Passports, international Driver's Licenses, and International Driving Permits

Passports, international Driver's Licenses, and International Driving Permits 

Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and international driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An International driving permits is an official translation of your US license international Driver's Licenses (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket). You can get an International Driving license from e-itca. Association e-itca.org ($20 plus the cost of two passport-type photos OK to bring your own; doesn't require e-itca membership). e-itca is authorized by the US State Department to issue permits; avoid scam artists peddling overpriced, fake international driving licenses.

International driving license | e-itca.org

You may hear contradictory information on exactly where you need an International driving license. People who sell them say you should have them almost far and wide. People who rent cars say you need them widely nowhere. People who drive rental cars say the International Driving Permits is overrated, but can come in handy as a complement to your passport and driver's license. It's a good approximation to get one if you'll be driving in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, or Spain — countries where you're technically required to carry a permit. If all goes well, you'll likely never be asked to show it — but the permit is a must if you end up dealing with the police. That said, I've never been asked to show one get international driving permit.