By Rick Steves
Every country has its own take on who can rent/drive a car. Follow these tips to make sure you'll be able to take the wheel at your destination.
Passports, Driver's Licenses, and International Driving Permits
If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket). Anyone can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association or Canadian Automobile Association ($20 in the US, requires two passport photos). AAA is authorized by the US State Department to issue permits; avoid scam artists peddling overpriced, fake international licenses.
You may hear contradictory information on exactly where you need an IDP. People who sell them say you should have them almost everywhere. People who rent cars say you need them almost nowhere. People who drive rental cars say the IDP is overrated, but can come in handy as a complement to your passport and driver's license. It's a good idea to get one if you'll be driving in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, 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.
Age Limits
Minimum and maximum age limits for renting a car vary by country, type of car, and rental company. Younger renters can get stuck with extra costs, such as being required to buy extra insurance or pay a surcharge of $15–40 per day (fortunately, there are usually maximum surcharge limits). Many companies will not rent a car to someone under age 21 (with some exceptions, depending on the country and type of car), but those who are at least 25 years old should have no problem.
Drivers over age 70 may have trouble renting in the Croatia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Turkey; drivers over 75 may have trouble in Greece and the Republic of Ireland (though in Ireland, some rental companies will rent to those over 75 if they provide extensive proof of good health and safe driving). If you're considered too young or too old, leasing could be an option. Leasing has less stringent age restrictions but isn't available in all countries.
Crossing Borders
Your car comes with the paperwork you need to drive wherever you like throughout most of Europe (always check when booking). But if you're heading to a country in the far eastern or southeastern parts of Europe, especially one that has closed borders (such as Bosnia-Herzegovina or Montenegro), you may need to pay extra for the rental itself and/or for additional insurance. State your travel plans up front to the rental company when you book. Some companies may have limits on eastward excursions because of the higher incidence of car thefts (for example, you can only take cheaper cars, and you may have to pay extra insurance fees).
When you cross these borders, you may be asked to show proof of insurance (called a "green card"). Ask your car-rental company if you need any other documentation for crossing the borders on your itinerary. It's a bad idea to take your rental car anywhere that's prohibited by your contract, as doing so voids any insurance coverage.
If you want to drive on the Continent as well as in Britain and/or Ireland, it's probably cheaper to rent separate cars, thanks to the high cost of taking cars on ferries or the Eurotunnel car train. Some companies allow you to take a rental car from Britain to the Continent or to Ireland, but be prepared to pay high surcharges and extra drop-off fees.
FAQs
Though an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not always necessary to drive or rent a car in Europe, it definitely provides peace-of-mind and can be helpful in a number of situations: a routine traffic stop, if you get pulled over, or if there is an accident.
Do US citizens need an international driver's license in Europe? ›
If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).
Is a loss damage waiver worth it? ›
Is a loss damage waiver worth it? Yes, a loss damage waiver has the potential to save you both time and money if an accident were to occur during your rental. Without a loss damage waiver, in most states, the renter will be responsible for any loss or damage to the car, even if the damage is not your fault.
Can you cross the border with a rental car in Europe? ›
In Europe, car hire companies typically allow renters to drive their vehicles across international borders into neighbouring countries. However, you may have to pay a cross border fee in order to drive the car abroad.
Do Americans need an international driver's license to rent a car in Italy? ›
It's the law in Italy, and the last4 times we've rented a car in Italy, the car rental agency has asked to see our IDP. If you get stopped for any reason and do not have one, you could face a large fine. Unless your national driving licence was issued by an EU-member state Sam L, the IDP is required.
What countries accept a US driver's license? ›
When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen:
- Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico.
- In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.
You will need to provide:
- Download and fill out an application (new tab), and bring it to your nearest AAA Travel office** (new tab).
- Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA Travel offices**).
- A valid U.S. driver's license.
- Pay $20 USD permit fee and you're ready to go!***
Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.
Can I rent a car in France with a US driver's license? ›
What are the driver's licence requirements for car hire in France? All drivers must produce a full, valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in French. All renters must produce photographic ID - this can be a passport or driving licence.
What is the difference between LDW and CDW? ›
What's the difference between LDW and CDW? CDW covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident. LDW offers the same protection, as well as coverage if the car is stolen. Since these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, pay attention to the fine print to know what kind of coverage you're getting.
Do I need a damage waiver for my rental car? You should consider a collision damage waiver if you don't have collision coverage on your car insurance policy. If you already have collision coverage, a collision damage waiver may still make sense if: Your policy excludes coverage for rental vehicles.
Why do rental car companies ask for insurance? ›
It ensures that renters meet the minimum insurance requirements set by the rental company and local regulations, protecting the interests of the rental agency and safeguarding the renter, assuring them that they have adequate coverage in case of an accident or damage to the rented vehicle.
Can an 80 year old rent a car in Europe? ›
Car Rental Abroad over 75 Years of Age
In most of Europe, there is no car rental age limit for drivers over the age of 65. Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom all have all car rental over 80 years old. In parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia there are restrictions or surcharges for senior drivers.
Is it good idea to rent a car to travel to Europe? ›
The mobility of a car lets you find cheaper accommodations in small towns and away from the train lines. You can also play it riskier, arriving in a town with no reservation — if the hotels are full, simply drive to the next town. And driving is a godsend for those who don't believe in packing light.
How to rent a car in Europe as an American? ›
Rental Car Requirements In Europe. Each country has their own rules when it comes to driving. Canadians and Americans usually just need a driver's license and passport to rent a car. However, some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
What do I need to rent car in Europe? ›
What are the driver license requirements for car rental in Europe? All drivers must product a valid driving license and passport at the pick-up date of rental. An International Driver Permit is required if the driver license is not in English.
Do I still need an international driving permit to drive in France? ›
Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in France. Riders of mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over. Driving licences issued in the UK, the EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required.
Can you rent a car in Spain without an international driver's license? ›
If you want to drive a car in Spain, you'll have to obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to your arrival. As it has no value on its own, you also need to bring your valid US driver's license with you.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Germany? ›
If you hold a valid domestic driving licence or International Driving Permit, you may drive all categories of vehicle indicated on your licence in the Federal Republic of Germany. If there are any conditions or restrictions on your driving licence, you must also comply with them when driving here.
