Can You Drive in Europe with a US License?

For many Americans planning a European road trip or long-term stay, the big question is: Can you drive in Europe with a U.S. driver’s license? The answer is generally yes, but there are important conditions and country-specific rules you need to know.

This guide covers license validity, international permits, rental requirements, and practical tips for driving in Europe as a U.S. citizen.

Driving in Europe with a U.S. License: The Basics

Short-term visitors: Most European countries allow Americans to drive with a valid U.S. license for up to 90 days.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Many countries also require an IDP alongside your U.S. license, especially if your license is not in English or if local police request it.
Long-term stays: If you live in Europe for more than a few months, you may need to exchange your U.S. license for a local one, depending on the country.

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDP is not a separate license but a translation of your U.S. license into multiple languages.

Valid for one year.
Issued by organizations like AAA or AATA in the U.S.
Costs around $20–$25.
Required in countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Austria when renting a car.

Country-Specific Rules for Americans

While Europe has some general standards, each country sets its own requirements:

France & Germany: U.S. license valid for short-term visitors, IDP recommended.
Italy & Spain: IDP required in addition to U.S. license.
United Kingdom: U.S. license valid for up to 12 months, no IDP required.
Switzerland & Austria: IDP often required for car rentals.
Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark): U.S. license valid for tourists.

Always check the embassy or local transport authority before traveling.

Renting a Car in Europe with a U.S. License

Rental companies usually require:

A valid U.S. license (some insist on an IDP).
Minimum age: 21–25 years old (varies by country and rental company).
Credit card in the driver’s name.
Insurance coverage (either included or purchased separately).

Tip: Many rental desks in Italy, Greece, and Eastern Europe will refuse to rent without an IDP, even if the law technically allows it.

Long-Term Driving and Residency

If you plan to live in Europe, rules change:

Some countries allow license exchanges without a driving test (e.g., France for certain U.S. states).
Others require taking a local driving exam to get a European license.
Residency permits usually trigger a deadline (often 6–12 months) to convert your license.

Practical Driving Tips for Americans in Europe

Manual Cars: Most European rentals are manual; request automatic in advance.
Road Rules: Drive on the right in most countries, but the left in the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.
Road Signs: Learn European road symbols, as they differ from the U.S.
Speed Limits: Strictly enforced with cameras, especially on highways.
Parking & Tolls: Research local rules to avoid fines.

Final Thoughts

Yes—you can drive in Europe with a U.S. license, but in many countries, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit. For short-term trips, your American license plus IDP is usually enough to rent and drive. For long-term stays or residency, you may need to exchange your license or take a local driving test.

With the right preparation, driving through Europe can be one of the best ways to explore the continent at your own pace.