Does Thrifty require an IDP in Spain?
Thrifty in Spain: 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 tourists need an IDP to drive legally in Spain and to satisfy most car-rental desks.
In Spain specifically, spain legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Hertz, Enterprise and Alamo require an IDP for non-EU licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Spain desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Spain 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 Spain
- 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; Spain drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Spain Thrifty renters should know
- Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be carried.
- Spare pair of glasses required if you wear them to drive.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.03% for novice drivers.
- Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating.