International Driving License: Do you need it to Rent a Car in Greece?
Travelers planning to drive in Crete must understand Greece’s license requirements. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for drivers from non-EU or non-EEA countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This document must accompany a valid domestic license and serves as its official translation.
Rental Center Crete accepts licenses written in the Latin alphabet without an IDP, but most agencies in Greece require one. Visitors can apply for an IDP through authorized agencies in their home countries, such as AAA in the United States, the Post Office in the UK, and the CAA in Canada.
Greek traffic laws apply in Crete, including right-side driving, mandatory seat belt use, and adherence to posted speed limits. Emergency assistance is available through 112, a multilingual hotline, while roadside help is accessible via 1168. Drivers should prepare documents in advance and drive cautiously on Crete’s narrow or rural roads.
Is an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) necessary?
An International Driving Permit (IDP), also referred to as an International Driving License, is necessary since it is an official translation of a national driver’s license that ensures its validity when driving overseas. It does not replace the original permit, and both must be displayed when operating a vehicle. The IDP can translate driving credentials into different languages, making it easier for foreign authorities to confirm legal driving status. Travelers from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine are required to carry both their domestic license and an IDP to drive in Crete.
Individuals with valid licenses issued by EU or EEA member states, including Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, are exempt from this requirement under Greek Law No. 4850/2021, published in Government Gazette A 208. Most rental agencies in Greece mandate the presentation of an IDP, but Rental Center Crete does not require one as long as the driver holds a valid national license written in the Latin alphabet and issued by a recognized country.
How can someone apply for an IDL (IDP) before travelling to Crete?
Tourists can apply for an IDL (IDP) before travelling to Crete by contacting the official issuing authority in their home country. Most governments assign this task to national automobile associations or transport departments, so applicants should verify the correct office before proceeding. The IDP is normally valid for one year from the date of issuance and must always be presented alongside the original domestic driving license. Tourists should avoid unofficial websites or third-party services claiming to issue international licenses online to avoid scams. Only authorized agencies recognized by the issuing country’s government can legally provide a valid IDP for international use.
What is the way to get an international driver’s permit from the United States?
Tourists from the US can apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) through two authorized organizations, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license. The application process requires submitting a completed form, two passport-sized photos, a photocopy of the driver’s license, and a fee, which is typically $20 (€18.50). Applications can be submitted via mail or in person, depending on the chosen agency. Travelers should apply well ahead of their trip to ensure timely processing and avoid delays before arriving in Crete.
What is the way to get an international driver’s license from the UK, GB, and Northern Ireland?
Tourists from the UK, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at most branches of the Post Office. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK driving license. Individuals need to present their driving license, either in a photocard or paper version, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed IDP application form. The current fee is £5.50 (€6.40), and the permit is usually issued immediately over the counter. Travelers are advised to apply well before departure to Crete to avoid last-minute complications and ensure they meet international driving requirements.
What is the way to get an international driver’s license from Canada?
Tourists from Canada can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the only authorized issuer in the country. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Canadian driver’s license. To complete the application, individuals must submit a completed form, two passport-sized photos, a photocopy of their driver’s license, and the applicable fee, which is typically CAD 30 (€20.50). Applications can be made in person at a local CAA office or by mail. Tourists planning to drive in Crete should apply for the IDP well in advance to ensure timely processing and delivery.
Do car rental companies in Greece require an IDP?
Yes, most car rental companies in Greece require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the driver’s home country mandates it for legal driving in Greece. Tourists from countries outside the European Union or the European Economic Area, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and others, must present both their domestic driving license and a valid IDP when renting a car.
The IDP serves as a recognized translation of the original license and ensures compliance with Greek traffic laws. While some smaller agencies may not enforce this rule strictly, most reputable companies follow national regulations to avoid legal liability. Rental Center Crete, however, allows customers to rent a car without an IDP if their national license is valid, clearly legible, and written in the Latin alphabet.
Does Rental Center Crete require an international driver’s license for Crete car rentals?
No, Rental Center Crete does not require an International Driver’s License (IDP) for car rentals, provided the driver possesses a valid national license from an accepted country. Licenses issued by EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine are accepted without the need for an IDP, as long as they are unexpired and written in the Latin or Greek alphabet.
Drivers whose licenses are issued in other countries, particularly those using non-Latin scripts such as Chinese or Arabic, must also present an IDP or an official translation at the time of rental. Rental Center Crete requires all drivers to have had a valid license for at least a year. The age limits vary by vehicle category, with 21 being the lowest and 79 being the maximum. There are no added fees for young or senior drivers within the accepted age range, but if a renter does not meet the age requirements at pickup, the rental will be denied, and the full rental fee will be charged.
What are the driving rules when driving in Crete?
The driving rules in Crete follow national Greek traffic laws, which apply equally to both local and foreign drivers. Vehicles must drive on the right-hand side of the road, and seat belts are required for all occupants. The use of mobile phones while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system. Standard speed limits are set at 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) in urban areas, 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour) on rural roads, and 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) on highways.
All drivers must carry their license, passport or ID, and rental documents at all times. Parking signs in Crete can be quite difficult to interpret. Blue lines indicate paid parking, white lines usually allow free parking, and yellow lines mark areas where parking is prohibited or restricted. Many signs include specific days or hours, so drivers should check for time-based regulations to avoid penalties. Using official parking areas or asking locals is recommended in unclear situations. Driving in Crete requires extra attention, particularly on narrow or winding roads common in rural areas. Tourists should drive defensively, watch for sudden pedestrian crossings or scooters, and avoid unfamiliar routes after dark to reduce the risk of accidents.
What are the emergency numbers in Greece?
The emergency numbers in Greece are centralized through the Public Safety Answering Point 112 (PSAP 112), a nationwide service that connects callers to all major emergency response agencies. Dialing 112 is free of charge and accessible from any phone, including mobile phones without credit or even without a SIM card, as long as there is a signal from any network.
This service is available across all EU member states and provides access to specially trained operators who speak at least three languages, such as Greek, English, and French. PSAP 112 allows tourists to reach the appropriate emergency service based on the situation. Calls can be routed to the Hellenic Police (100), the Hellenic Fire Service (199), the Medical Emergency Service (EKAB) (166), the Hellenic Coast Guard (108), or the National Child Protection Helpline (1056). The system is designed to ensure fast coordination, accurate location tracking, and reliable communication during emergencies.
Drivers in Crete can call 1168 for non-urgent but essential situations like vehicle breakdowns or towing assistance. This number connects to national roadside assistance services and is especially useful for tourists experiencing car trouble while exploring the island.
Published on May 16, 2025
