Does National require an IDP in Italy?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Italy: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Rental companies and local authorities in Italy routinely ask non-EU drivers to carry an IDP alongside their home licence.
In Italy specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Italy ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Italian traffic authorities typically expect the printed IDP booklet, not just a digital copy.
National runs a global network; at its Italy desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Italy drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Italy
- 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; Italy drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Italy National renters should know
- ZTL (limited-traffic) zones in city centres are camera-enforced — heavy fines.
- Headlights required on motorways at all times.
- Carry a reflective jacket and warning triangle.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Italy
Most autostrade are tolled by distance: take a ticket at the white-signed entry and pay on exit by cash or card (Carte/blue lanes) or via a Telepass transponder in yellow lanes. Use Telepass lanes only if your rental includes the device; a Milan-Rome run costs roughly EUR 40-45.
Kerb lines signal the rule: blue lines are paid (meter or app, often EUR 1-3/hour), white lines are free, and yellow lines are reserved (residents/disabled). Pay at the parcometro or via apps like EasyPark; illegal parking risks fines and removal (rimozione forzata) by carro attrezzi.
Urban speeding fines start around EUR 45 and rise steeply on highways; handheld phone use is roughly EUR 165+ and can mean a licence suspension. Camera and ZTL fines arrive at the rental firm and are billed to you months later with an admin fee; a ~30% discount applies if paid within 5 days.
Call 112 for emergencies; police must be alerted if anyone is injured. For minor damage complete the CID/constatazione amichevole (European Accident Statement) signed by both drivers, photograph the scene, do not move vehicles if there are injuries, and report it to the rental company promptly.
Full driving guide for Italy →