A few months ago, my daughter Janine texted me saying, “Check your email!” Turns out, she had purchased me a one-way ticket to Rome, Italy, (that’s right — I said one way), so I could accompany her to attend her college roommate’s wedding in Tuscany.
Before I called her back, I thought, “Something’s up!” I know my daughter, and she’s never bought me a one-way ticket before…meaning I was on the hook for the flight home.
When I called, she answered laughing and said, “Mom, can you drive me from Rome to Tuscany for the wedding?” As I rolling my eyes, I told her of course, as I wasn’t going to pass up a trip to Italy.
We both immediately started researching ‘how to rent a car in Italy,’ and it turned out to be fairly similar to renting a car in the US with the exception, both Janine and I needed to apply for an International Driving Permit at an AAA office.
The blog we got so much great information from called: Mom in Italy: Renting a Car in Italy.
So, if you’re a U.S. citizen planning to drive in Europe an International Driver’s Permit is required, and the permit is inexpensive and easy to get.
NOTE: Be aware – Not all countries drive on the right-hand side of the road as in USA & Canada.
However, Italians drive on the right-hand side as in the USA – So it was a win-win for me.
What is an International Driving Permit?
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive legally in countries that require it.
- Each European country has its own rules and regulations on who can rent or drive a car.
Below are the European Countries Requiring US & Canadian Citizens to have a International Driving Permit?
- Austria: Required for car rentals.
- Bulgaria: Required.
- Czech Republic: Required.
- Estonia: Required.
- Greece: Mandatory,
- Hungary: Required.
- Italy: Legally required to drive and rent a car.
- Poland: Required.
- Romania: Required.
- Slovakia: Required.
- Slovenia: Required.
- Bosnia-Herzegovina: Required.
- Montenegro: Required.
- Moldova: Required.
- Ukraine: Required
Where do I get an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- USA – American Automobile Association (AAA) Office
- Canada – Canadian Automobile Association
- By Mail: Apply online at AAA.com.
Complete & sign the IDP online form, upload your US Driver’s License, and photos, pay an extra fee and once approved in 5-7 days your IDP will be mailed to your home.
It is recommended to use AAA to avoid scam artists peddling overpriced, fake international license.
NOTE: The US State Department authorizes AAA to issue the IDP permits to US citizens who have a valid driver’s license.
What Documents Do I Need for an International Driver’s Permit?
- Fill Out the AAA IDP online form and print out (or mail) to the AAA Office
- You need a valid state driver’s license
- An IDP with a US driver’s license can only be issued in the USA.
- You Need (two) 2×2 passport photos
- Minimum age 18 years old
- Cost: $20 + (Fees if mailing to your home)
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 1 year
Janine and I were picked up at the Rome Airport by the car rental company.
The car rental company was great, our reservation and the rental process was quick and easy.
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