How to Get an International Driving Permit for Spain in 2025 & Useful Tips
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Spain? The short answer is yes! If you are an American citizen, you should definitely have an International Driving Permit to drive or rent a car in Spain.
This quick guide highlights what an International Driving Permit actually is, where to get one, and tips on how to get one!
This year I was asked for my International Driving Permit everytime I rented a car in Spain. It is essential that you have this document before your departure to Spain.
Table of Contents
- What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- Do I Need an International Driving Permit for Spain?
- Can I Get an International Driver Permit in Spain?
- Where Can I Get an IDP?
- Tips on How to Get an International Driving Permit in Person (in the USA)
- Conclusion⎪A Quick Guide on How to Get an International Driving Permit for Spain
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a valid identification form for driving in foreign countries. Over 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit as a valid ID card. The International Driving Permit translates your U.S. Driver’s License information into 10 different languages.
The IDP has your photo ID (passport photos), address, date of birth, and where you reside. When obtaining your IDP, you must show your valid U.S. Driver’s License, fill out the correct form, and pay the fee ($20).
Do I Need an International Driving Permit for Spain?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen, you will more than likely need an International Driving Permit in Spain to rent a car. In 2024, I was asked to present my International Driving Permit both times I rented a car in Spain.
I rented a vehicle from Enterprise in Vitoria-Gasteiz where my mom and I road-tripped through the La Rioja Wine Region. One of the first things I was asked was to show my driving permit to rent the car.
A few weeks later, I picked up a car in Santiago de Compostela from the Spanish Company Record Go for a road trip through the beautiful region of Galicia. At the counter, I was also asked for my International Driving Permit.
It’s worth noting a few years prior, I was not asked for an IDP before renting a car to explore the Picos de Europa National Park. I do think it is becoming more common practice to require the International Driving Permit in Spain.
While some rental agencies may not ask to see the permit, you can be fined by police for not carrying one if you are pulled over or in an accient. Although it has never happened to me, I have heard stories of American citizens being denied picking up their car rental because they did not have an International Driving Permit.
In summary, if you are a United States citizen visiting Spain, whether you rent from an international car rental agency or a domestic Spanish car rental agency you are more than likely going to be asked for an International Driving Permit.
Can I Get an International Driver Permit in Spain?
If you are an American citizen, you CANNOT get your International Driving Permit in Spain on the spot. You must fill out the proper paperwork, pay the fee, and have the document in hand before you fly to Spain. These documents are only issued in the United States of America for U.S. citizens.
However, if you are staying in Europe for an extended period of time, you can mail in all your documents and send them to Heathrow Florida. Do note that it will take at least 5 – 7 weeks from the process time to receive the IDP.
Where Can I Get an IDP?
All U.S. citizens can easily get the International Driving Permit from their local AAA Agency. There are around 385 AAA Agencies across the United States and U.S. Territories. If you can not apply in person, you can mail in your documents.
Tips on How to Get an International Driving Permit in Person
It is super easy and fast to get an International Driving Permit in the United States from AAA.
I simply showed up without an appointment at my local AAA agency. They offer passport photos and you will need two. If you are a member of AAA, the passport photos are free. If you are not a member, you will need to purchase two passport photos. One photo is attached to the permit while the other is kept with the paperwork submitted to AAA.
Show the agent your U.S. Driver’s License and fill out the correct form. The International Driving Permit itself will cost $20. I’m from Wisconsin, so I also had to pay tax on the Permit.
You can go to AAA anytime before your departure date. You can ask the agent to start the permit within the dates that align with your trip. Be mindful that you can not obtain the permit six months before your expected departure date.
I went to AAA in December 2023 to get my permit and I was able to have the issue date for January 2024.
Overall, the whole time to obtain my IDP took less than 15 minutes. It was quick, efficient, and super easy.
Conclusion⎪A Quick Guide on How to Get an IDP for Spain
In short, this is a quick guide on how to get an International Driving Permit in the United States. I was asked for my International Driving Permit in Spain both times I rented a car. This included rentals from an international car rental agency (Enterprise) and a local Spanish car rental company (Record Go).
In the United States, it’s super easy to obtain an International Driving Permit from AAA. This official document is accepted and recognized by over 150 counties and the ID form is translated to ten different languages.
The bottom line is that it is best practice to have and carry the International Driving Permit when renting a car in Spain. While some car rental agencies may not ask for it, if you are pulled over in Spain without one, you are susceptible to major fines and risk of having the rental revoked.
Spain is a fabulous country to visit and one of the best ways to see its beauty is by renting a car. Make sure to have your International Driving Permit to avoid being denied a car rental!
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