Does National require an IDP in Italy?
National in Italy: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Italy legally requires non-EU drivers to carry an IDP with their home licence; rental companies and police routinely ask for it.
In Italy specifically, italy legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Italian traffic authorities typically require the printed IDP booklet, not just a digital copy.
National runs a global network; at its Italy desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit 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 Both 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.