Can Americans Drive in Europe Without an International Permit?

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For a lot of travelers, thereโ€™s something deeply satisfying about driving through Europe. Whether youโ€™re weaving through the sun-drenched roads of the French Riviera, cruising past alpine lakes in Switzerland, or tackling mountain switchbacks in northern Spain, having a car gives you freedomโ€”and a front-row seat to scenery thatโ€™s hard to beat.

But before you hop behind the wheel, thereโ€™s one question you need to settle: can you legally drive in Europe with just your American license, or do you also need an International Driving Permit (IDP)? The answer isnโ€™t as straightforward as you might hope.

It depends on the country, the context, and sometimes even the mood of the police officer who pulls you over.

Letโ€™s break it down so you know exactly where you stand.

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

International Driving Permit issued in Florida, valid from August 15, 2024, with a $20 fee
Source: Youtube/Screenshot, Accepted in 150+ countries and works as backup ID abroad

First things firstโ€”an IDP isnโ€™t a license in itself. Itโ€™s an official translation of your valid U.S. driverโ€™s license into 10 languages. It looks a bit like a passport booklet and includes your photo, driver classification, and license information.

It’s recognized in over 150 countries and serves as a backup ID when you’re abroad. If you’re ever in a situation where the local police or rental agency canโ€™t make sense of your American license, the IDP fills in the blanks.

An IDP is only valid if you’re carrying your U.S. license with it. And it expires after one year.

Only two organizations in the U.S. are authorized to issue them:

  • AAA (American Automobile Association)
  • AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)

If someone else offers to sell you one, itโ€™s either a scam or simply not valid.

Countries Where Americans Must Have an IDP

While your U.S. license might be enough in parts of Europe, there are several countries where itโ€™s simply not accepted on its own. In these places, an IDP isnโ€™t optionalโ€”itโ€™s required by law.

Hereโ€™s a quick reference:

Country Is an IDP Required? Notes
Austria Yes Needed for both car rentals and driving
Bosnia-Herzegovina Yes Must carry IDP at all times
Croatia Yes Often checked during routine traffic stops
Czech Republic Yes Legally necessary
Germany Yes Especially important for cross-border travel
Greece Yes Required for all driving and most rentals
Hungary Yes U.S. license not legally recognized without IDP
Italy Yes Heavily enforced in cities; rental companies require it
Poland Yes Required by law
Romania Yes Mandatory to drive
Slovenia Yes Must have IDP with U.S. license
Slovakia Yes Driving without one can lead to fines
Spain Yes Required due to language and legal compliance

In any of these countries, showing up without an IDP could result in a fine, or worse, being denied a rental or held responsible in case of an accident.

Where a U.S. License Is Fine (But Carry an IDP Just in Case)

Not all of Europe requires an IDP. In fact, some of the most popular tourist destinations accept a valid U.S. driverโ€™s license outright.

But even in those places, having an IDP can still help smooth things over, especially if youโ€™re renting a car or dealing with rural police who donโ€™t speak English.

Here are some IDP-optional destinations:

Country IDP Required? Notes
France No U.S. license is fine; IDP helpful in rural regions or with rentals
Netherlands No Accepted, though an IDP can help with translation
Belgium No License is sufficient
Denmark No No IDP needed
Sweden No U.S. license accepted
Norway No No IDP required
Switzerland No Accepted, but rental companies may ask for IDP for cross-border travel

Take France as an example. Legally, your U.S. license is enough. But if youโ€™re pulled over in the countryside where English isnโ€™t common, or if your license has a non-standard format, an IDP could save you from some uncomfortable back-and-forth.

How to Get an IDPโ€”Without Any Hassle


If youโ€™re planning to drive in any of the countries where an IDP is requiredโ€”or even if youโ€™re not entirely sure where your road trip will take youโ€”itโ€™s smart to apply for one ahead of time.

Option 1: Apply in Person (Fastest)

Visit your local AAA office with:

  • A completed IDP application form
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Your current U.S. driverโ€™s license
  • A $20 fee (plus local tax if applicable)

Processing usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Option 2: Apply by Mail (Slower, but doable)

Mail your completed application, two passport photos, a photocopy of your license, and a $20 check or money order to:

AAA/IDP Mail Stop #28 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746

Allow 5โ€“7 weeks for delivery. Plan well ahead if youโ€™re leaving soon.

A Few Quick Tips

  • IDPs are only valid for 12 months from the date issued.
  • You can apply up to six months before your trip.
  • Renew your U.S. license if itโ€™s close to expiringโ€”some countries wonโ€™t accept an IDP linked to an expired license.

Renting a Car in Europe & What Else You Should Know

Car rental handoff with keys and clipboard in view
Rental desks in Rome or Milan often require an IDP and may deny rental without it

Even in countries that technically donโ€™t require an IDP, rental companies often do. Italy is a good example. Even though you’re not driving across borders, most rental desks in Rome or Milan will ask for your IDPโ€”and might refuse to rent to you without it.

