Get your International Driving Permit for Greece in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Start your application

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete

Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

Recommended

Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Does Greece require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Up to 3 years

Greece allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Greece?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

Start application

Getting Around Greece

Imagine soaking in the sunshine in beautiful Greece, where ancient history and modern charm blend seamlessly.

As you explore its rugged mountains and picturesque islands, you'll encounter historical landmarks, delicious food, and the renowned Greek spirit of Philotimo — a warm, sincere appreciation for guests.

Indeed, Greece is a vibrant destination full of opportunities for adventure and discovery.

However, to make your journey through Greece seamless and enjoyable, you'll need to acquire an International Driving Permit. Universally acknowledged and able to translate your information into various languages, an International Driving Permit is essential for easy interactions with authorities abroad. It is necessary in Greece, which maintains strict road rules and regulations.

Person Sitting on Scooter Near Beach with Chapel and Sea in Background

Source: Photo by Kumpan Electric on Unsplash

Planning to explore Greece by car, scooter, or ATV? From Athens’ historic streets to Santorini’s winding coastal roads, renting a vehicle gives you unmatched freedom. But before you get behind the wheel, you need to understand Greece’s driving laws, International Driving Permit requirements, rental conditions, and safety rules.

This guide explains everything you need to know about driving in Greece including whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and how the International Drivers Association (IDA) can provide you with one in as fast as 8 minutes.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Greece?

Quick Answer: It depends on where your license was issued.

USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Gibraltar – No International Driving Permit required for tourist stays under 6 months (Greek Law 4850/2021).
EU/EEA license holders (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein included) – No International Driving Permit required
All other countries – An International Driving Permit is required in addition to your valid home country license.

⚖️ Important: Even if exempt under the law, rental companies and police checks often ask for an International Driving Permit. Carrying one avoids disputes, ensures smooth rentals, and protects your insurance coverage.

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your license. Instead, it serves as a multilingual translation of your home license, valid worldwide.

Gray, passport-sized booklet
Driving credentials in 10+ languages, including Greek
Valid for 1–3 years depending on the convention format (1949 or 1968)
Must always be carried alongside your original license

With IDA, you get dual-convention coverage (both 1949 & 1968 formats), ensuring acceptance in 189+ countries—more than any other provider.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Before Traveling to Greece

You cannot apply for an International Driving Permit once inside Greece—it must be issued before you travel.

The fastest and most reliable way is through the International Drivers Association (IDA):

✅ Digital International Driving Permit delivered in just 8 minutes
✅ Physical copy shipped worldwide
✅ Valid in 189+ countries under both conventions
✅ 24/7 customer support in 30 languages

👉 Apply now with IDA and secure your permit before your trip.

Car Rental Requirements in Greece

Even with the law changes, most rental companies enforce their own stricter rules. Expect to show:

Valid driver’s license
Passport for ID
Credit card in driver’s name
Rental confirmation paperwork
International Driving Permit (strongly recommended)

Age & Experience Rules:

Minimum driving age: 18
Minimum rental age: 21 (with at least 1 year’s driving experience)
Drivers under 25 may face young driver surcharges

Police Checks & Penalties

Document checks are common at:

Roadside stops
Ferry boarding points
Tourist-heavy areas
Accident scenes

Without proper documents:

Driver and rental company may each be fined €1,000
Vehicle can be impounded
Insurance becomes invalid—leaving you liable for damages

Special Vehicle Rules in Greece

Scooters & Motorcycles:
- Under 125cc: minimum age 16
- Over 125cc: minimum age 18 with motorcycle license endorsement
ATVs & Quad Bikes:
- Minimum age 18
- Same International Driving Permit requirements as cars
Helmets: Mandatory for all two-wheel and ATV drivers and passengers

Long-Term Stays & License Conversion

If you stay in Greece for more than 185 days, you must comply with local license laws.

Greece has agreements with some countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Serbia, Albania, Switzerland) for easier license conversion.

Driving in Greece: Key Safety Rules

Drive on the right-hand side
Seatbelts required for all passengers
Hands-free devices only for phone use
Helmets required for two-wheelers & ATVs
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory

⚠️ Rural and island roads are often narrow, steep, and poorly lit—use caution, especially at night.

Emergency Numbers in Greece

European Emergency Number: 112
Police: 100
Tourist Police (English-speaking): 171
Roadside Assistance: 10400

Final Pre-Trip Checklist

Before hitting the road in Greece, make sure you have:

✅ Valid driver’s license (not provisional)
✅ Passport (6+ months validity)
✅ International Driving Permit (required or recommended)
✅ Rental confirmation & insurance papers
✅ Emergency contacts saved
✅ Offline maps for navigation

✨ With an IDA International Driving Permit, you’ll enjoy hassle-free rentals, peace of mind at checkpoints, and complete coverage in 189+ countries. Apply in just minutes and get your International Driving Permit ready before you land in Greece.

👉 Get Your International Driving Permit from IDA Today

Trusted by 3,000+ travelers. Rated excellent on Trustpilot

Join thousands of satisfied travelers who trust us for their international driving permits

Pricing

Risk-free pricing: 100% money-back guarantee

Full refund if not accepted anywhere, plus unlimited free replacements.

Best Value

Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Maximum coverage – includes everything you might need abroad

Start Application

Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes

Start Application

Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.