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Quick Answer: 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.
Getting an IDP for Italy
An IDP is a government-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 AAA 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 IDP to avoid trouble with the authorities if you present a fake IDP document.
How to get an IDP
There are a three main ways to get an IDP:
1. In person at AAA
The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA branch in person. You can typically get an IDP within 30-60 minutes at AAA. However, some branches don’t carry IDPs or are frequently out of stock, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure you can get an IDP if you choose this method.
Steps to obtain an IDP in person:
Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).
Visit the nearest AAA location 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 fee (usually about $15).
Pay $20 plus tax (sometimes assessed) for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted.
Be prepared to wait for the process to be completed, but after that you'll be able to walk out with out with your IDP.
2. By mail with AAA
If you have several weeks before you need an IDP, you can submit your application to AAA by mail. This option eliminates the need for a personal visit to AAA, but it comes with the requirements of you needing to include printed passport photos and a pre-addressed return envelope. Another downside is that the processing time is 4-7 weeks after your application is received. Also, if your IDP application is denied, you won’t hear back until a rejection letter arrives in the mail up to 8 weeks after you submit it!
Steps to obtain an IDP by mail:
Complete and print the IDP application form on the AAA website.
Obtain 2 copies of a recent high-quality passport photo of you, either taken professionally or taken at home and printed on glossy photo paper. See photo requirements here.
Print copies of the front and back of your driver’s license.
Write a check for $20 payable to AAA – cash is not accepted.
Mail all documents and payment to a branch near you and wait 4-5 weeks after receipt for processing. Or, if you’re already outside the US, prepare to wait 5-7 weeks and mail all your documents to:
AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
Mail Stop 28
3. Online through Fast IDP
Using Fast IDP eliminates the need for an applicant to go to AAA in person or to get passport photo prints, while delivering an IDP as soon as the next day. With our service, all you need to do is fill out your application on our website, and then we’ll take care of going to AAA on your behalf and shipping your IDP to you anywhere in the world.
Steps to obtain an IDP using Fast IDP:
Fill out the Apply page on our website. The application includes uploading passport-style photos of yourself (selfies work), as well as photos of the front and back of your driver’s license onto our secure portal.
Submit your application and payment, which starts at about $84, and goes up with faster processing and shipping options.
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.
A Fast IDP team member will go to AAA on your behalf to submit your documents and then will mail your IDP to you. You'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.
Our team is quickest to respond by WhatApp or text, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the process.
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
Experiencing Italy by car truly offers a chance to experience the country in a way that’s impossible any other way. Whether you’re driving to ski resorts in the Dolomites or vineyards in Tuscany, we hope you enjoy your travels in Italy and don’t forget your IDP!
