Renting a car in Europe is one of the best ways to explore at your own pace—but the paperwork matters. Bring your original driving licence and, in many cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified translation. Getting the right documents before you fly saves time, avoids desk refusals, and prevents fines on the road.
Who needs an International Driving Permit
- EU and EEA licence holders: Usually accepted across EU/EEA countries without an IDP when the licence uses Latin characters, but local rental policies can vary.
- Non‑EU licence holders (US, South Africa, Australia, etc.): Often accepted for short tourist stays, yet many rental companies and police prefer an IDP as an official translation.
- Licences in non‑Latin scripts (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese): Get an IDP or certified translation—it’s the simplest way to avoid being turned away.
Tip: An IDP is a translation of your licence, not a replacement. Always carry both the original licence and the IDP.
Age, experience, and payment rules rental companies check
- Age and driving experience: Most companies require drivers to be 21–25+ and to have 1–2 years’ driving history; luxury or large vehicles often need older drivers.
- Payment and deposit: A major credit card in the driver’s name is usually required for the security hold; debit cards are often restricted or trigger extra checks.
- Insurance and cross‑border travel: If you plan to drive between countries, notify the rental company—some contracts restrict borders or add fees, and basic insurance may not cover all countries.
Lesser known rules and practical tips
- Digital licences: Some countries and companies accept digital licences, but many still insist on the physical card—bring the original to be safe.
- Post‑Brexit and UK licences: Rules changed for some destinations after Brexit; check whether an IDP is recommended for UK licence holders in specific countries.
- Border paperwork: If you’ll cross into non‑EU countries (e.g., Switzerland, Norway, or the Balkans), confirm whether you need a green card for insurance or additional permits.
- Language and translation: An embassy or consulate translation can sometimes substitute for an IDP, but rental desks prefer the standard IDP format—get the IDP to avoid delays.
- Scam awareness: Some agents claim an IDP is mandatory when it isn’t. Ask to see the contract clause and, if needed, contact the rental company’s central office before paying extra.
How to avoid problems at pickup
- Book with a reputable company and read the terms for licence and IDP requirements.
- Bring originals: driving licence, passport, booking confirmation, and IDP (if applicable).
- Photograph the car on pickup and return; keep fuel receipts and any damage reports.
- Confirm insurance details in writing, including cross‑border coverage and excess amounts.
Quick checklist before you travel
- Original driving licence
- International Driving Permit if non‑EU, non‑Latin script, or requested by the rental company
- Passport and booking confirmation
- Credit card in driver’s name for deposit
- Written insurance and cross border permission
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