Does Sixt require IDP in France?

You must have a valid driver's license, plus an ID or passport for a SIXT rental in France. If your license uses a non-Roman alphabet like Cyrillic or Arabic, you will also need an international driving permit.



Whether Sixt (or any rental agency in France) requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) depends largely on the language and origin of your domestic license. For U.S. citizens, French law technically requires a "certified translation" of your license if you stay longer than 90 days, but for short-term tourists, your valid U.S. license is often accepted. However, Sixt’s official policy in 2026 states that any license not printed in the Roman Alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP. Even for English speakers, Sixt highly recommends an IDP to avoid any potential disputes with local police or during the insurance claim process. Many Sixt locations in France will let you rent with just a U.S. license and passport, but if you are involved in a traffic stop or an accident, the French Gendarmerie may demand an IDP. Since it only costs about $20 from AAA, it is considered an essential "insurance" document for driving in France to ensure you are compliant with both the rental company's terms and local law enforcement expectations.

People Also Ask

If you own an old green or pink driving license, you must bring an international driving permit in France (or a translation). If you own the recent model, it is not required.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you will need both your passport and your driver's license to rent a car in Europe. Additionally, for Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, or Spain, you will also need to provide an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

MORE DETAILS

Some car categories may have a higher minimum age, and a young driver surcharge applies to those under 25. You'll need a valid driver's license and an ID or passport for a SIXT rental in Rome. Some international renters will also need an international driving permit.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Driving in France Drivers must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence, while you must also have insurance and vehicle documents (such as a V5) to hand. You do not need to carry an additional International Driving Permit.

MORE DETAILS

International Driving Permit For France
  1. Online Application Form. You must have a national or domestic driving license to submit your application online.
  2. Eligibility Check. ITCA review team will review & approve your International Drivign Permit.
  3. Get A Valid IDP Instantly. ITCA will issue your IDP and send it to you.


MORE DETAILS

Generally, most European countries do not require American drivers to have an IDP. However, the following countries do require International Driver's Permits in conjunction with valid United States' driver's licenses: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain.

MORE DETAILS

If you're a non-EU citizen that would like to rent a car in Italy, it's essential to hold an International Driver's Permit. The Italian car rental might not ask for it, but it is required by law that you have one, and it may be requested during a police check.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, usually you'll pay a 'cross-border fee' when you pick the car up. This fee will extend your rental's basic damage, theft and third-party protection so it works in another country. When you tell the counter staff you want to take the car abroad, they'll arrange to insure the car for you.

MORE DETAILS