Does Thrifty require an IDP in France?
Thrifty in France: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence to drive or rent a car in France.
In France specifically, france legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Major desks (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) request an IDP for licences not issued in the EU/EEA.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its France desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. France 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 Thrifty counter in France
- 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; France drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in France Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
- Carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in the vehicle.
- Priority to the right (priorité à droite) applies at unmarked junctions.
- Strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit (0.02% for new drivers).