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World Driving Permit

🇮🇹 Do you need an IDP to drive in Italy?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years
Driving without the right documents
Driving without a required IDP in Italy can result in significant fines and the vehicle being impounded at a roadside check.

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Italy you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Italy recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Italy: the rule explained

Italy requires non-EU license holders to carry an IDP or a sworn Italian translation of their license. Police actively check at traffic stops, and fines for non-compliance are significant.

Exemption: EU/EEA licenses are valid in Italy without an IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Italy

Italian rental agencies are stricter than most — many explicitly require the IDP at pickup for non-EU licenses.

What to carry when driving in Italy

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • IDP or sworn Italian translation (non-EU licenses)
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Italy: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy?
Yes — to drive in Italy you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Italy recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Italy requires non-EU license holders to carry an IDP or a sworn Italian translation of their license. Police actively check at traffic stops, and fines for non-compliance are significant.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Italy?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Italy read your licence, but where Italy requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Italy?
Italian rental agencies are stricter than most — many explicitly require the IDP at pickup for non-EU licenses.
Which IDP convention does Italy use?
Italy recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Italy?
Because Italy follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Italy?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Italy; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Italy from your country

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Requirements for other countries