european countries require americans to have an international driver s permit, while most do not. Do i really need international driver license in greece to.

Minimum age restrictions and other normal rental qualifications apply. An idp is written in 10 languages and serves as an officially recognised translation of your local driving licence in over 150 participating members of the united nations. Its a good idea to get one if you ll be driving in austria, bosniaherzegovina, croatia, greece, hungary, italy, poland, romania, slovenia, slovakia, or spain. You can drive in spain using a foreign drivers license for a set period, after which all overseas nationals driving in spain must obtain a spanish drivers license. Europe do you need an international drivers license for rental car in spain. A guide to getting a german drivers license expatica. You need an idp plus your valid drivers licence from australia to drive a car or motorbike. Although the legal driving age is 18, drivers usually must be over 21 sometimes even older to rent a. Citizens the residency requirement for obtaining a u. You can only use mobile phones with a handsfree set. When planning your trip, consider an international driving permit. Before planning your trip find out the rental companys policies and other requirements.

Do i need to get an international drivers permit if i have a us drivers license to drive in switzerland. Understand the ins and outs of the international driving permit, with auto europes. There are several factors at work which determine whether it is or isnt. First, its worth knowing that there is no such thing as an international drivers licence. To get an idp, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver s license. You are required in italy to have an idp when driving. And if you are planning to drive across the channel. You can opt to get an international driving permit idp, which provides a german translation of your license, but you will still need to carry your foreign drivers license as well. The rental car company does not enforce the law but my guess is they have been burned in the past. If you are trying to avoid have to go out to your local aaa, or aata office, dont. Yes, if due to a disability and you do not have a valid drivers license, then you may still rent a car when accompanied by a surrogate driver.

If youre planning a trip to europe for leisure or business and plan on driving while youre there, youll need to acquire an international drivers permit sometimes erroneously called an international driving license, but do note that an international drivers permit is different from a european drivers license, which is an eudesigned drivers license designed to replace individual country. You must have an inflated spare tire, reflective vests for driverpassengers and two warning triangles in the car. An international drivers permit idp, sometimes referred to as an idl international drivers license, is a translation of important information from your canadian drivers license into several different languages. While many countries in europe dont require the idp, car rental agencies doing business in that. A surcharge applies to qualified renters between 21 and 24. If you are planning on driving during your trip to greece, you should get an international driver s license.

And they could potentially ask to see your international drivers permit idp. If you are driving a car in spain that has been registered abroad, you must register it with the spanish authorities after six months. Do i need an international driving permit in the uk. Contact auto europe to find out if carrying an international drivers license is mandatory for your particular car rental by calling us at 18882235555. Ill also add that even though lots of people report being able to rent a car in italy without showing an idp at the car rental counter, the hertz. I have seen such requirement mentioned several times, more. Except, presenting japanese translation of your domestic drivers license that you can get at the japanese embassy is also permitted if you have the domestic drivers license issued in swiss, germany, france, italy, belgium and taiwan. As car rental specialists with over 60 years of experience assisting drivers. Bear in mind that if you want to rent a car, you may need both a drivers license and an idp.