Does Europcar require an IDP in San Marino?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in San Marino: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
This enclave inside Italy drives on the right and follows Italian-style rules; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-EU visitors.
In San Marino specifically, san Marino lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Cars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its San Marino desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. San Marino drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in San Marino
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; San Marino drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in San Marino Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on motorways and in tunnels.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle required.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in San Marino
San Marino has no motorways and no toll roads, so no vignette or toll payment is required; the connecting Italian roads (SS72) are likewise toll-free.
Parking in the historic Città (old town) is restricted to colour-coded paid bays and several public garages, since the walled centre is largely pedestrian-only; pay at meters and avoid double-white-line and crossing areas.
Italian-style on-the-spot fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use (drink-drive limit 0.05%); rental companies operating across the Italy border pass camera fines back to the hirer with an admin charge.
Call 112/113 for police; exchange details and complete the European Accident Statement (CID/constat) form, and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until authorities attend.
Full driving guide for San Marino →