If you have a valid license from your home state, you can drive in European countries for up to 90 days without further documentation. However, once you have spent more than 90 days in Europe and wish to continue driving there, it is recommended that you get an International Driver's License (IDL).

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Europe in 2026 depends primarily on which country issued your license and where you plan to drive. If you hold a UK or EU photocard license, you generally do not need an IDP to drive in most EU countries, Switzerland, or Norway. However, for U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers, an IDP is legally required in countries like Italy, Austria, and Greece. It serves as an official translation of your domestic license and must be presented alongside your original card. Even if a rental car agency doesn't ask for it, the local police can issue a high-value fine if you are pulled over without one. A peer-to-peer essential for 2026: always check the specific requirements for your rental company, as some "budget" firms may mandate an IDP even in countries where the local law does not, simply to simplify their own administrative and insurance processing.