How do I drive in Europe as an American?

🇺🇸 United States license · Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

Americans can drive in most of Europe for short visits on a valid US licence, but several countries — notably Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria and others — require you to also carry an International Driving Permit (which is simply an official translation of your licence). Get the IDP from AAA or AATA before you fly; rental companies often require it regardless of the local law.

At a glance

Most of Europe: US licence accepted for short visits
IDP required by: Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria and more
What an IDP is: An official translation of your US licence
Get it from: AAA or AATA, before you travel (~US$20)
Rental firms: Often require an IDP even where law doesn't

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

2 authority sources

1 · Verify the rule

Choose your license country, destination, dates, and vehicle type.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

Where Americans need an IDP in Europe

Europe isn't one rule. Some countries accept a US licence alone for short stays; others legally require an IDP alongside it. Italy, Spain, Greece and Austria are commonly cited as requiring one, and the safest planning assumption for a multi-country road trip is to carry an IDP so you're covered everywhere. The IDP is not a separate licence — it's a standardised translation of your US licence into the local languages.

Rental desks set their own bar

Even where a country's law is lenient, major rental chains (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) frequently require an IDP for US customers as company policy, and can refuse you at pickup without one. For a cross-border itinerary — picking up in one country, driving through several — assume the strictest requirement on your route and carry the IDP plus your original licence.

How to prepare in one step

Get your IDP from AAA or AATA before departure (about US$20 with two passport photos) — they're the only authorised US issuers. Carry it with your physical US licence and your passport. You don't need a separate certified translation on top of an IDP for Europe, but a translation can help at non-EU stops or for licences not in English.

What to prepare

Your valid US driving licence (physical card)
An IDP from AAA or AATA, obtained before travel
A check of IDP rules for every country on your route
Your passport and rental booking in the driver's exact name
Insurance / coverage confirmation for cross-border driving

Check your exact route

License country × destination × vehicle — free, 1 minute.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

Do Americans need an IDP to drive in Europe?

In several countries (e.g. Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria) yes, and rental firms often require one anyway. Get it from AAA or AATA before you travel and carry it with your US licence.

Is an IDP the same as a US international licence?

There's no 'US international licence'. The IDP is an official translation of your US licence, valid only alongside the original. Only AAA and AATA issue it in the US.

Can I do a multi-country road trip on one IDP?

Yes — a single IDP is recognised across the convention countries on your route. Carry it with your US licence and assume the strictest country's requirement.

Government and authority sources

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.