Do I need an international driving permit in Italy?

Quick Answer: Yes, you need an IDP to drive in Italy

Yes, you are required to supplement your US license with either an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation of your driver’s license into Italian if you are going to drive in Italy. Getting an official translation is typically more complicated and expensive to obtain, so applying for an IDP is the better choice for most people.

Also, we've heard reports that Italian police have become more vigilant about enforcing fines for IDP infractions in the last couple years, so that's an extra reason to make sure you have an IDP.

Getting an IDP for Italy

An IDP is an internationally-sanctioned document that translates your United States driver’s license into 9 languages, including Italian, making it easier for authorities to understand your credentials abroad. IDPs are valid for 1 year and always must be accompanied by a valid US driver’s license. The US government has authorized only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue IDPs for US-licensed drivers. Unfortunately, many scam websites claim to issue IDPs that are actually fraudulent imitations, so stay vigilant to make sure you get an official AAA-issued or AATA-issued IDP to avoid trouble with the authorities if you present a fake IDP.

How to Get an IDP

1. In person at AAA

The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA location in person. While this option is the most time consuming, if you arrive an hour before AAA closes, you will be able to get an IDP the same day.

Steps to obtain an IDP in person:

• Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).

• Find a nearby AAA location and visit during operating hours.

• Fill out AAA’s IDP application form, either ahead of time or while you wait.

• If you didn’t bring passport photos, AAA can take them for you for an additional $10-30 fee, depending on the branch.

• Pay $20 for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit card are accepted.

• Be prepared to wait up to 2 hours for the process to be completed (though it's usually significantly faster), but after that you should be able to walk out with your IDP.

2. Online through AAA/govWorks

AAA now offers an online application option through their partner govWorks, which is linked on the AAA website. Though this can work, govWorks has terrible customer reviews (scan for IDP reviews) and customers have repeatedly come to us after they're frustrated by this company or their IDPs aren't delivered.

Steps to get an IDP online from AAA:

• Apply: visit the AAA website and complete the online IDP application, hosted by govWorks. Upload a digital passport photo and photos of the front and back of your driver's license

• Pay: ~$40-$260 ($20 for the IDP booklet, plus $10 for photo processing, and ~$10 to $220+ for shipping)

• Wait: 7-15 business days (5 for processing, 2-10 for shipping)

3. Online through AATA

AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) is the second organization authorized by the US government to issue IDPs to American drivers. Like AAA, AATA offers an online application process, though is significantly more reliable based on what we have heard.

Steps to get an IDP online from AATA:

• Apply: Visit the AATA website and complete their online IDP application. Upload a digital passport photo and photos of the front and back of your driver's license

• Pay: $41-192 (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $7 for photo processing, and $14 to $165 for shipping)

• Wait: 6-14 business days (up to 4 for processing, 2-10 for shipping)

4. Online through Fast IDP (a faster option for AAA-issued IDPs)

If your timeline is too short to apply online through AAA or AATA, using Fast IDP to expedite your IDP allows you to get an IDP as soon as the next day with the peace of mind that comes with our 5.0/5 average customer reviews.

Steps to obtain an IDP using Fast IDP:

1. Apply: Follow the link to fill out the application on our website. Upload a digital passport photo (selfie are okay) and photos of the front and back of your driver's license. The Fast IDP team will review your documents for completeness and reach out to you if they see anything you need to adjust in your application.

2. Pay: $84-234 (all-in, including all fees and taxes). Our base price is higher because we have to pay AAA $20 for the permit from them and go to their offices for processing.

3. Wait: We'll delivery your IDP to you as soon as the next business day for US addresses. For international addresses, the fastest delivery timeline is typically 2-5 business days, depending on where your IDP is going. Reach out to us directly if you'd like to know how long it will take to get to your destination. After you apply, you'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.

Getting an official translation

To drive in Italy as a foreigner, another option is to have your driver's license translated by an official translator (traduzione giurata) who has been certified by the Italian courts, an accredited translation institution, or the Italian Chamber of Commerce. If you're in Italy, the US embassy or consulate nearest you should be able to provide a list of local official translators that could help.

If you're still in the United States, you can also get a certified translation through an Italian embassy or consulate.

Penalties for Driving without an IDP

Driving without an IDP in Italy is punishable by a fine of €408 to €1,634 (Article 135 of the Codice della Strada). Fines can be issued during a traffic stop for another infraction such as speeding, after an accident, or at random traffic stops, which are set up most commonly during the summer months throughout Italy. The police do not always choose to issue fines for not having an IDP, but fines are common enough that it’s not wise to risk traveling without an IDP.

Rental car companies are much spottier with requiring IDPs than the police are; some customers have said that they could not rent a vehicle without presenting their IDP, while others have reported that they were never asked for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I’m an American living in Italy?

If you’re an Americans residing in Italy, you must apply for an Italian license within one year from when you register with the local Vital Records Bureau (called Anagrafe). If you want to drive during the time prior to getting an Italian license, you will need to have an IDP or an official translation of your US license.

Final Thoughts

I've loved renting a car in Italy, and I hope you get the chance to, too! Remember that Italy requires an IDP, so get one before you drive! We hope you enjoy your travels in Italy, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions about IDPs!