Destinations / Italy
Driving in Italy as a visitor
Usually yes. Italy expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Italy expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h autostrade |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | ZTL (limited-traffic) zones in city centres are camera-enforced — heavy fines. |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights required on motorways at all times. |
| In the car | Carry a reflective jacket and warning triangle. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21. |
On the road in Italy
At the pump
Stations sell benzina (petrol, unleaded) and gasolio (diesel); pumps offer servito (attended, pricier) or fai-da-te/self self-service. Pay by card or cash, with many autostrada and rural stations going card-only automated overnight; petrol is around EUR 1.80-1.95/litre.
After a crash
Call 112 for emergencies; police must be alerted if anyone is injured. For minor damage complete the CID/constatazione amichevole (European Accident Statement) signed by both drivers, photograph the scene, do not move vehicles if there are injuries, and report it to the rental company promptly.
Sources: finalrentals.com · adagioumbro.it · cover4rentals.ie · europa.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Italy?
Usually yes. Italy expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Italy accept?
Italy recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Italy ask for one?
Italian traffic authorities typically expect the printed IDP booklet, not just a digital copy.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.