Robert2533

The following information should answer any questions regarding the need for Americans to have an IDP, International Driving Permit, when driving in Spain.

An IDP is recognized and recommended by the US State Department and required by Spanish law, if your driver's license is not in Spanish. The same requirement applies to driving in Italy.

International Driving Permit FAQs

Why should I carry an International Driving Permit on my next overseas trip?

The International Driving Permit (IDP) provides important information regarding your driver's license in eleven different languages, including English. When carried in conjunction with a regular drivers license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries. In addition, the IDP provides an additional source of identification; as an official document, the IDP is recognized in more than 150 countries today, by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the U.S. and other foreign countries. The nominal $10 charge for an IDP buys priceless peace of mind.
Do I need an IDP in order to drive in foreign countries?

Some countries do not recognize a driver’s license from the U.S., but they officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). Other countries honor a U.S. driver’s license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP satisfies both situations. However, although a country's government may not require an IDP, car rental companies in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP. Obtaining an IDP prior to departure can prevent potential hassles.

How do I obtain an IDP?

Complete a brief application form (available online or your nearest AAA office); provide two (2) passport-sized photographs with your signature on the back of them; provide a photocopy of your valid U.S. issued drivers license; and include a check or money order for $11.88 (the $10 permit fee, $0.88 tax and $1 for domestic mailing) in U.S. funds. You can either deliver this to an AAA office and receive your IDP while you wait, or you can mail the package to an AAA office in the U.S.

happytrailstoyou

I have taken an International Driving Permit to Spain on my last two visits, but I won't do it again--it is a waste of time and money.

Rick Steves says he doesn't buy a IDP. Good idea.

StCirq

Well, then, Rick Steves isn't that savvy a traveler after all. Maybe when he gets stopped by the police and has to pay a hefty fine for violating the country's driving laws he'll change his tune.

kenderina

I think Rick Steves has not still found a Guardia Civil control in Spain and a typical Spanish Guardia that doesn't know a word of English and could not recognize an american driving license even with the flag on it. Spanish fines are not cheap..and there are LOTS of controls. (Not so many now since there are no ETA bombings).

happytrailstoyou

He was probably wearing a backpack.

kenderina

Maybe !! But driving wearing a packback should be an uncomfortable thing...his back must ache now , poor man !!

Linda431

We always get one. It's really just a legally verified translation of your local driving license but a small price to pay if you're travelling through small towns where little or no English is spoken.

Midnightsun

My wife and I have dutifully obtained International Driving Permits for about a dozen trips to Europe since the early 90's. They make up a nice little collection, but we've never been asked to show them, even when the vehicle we were renting in Italy was mangled by soccer kicks after being left next to a soccer field we thought was only for young children (all we ever saw playing on it in the daylight hours were five year olds). However, we will be traveling in Estonia and Latvia this summer, and it was recommended in a travel guide we read that in these countries, one should have an International Driving Permit. For Western Europe, I'm not so sure.

StCirq

Italy requires one, and so does Spain. I think maybe Austria does too. If a country requires one, I'm going to pay the lousy $20 to get one for the peace of mind. In many European countries, police can pull you over at will, with no probable cause, and if it's a country that requires the IDP and you don't have one, you'll pay a lot more than $20 unless you get stopped by a very sympathetic cop.

happytrailstoyou

OK, I'll keep buying the dog-gone things even though the cops I saw in Spain looked like little kids.

rick_c

I don't know why everybody spends so much time talking about this. In the time it takes to read all of these darned threads about this subject, you could drive over to the AAA office and plop down your $10-$20 and get one. If you can afford a trip overseas, spending $10 shouldn't make or break you.

gracejoan3

I have had an IDP for years. I go to AAA whenever I need to update it. I have never had to use it. I hope I never have to use it...but I would not travel without it!!

ezlivin

I've driven all over Europe without an IDP. Not a good thing according to this thread.

In any case, according to the previous response, she just updates it. So, is it renewable? Can it ve done over the internet?

Vera

After reading all the warnings about how Italy requires the International Permit (including some people who quoted from some official source) my husband got his at AAA. When we showed it to the person at the car rental place, she waved it away and said, "No, no, I want your real driver's license. Those things are no good. They just tell you to get one so they can get money." Don't know who "they" is that is conning us!;-)

steve

I wonder how much AAA makes each year on IDP's?

What site did the OP's info come from? AAA maybe?

happytrailstoyou

My International Driving Permit says it is valid for one year and nothing about it being renewable.

I doubt AAA is making a killing by providing the IDP service. The organization is, after all, non-profit.

steve

Didn't realize they were a non-profit.

Robert2533

The IDP is not a "drivers license". It's simply a document that allows a police office to understand in their own language that the little card you're showing him is indeed a real drivers license that's been verified by the only ones authorized and recognized to issue them by the US State Department. Again, it is not a driver’s license.

The IDP is good for 1 year and has to be renewed, either in person or via the mail. If mailed, then you have to send in a photocopy of your driver’s license so that it can be checked.

The local police in Spain generally don't care about you carrying the IDP, but they are not the ones who will stop you on the highway. The Guardia Civil have control of Spain’s roadways and do set up roadblocks every now and then. The even have radar-equipped cars, unmarked. The last Guardia I encountered didn't look like a little kid, and he was a she, with a machine gun.

Rick Steves has a driver and an entourage, so why would he need an IDP?

RufusTFirefly

The only time you'll need an IDP is when a police officer asks you for it.

I've never had to use my homeowner's insurance, but I still pay for it every year.

LoveItaly

Every six months or so this subject is discussed.

If you, as a tourist, drive in a country whose law requires you to have an IDP and if you are stopped by a law enforcement person for any reason and if you are not able to provide an IDP you can be fined for breaking that country's law.


As another poster here on Fodor's has often said..it is rather like insurance..you don't need it until you need it.

I gave up a long time ago trying to convince people to follow through with acquiring proper paperwork, following the law etc. Those that want to will..and those that don't want to will not.

But Robert2533 I think it is great that you started this thread to let those that are interested know that the law in Spain does require visitors have an IDP. I sure didn't know that, I thought it was just Italy and Austria. Best regards.