Is a Texas drivers license valid to rent a car in Rome?

Show all answers

videotutorialzone

Legally and Technically, no it is not... even though you might be able to get away with it.

Legally, you need to get an International Driving Permit. It is very simple to do so by going to your closest AAA office. You will need to bring your valid US license, two passport style photos, and $15.00 Most AAA offices will do the passport photos for you, too.

They will do everything for you right there on the spot, and you will walk away with the permit.

The International Driving Permit is not valid by itself when you travel It is a supplement to your normal driver license, and both should be with you at all times when you drive.

****************
An addition after having read Gaston's comment below:
****************
Gaston Said:
" I'm not sure how true this is but I have been told that if you get "pulled over" and cited European (Italian at least) law enforcement will confiscate your driver's license and it is easier to lose your international one than your official one."

My Reply:
This is what I meant when I said 'Technically' in my reply. The rental companies often don't care if you have an IDP, but it is against the law to drive in Italy without either an Italian Drivers License or an IDP *with* your original driver license. Many police won't even know to think about asking about it, but some will, and not only can they confiscate the IDP, but they can impound your car and detain you.

I speak of this from experience. I have had Italian police request to see mine on many occasions.

Also remember that Italian Police don't need cause to pull you over. It is very common to get stopped randomly at checkpoints.

Gaston O

Videotut is right...it seems

But you might want to verify with the rental car company...

We've just returned from Italy and some of us had the Int. Driving permit and some didn't and everyone could rent a car without trouble.

See this comment made in a forum..

" I'm not sure how true this is but I have been told that if you get "pulled over" and cited European (Italian at least) law enforcement will confiscate your driver's license and it is easier to lose your international one than your official one."

So it might be worth getting it for this reason.

adl_tx

I believe Avis and Hertz has offices in Rome, Italy.

Why don't you call them up and ask them about
this matter.

Or ask your travel agent. He surely would know
about this type of thing.

- - - - -

mssinmymind

Unless you are planning to take a car trip outside of the city, why even bother renting a car for Rome?

My daughter and I were there in March 07...and the traffic was incredibly mesmerizing. We found it actually fun to (learn) to dodge in and out of traffic while walking but I wouldnt even want to consider actually driving there...its not like Texas, in any way shape or form...believe me!

With that being said...the public transit buses, tho extremely crowded were not hard to maneuver at all,
the subway system, was so cram packed in every single car - there was actually not even inches between our bodies, yet (pay attention to pickpocketing warnings!!) we had no fear of being robbed at all...
of course for the most part of the inner (central) city..WALKING is an awesome way to explore the place. We even walked from the Vatican City to the bus Termini, took us approx 4 hrs but we stopped so often at all the lil shops and sights in between that we werent even exhausted once we got back to our hotel.

ps: any chance I can fit in one of your suitcases ?? hah <3 Rome <3

PLANETHARD

nope

te144

Yes, in Rome, Texas and Paris, Texas but do not roam except in pairs.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: