Should I obtain an International Drivers License if I am going to Europe and rent a car?

Question

Some say it is mandatory to have an International Drivers License or permit to rent a car in Europe, but I did not need one when I rented a car in Italy in 2004

Answer 1

Not mandatory - I rented cars several times in Germany, Belgium and UK with a US driver's lincense.

If you intend to venture into more esoteric European countries, an International Driver's license may be a good idea, mostly for compliance with local laws.

If you want to be sure, check with the car rental company,
but I have not needed to.

Answer 2

You cannot drive in most foriegn countries without an International drivers license and most rental places will not rent to you unless you have proof of insurance etc.

Answer 3

I was told the same, and then in France was driving using my U.S. driver's license for several years! It could be that in other countries it's different.

Another thing about French car rentals - usually insurance is INCLUDED in the rent!

Answer 4

i'm shocked you're having a topic. I even have rented autos in the u . s . utilising a united kingdom utilising license, and no person has ever asked how long I even have held a license. How would they comprehend whilst your license became into issued?

Answer 5

Check with the company you are going to rent the car from. I've found most places in Europe my US DL was enough.

Answer 6

Try a touring club, I think in the US it's the AAA? Over here they issue them. Don't forget to take two passport pics.

Yes, it is mandatory, just like it is for Europeans coming to the US, but it's not always checked. Still, it's cheap, why take the risk of troubles later?

Answer 7

You should get one. It's not bad get a passport photo and get the application from AAA and it's $10 to get one. It's not bad at all.

Answer 8

Yes, you need one, not so much for the
rental, but for the police in Europe