An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your licence in a standard format. It is only valid together with your original licence.
Do I need one?
- If your licence was issued outside the EU and you're renting in Europe, many countries and suppliers require one. Italy, Greece, Spain, Austria and much of Central and Eastern Europe are examples.
- If your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet (for example Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, Cyrillic or Chinese), you almost always need one.
- Within the EU, an EU licence is enough.
Even where the law doesn't strictly require a permit, a supplier's rental terms can. If the desk asks for an IDP and you don't have one, they can refuse the car and the booking won't be refunded.
Where to get one
IDPs are issued in your home country, usually by the national motoring association or licensing authority, and often on the same day for a small fee. Apply before you travel; they can't be issued abroad.
Israeli drivers: an International Driving Permit is issued by authorised centres in Israel. It's quick and inexpensive, and it's the single most common document missing at European rental desks.
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