Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if I plan to drive in Italy?Italian law states that visitors from outside the European Union must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained before departure.An IDP can be obtained through your local Automobile Association (AAA). In the USA, the IDP costs about US$20. It can be requested up to six months before departure, and it is valid for one year.Car rental companies may request an IDP when you pick up a rental vehicle. Failure to produce one may result in you not being able to rent the vehicle. In Italy, police roadside checks are common. If you are unable to produce the required documentation, you could face fines ranging from approximately €400 to more than €1,600. If you are in an accident, your insurance may be null and void if you do not have an IDP. So, we recommend that if you plan on driving in Europe, you should get an IDP, even if nobody ever asks to see it, because if nothing else it can provide valuable peace of mind during your trip.