Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe? Sometimes. It depends on the country and on your rental company. Italy, Austria, Spain and Hungary are the ones where an IDP is required or effectively needed for U.S. license holders, according to AAA guidance. In France and Germany it is strongly recommended. An IDP costs $20 at AAA, so many drivers get one for peace of mind. This guide is based on published rules as of 5 November 2026.
What an International Driving Permit actually is
An IDP is a booklet that translates your U.S. driver’s license into 10 languages. AAA describes it as a translation of your license, not a license to drive. It is only valid when you carry your original U.S. license with it, and it cannot replace that license.
It also is not insurance. AAA says to check with your own insurer about coverage abroad, because an IDP includes none.
Which European countries need one?
The State Department tells travelers to check each country’s page, since some countries accept a U.S. license alone and many others want an IDP as well. The country details below come from AAA guidance. Always confirm on the State Department page for your destination before you go. Countries not listed here were not verified, so they are left out.
| Country | What AAA guidance says for U.S. drivers | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | IDP needed alongside your U.S. license; fines can rise if you have an accident without one | Required |
| Spain | Non-EU drivers need an IDP or an official translation of the license; the IDP is the easier route | Required (or translation) |
| Austria | Required if your license is not in German | Required |
| Hungary | Does not recognize a U.S. license but does recognize an IDP | Required |
| France | Law may not require it, but most rental companies do | Strongly recommended |
| Germany | Helpful for police stops and rental paperwork | Strongly recommended |
Rules can change, so treat the table as a starting point. AAA also says that some European countries will not recognize a U.S. license on its own but do recognize an IDP.
Rental car company rules
Even where the law does not demand an IDP, rental companies may. AAA notes that local rental companies in some countries will not hand over a car without one, and that companies such as Hertz may require it. Check your rental company’s terms for the specific country before you book. If you pick up a car in one country and drive into another, check the rules for both.
Who issues an IDP in the U.S.?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, which cites the State Department, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs in the U.S.: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The State Department updated its list on 16 July 2025. In practice, most drivers go through AAA. You do not need to be a AAA member.
Cost, requirements and validity
| Item | Details (AAA, as of 5 November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Fee | $20; sales tax may apply in person |
| Online extras | $10 digital photo fee plus shipping |
| Eligibility | Valid U.S. license; at least 18 years old |
| In person | Application, two original passport photos, your license |
| By mail | Application, two signed photos, photocopy of both sides of the license, payment |
| Online | Signed application, smartphone passport photo, photos of both sides of the license; about 5 business days plus shipping |
| Validity | One year, cannot be renewed; apply again afterward |
| Timing | Cannot be issued more than 6 months before your start date |
Only the original printed booklet counts. AAA says digital copies and scans are not valid, and the permit must be issued in the U.S. to work with a U.S. license, so apply before you fly. If you need it within 7 business days, AAA recommends going to a branch.
Age and insurance tips
- Check the rental company’s minimum age and young-driver fees. Those rules are set by the company and vary, so confirm them in your booking terms.
- Ask your auto insurer and credit card issuer what rental coverage applies in Europe. An IDP does not provide any.
- Make sure your U.S. license will stay valid for at least six months past the day your IDP is issued, as AAA advises.
- Carry your IDP, license and passport together whenever you drive.
Beware of IDP scams
The FTC warns that scammers sell fake IDPs through look-alike websites, often for high fees, to take your money or personal information. A fake permit is worthless and can cause legal trouble or delays if you are stopped abroad. AAA has noted that scam sites may charge $100 or more for an “International Driver’s License.” Any site that says you can apply through a company other than AAA or AATA is a scam. Report suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What to do now
- Look up your destination on the State Department country page and note what it says about driving.
- Check your rental company’s documents rules for that country.
- If an IDP is required or recommended, apply with AAA (or AATA) no earlier than six months before your trip.
- Allow time: online takes about 5 business days plus shipping, and mail can take longer.
- Pack the original booklet with your U.S. license. Plan the rest of your trip with our tips for travelling to Europe and think about travel insurance for a Europe trip.
Frequently asked questions
Does an IDP replace my U.S. driver’s license?
No. It is only a translation and is valid only when carried with your original U.S. license.
Can I buy an IDP online from any website?
No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized in the U.S. Other sites claiming to sell one are scams, according to the FTC.
How long does an IDP last?
AAA says one year from the issue date, with no renewal. You apply for a new one when it expires.
Bottom line
For Italy, Austria, Spain and Hungary, plan on getting an IDP, and treat it as a strong recommendation for France and Germany. At $20 it is cheap compared with a rental counter refusal or a fine. Get it only from AAA or AATA, carry it with your real license, and confirm the rules with the State Department before you go. Also see our guide on European vacation planning.
Sources
- FTC: How to avoid international driving permit scams
- AAA: International Driving Permit fees and requirements
- AAA: International Driving Permit overview
- AAA: IDP country information
- AAA: How and why to get an IDP
- AAA Auto Club Group: Drive abroad confidently with an IDP
- AAA Club Alliance: Do I need an IDP?
