Naples Travel Forum

I am renting a car from Rome for 11 days. I was told I would need an international driver's license. Is this true?

Where are you (and your license) from? Your empty profile does not help people helping you...
Ciao
Francesco

If you were told that you would need one, then you will need one. It is a normal requirement in many European countries.

They aren't expensive, nor should they be a hassle to obtain. Your national automobile association should be able to help.

You will need to take your own licence as well, and carry both with you at all times.

Well, if he/she is a EU citizen, he doesn't need it!

That is not the case. Countries vary in their requirements. As a UK citizen I require an international driving licence for Slovenia, for example.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/idp-requirements-by-country.html

If the rental firm told the OP he needed an IDP then they are likely to know what is required in his particular circumstances.

I updated my profile (U.S.)

I don't see the update but if you are from the US it will probably be wise to get one. I asked this question a couple of years ago and someone said that some countries require it and others do not. You can't always go by the car rental company although if they require it you have no choice. If you are stopped by a policeman who does not speak English, it could very well help for him to see it. We get ours for $20 (including the photo for it) at AAA. The only thing they require is a valid DL from your state. If nothing else, you can show it to your friends as a traveler's status symbol.

I drive in Eu every two years, usually in leased vehicles picked up in France or Italy. I have never worried about the IDL as the car company has not insisted upon it. However, I have just applied for one. Recently read about someone spending a lengthy stay in jail after an accident (in France , I think)which was not their fault. A local policeman could not read the driver's own licence & applied the letter of the law (pun intended). No doubt there was probably a personality conflict as well?? Why risk it for the sake of twenty bucks or so.

Further to the above. Today, Avis advised that the 5 seater van I had booked in France was not available. The alternative company Europcar insists that I have the IDL.

If you're going to be renting a car in Italy, you will need an international driver's license. Also, if you're going to be driving around a lot, I definitely recommend rent a gps for your trip as well. We rented a gps from http://lowergear.com/product.php/cat/27 for our trip last summer, and that little gps was a lifesaver. I hope I could be of some help. Enjoy your trip!