An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement to legally rent a car in Greece. It is mandatory to accompany your valid domestic driver's license with an IDP at the time of receiving your car rental. The UN itself does not issue driving permits and uses authorized travel associations to administer the service.

To rent a car in Greece in 2026, you primarily need a valid driver's license, a passport, and a major credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. A crucial detail is the International Driving Permit (IDP): if your license was issued in a non-EU country (like the USA, Canada, or Australia), Greek law historically required an IDP. However, as of 2026, visitors with valid licenses from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia typically do not need an IDP, though it is still "highly recommended" to have one to avoid issues with local police or smaller rental agencies. You must be at least 21 years old (and often 25 to avoid a "young driver" surcharge), and you must have held your license for at least one year. Finally, ensure you have a physical copy of your passport—not just a photo on your phone—as rental agencies are legally required to verify the original document before handing over the keys to explore the islands or the mainland.

To rent a car in Greece, you typically need the following documents and requirements. It’s crucial to check with your specific rental company in advance, as policies can vary.

Essential Requirements:

1. Valid Driver’s License:

   • If you are from an EU/EEA country, your national driver’s license is sufficient.
   • If you are from a non-EU country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia), you need:
     • Your valid domestic driver’s license, and
     • An International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a translation document and is strongly recommended (many rental companies will require it). You must obtain the IDP in your home country before you travel.

2. Valid Passport: For identity verification.

3. Credit Card:

   • A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard) in the primary driver’s name is almost always mandatory.
   • It will be used for the security deposit (block/hold). The amount can range from €500 to €2000+ depending on the vehicle and insurance options.
   • Debit cards or cash deposits are rarely accepted by major companies.

4. Minimum Age:

   • The minimum age is usually 21, but this can vary by company and car category.
   • For drivers under 25, a “Young Driver Surcharge” (daily fee) is very common.
   • Some companies may have a higher minimum age for certain vehicle categories (e.g., SUVs).

Highly Recommended / Often Required:

1. Insurance:
   • Third-Party Liability Insurance is legally mandatory and always included.
   • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection are almost always included in the base rate,