Countries
Driving in Greece with a US license: IDP required
Greece is where travelers most often discover the permit after the fact, at an accident or a traffic stop. The rule is not ambiguous.
Do you need an International Driving Permit there?
Driving in Greece on a US license
IDP required with your US license
| US license counts | 185 days of a stay |
| IDP | Get the IDP in the United States before you leave: it cannot be issued abroad by local offices. |
| Conventions | Party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna conventions (1949: 1952) (1968: 1986) |
| Rule | State Department Greek law requires visitors to carry a valid US license and an IDP, even if the rental company does not ask for it. Most insurers require both for coverage. A Greek license is required after 185 days in the country. |
Source: U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (updated February 19, 2026). Not legal advice; the country's own authorities decide.
Driving in Greece: the full rulesGreek law requires visitors to carry both a valid US driver's license and an international driving permit, even if the rental company does not ask to see the permit. The State Department's Greece page, updated on February 19, 2026, is unusually direct: the Embassy does not issue permits, they must be obtained in the United States from AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance, and drivers without the documents may face high fines. It also warns that most insurance companies require both the license and the permit for coverage in Greece, so a missing permit can turn a fender-bender into an uninsured loss. Small motorbike and ATV renters often carry no insurance at all. Greece has been a party to the 1949 convention since 1952 and to the 1968 convention since 1986. A Greek license is required after 185 days in the country.
Until when does your US license count?
Last day on the US license in Greece
June 7, 2027
| Rule | 185 days of a stay |
| Days counted | 185 |
| Also needed | IDP required with your US license |
Leaving and coming back may restart the count in some countries, not all: check the text cited on the country page.
Rules read by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
Islands, scooters and ATVs
Many visitors rent a scooter or an all-terrain vehicle on the islands rather than a car. The State Department points out that these small rental firms frequently have no insurance and make the customer pay for any damage, and that the traveler's own policy may exclude two-wheelers. A car license does not always cover a motorcycle either: the category on your US license decides what you may ride. The rental and insurance guide lists the questions to ask before signing.
Roads
Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union, according to the same page. On two-lane highways slower cars drive on the shoulder and others pass over the center line, and mountain roads at night are hazardous. Police conduct random alcohol tests.
Greece at a glance
| What a US license holder needs | IDP required with your US license |
| How long the US license counts | 185 days of a stay |
| Side of the road | right, as in the United States |
| Penalty quoted | high fines, according to the State Department page |
| 1949 Geneva convention | party since July 1, 1952 |
| 1968 Vienna convention | party since December 18, 1986 |
| Rule read in | U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (updated February 19, 2026) |
What the State Department page says
| Passage on driver's licenses, as published |
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| Short-term Car Rentals: Greek law requires that visitors carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an international driver’s permit (IDP), even if the rental company does not request to see your IDP. The Embassy does not issue IDPs. You must obtain your IDP in the United States from the American Automobile Association ( AAA ) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance ( AATA ). Contact AAA directly to inquire about their mail in option that will allow you to apply from overseas, but note that it will likely take days or weeks. If you drive without these documents, you may face high fines (1,000 Euros or more) or be responsible for all expenses in the event of an accident. |
| Review your insurance coverage before renting. Most insurance companies require that you have both your valid U.S. license and an international driver’s permit (IDP) for coverage in Greece. Small motorbike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rental firms frequently carry no insurance and require customers to cover the cost of all damages to their vehicles. Your insurance company may not cover two-wheel or ATV rentals. |
| See our road safety page for more information, including information on IDPs. Visit the Greek National Tourism Organization website for more helpful tips. |