Services like luxury car rental Milan are ideal if you’re after a high-end experience, especially when navigating Milanโ€™s upscale cityscape or heading out toward Lake Como.

Hereโ€™s what Europcar typically requires:

  • Minimum age: 18 (though 21โ€“25 is more common)
  • Valid U.S. driverโ€™s license
  • Passport valid at least three months beyond your EU departure
  • Third-party liability insurance

Some rental contracts also mention:

  • Additional charges for young drivers under 25
  • Fees for crossing borders
  • Requirements for notifying the company if driving to non-EU countries (like Switzerland)

One traveler shared that their rental agency charged an unexpected โ‚ฌ140 fee when they took a German rental car into Italy and Switzerland. So always read the fine print.

Insurance Matters More Than You Think

@georgescarmedia Understanding the Complexities of Car Insurance Coverageโ€ฆ ๐Ÿš”๐Ÿ‘ฎ๐Ÿผโ€โ™‚๏ธ We discuss the complexities of car insurance, including the different levels of cover such as third-party, comprehensive, social/domestic/pleasure, commuting, business, and reward. It’s important to ensure you have the correct level of cover for how you intend to use your vehicle, as driving without the proper insurance can result in penalties like points on your license, fines, and even vehicle seizure. #police #MIB #i#insurancec#carinsurancet#thirdpartycoverc#comprehensiveinsurances#socialdomesticandpleasurec#commutingb#businesscoverrewardcover #opdriveinsured24 โ™ฌ original sound – GCM


Your U.S. car insurance almost certainly wonโ€™t cover you in Europe. Before you leave, call your provider to double-check, but assume youโ€™ll need something extra.

Your Options

  • Buy insurance from the rental company (most convenient but pricier)
  • Use a third-party travel insurance provider that includes car rental coverage
  • See if your credit card offers rental car coverage (some premium cards do)

At a minimum, make sure youโ€™re covered for:

  • Third-party liability (required by EU law)
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Theft protection

Skipping insurance to save money could leave you responsible for tens of thousands in damages if youโ€™re in a wreckโ€”or even just if the car gets dinged overnight in a tight parking spot.

What Else Should You Carry?

Beyond your license and IDP, make sure youโ€™ve got:

  • Passport: Valid at least 3 months beyond your intended EU departure date
  • Rental contract: Keep a printed copy handyโ€”it includes your insurance terms and vehicle info
  • Visa (if needed): Americans can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without one, but the UK, Ireland, and others may have different rules

A Few Driving Tips That Can Save You Stress (and Fines)

A black car drives along a quiet, curving road surrounded by trees in rural Europe
Europeโ€™s roads can be amazingโ€”but also a little overwhelming if youโ€™re not used to them

Hereโ€™s a quick cheat sheet:

Road Rules to Watch For

  • Roundabouts: Vehicles inside the circle usually have right of way
  • Speed limits: Marked in kilometers. French highways are 130 km/h (~80 mph), but speed cameras are everywhere
  • ZTL zones in Italy: These โ€œlimited traffic zonesโ€ are common in city centers and are heavily monitored. Entering one without permission can result in automatic fines
  • Drinking and driving: Most countries have stricter blood alcohol limits than the U.S.โ€”donโ€™t chance it

Road Conditions

  • Rural roads: Often narrow with tight curves
  • Parking: Limited and expensive in citiesโ€”use paid lots when you can
  • Tolls: Common in France, Italy, and Portugal. Keep cash or a credit card handy

Fuel

  • Diesel vs. Gasoline: Double-check what your rental car takesโ€”filling it wrong can damage the engine
  • Service stations: Can be rare in rural areas, especially on Sundays

Emergency?

Dial 112 anywhere in the EU. Itโ€™s the equivalent of 911.

Why the Rules Can Feel Confusing

Close-up of a personโ€™s hands gripping a steering wheel while driving through a scenic area
Even experienced travelers get conflicting info

Some blogs say IDPs are never checked. Others insist theyโ€™re required everywhere. Rental companies often say one thing online, then ask for more documents at the counter.

Rick Steves, a go-to name in European travel, admits thereโ€™s a gray area. His advice? Err on the side of caution.

If a police officer or border official asks for your documents, the last thing you want is to be fumbling or explaining why you thought you didnโ€™t need something.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Americans can drive in much of Europe without an International Driving Permitโ€”but only in some countries. And even where itโ€™s not legally required, it can save you a ton of hassle with rental companies and roadside authorities.

So, is it worth getting an IDP? Absolutely. Itโ€™s cheap, easy to get through AAA, and can be a lifesaver when you’re pulled over or trying to rent a car in a foreign language.

Before your next European road trip, check your route, check your documents, and give yourself a little peace of mind. Because the open road is a lot more fun when youโ€™re not worried about paperwork.

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Ted Friedman

My name is Ted, and I'm a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion that started at a young age. I'm always keeping up with the latest trends and innovations in the automotive world, and I love sharing that knowledge with fellow car lovers. If it's new tech, performance upgrades, or design trends news you're after, I'm the guy to bring you fresh insights from the world of cars. Check my latest pieces out!
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