Brand-by-brand IDP policies
Sixt Strict
Requires IDP for any non-EU/UK licence in EU rentals. Counter staff trained to refuse without it. No grace, no exceptions — Sixt has the most consistent enforcement of any major chain.
Hertz Strict
Strictly requires IDP for non-English licences anywhere in their global network. In Japan, China, South Korea, IDP is mandatory regardless of licence language. US-licensed drivers can rent across Europe without IDP except Greece, Italy, Hungary, and Spain (since 2024).
Avis / Budget Moderate
Policy varies by country office. Mainland Europe requires IDP for non-EU; UK and Ireland often accept English-language licences alone. Always carry the IDP regardless — counter discretion is unpredictable.
Europcar Moderate
EU corporate policy: IDP required for any licence not in a Latin-alphabet language. Reality on the ground varies — some Madrid airport counters waive, some Paris counters don't. Bring the IDP.
Enterprise / National / Alamo Lenient (US)
Within the US, they're lenient on IDPs for English-language foreign licences. But Alamo's European franchises (different operator) require IDP strictly.
Local depots and budget brands Lenient
Smaller operators (Goldcar, Centauro, Dollar regional) often skip the IDP check at pickup but enforce strictly when there's damage — insurance company demands proof of valid licence + IDP at time of accident.
Lock in your IDP before pickup
Apply online in 3 minutes. Digital IDP within 24 hours — accepted by all major rental brands.
Start application →Pickup checklist (what to actually carry)
- National driving licence — physical card. Mobile-only digital licences (e.g., Arizona, Norway) are NOT accepted.
- IDP booklet — both 1949 or 1968 as required.
- Passport — for visual ID + name match.
- Credit card in driver's name — debit cards refused by most chains.
- Printed booking confirmation — counter systems crash, screenshots help.
- Proof of insurance if you have your own policy (otherwise they upsell at counter).
CDW / insurance — why they void without IDP
Your rental includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Third-Party Liability — but both contain a clause voiding coverage if the driver didn't have all "required licences and permits" at time of accident. Translation: if you crashed and didn't have the IDP that the destination country required, the rental company can:
- Charge the full repair cost to your card (often $5,000-$25,000)
- Pursue medical/property damages personally
- Refer you to local police for driving without a valid permit
If you're refused at the counter — how to fight back
Step 1: Stay calm + ask for the manager
Counter agents have refusal authority but can also be wrong. Asking for the duty manager often gets you re-checked against actual brand policy.
Step 2: Check your booking T&Cs on your phone
If "IDP required" wasn't in the booking confirmation, that's grounds for refund. Screenshot the relevant section.
Step 3: Document, then complain post-trip
If they refuse and forfeit your deposit, lodge a written complaint with the brand's customer service citing the booking T&Cs. Many recover the full deposit within 60 days.
Step 4: Charge-back if all else fails
Cite "service not delivered" with your credit card. Visa/Mastercard typically rule in your favour if you have the booking PDF.
Booking strategies that minimise risk
- Book direct, not through aggregators — Discover Cars, Auto Europe, Rentalcars.com hide IDP requirements deep in T&Cs. Direct bookings show them upfront.
- Choose a major airport pickup — counter agents are more consistent than mall/suburb branches.
- Apply for IDP at least 1 week before travel — physical booklet shipping takes time.
- Carry both 1949 and 1968 if doing multi-country — only €40 extra for the dual-convention coverage.
- Use a credit card with rental coverage built in (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) — backup if rental insurance is voided.
Quick FAQs
Will Sixt actually refuse me without an IDP? Yes, in Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland. Documented hundreds of times in TripAdvisor and Reddit threads.
What if my IDP arrives after my flight? Push your rental pickup to your second day in-country, have the digital IDP emailed to you, print it at hotel reception.
Can my partner drive on my IDP? No. Each driver needs their own IDP + their own licence + must be added as a "named driver" on the rental contract (additional fee).
Does the IDP cover ride-shares (Uber, Bolt)? No — IDPs are for car operation only. Riding in an Uber doesn't require one.