Yes, non-EU citizens need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Spain. EU citizens can use their national driver’s license.
Detailed answer to your question
According to Spanish law, non-EU citizens must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a vehicle in Spain. The IDP is a translation of the driver’s home country license and should be obtained before arriving in Spain. This permit must be presented along with the driver’s license when renting a car. EU citizens, on the other hand, can use their national driver’s licenses.
The IDP can be obtained by visiting the nearest automobile organization in the driver’s home country. It is a relatively easy and straightforward process, and usually takes only a few minutes. The permit is valid for one year and can be used in any country that recognizes it.
There are several other things to keep in mind when renting a car in Spain:
- The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, though some rental companies may require the driver to be older.
- Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name to hold a deposit.
- Drivers must carry their license, IDP, and rental contract with them at all times while driving.
- It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt in the car and drivers can be fined if passengers are not wearing one as well.
- Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, and speed limits are in kilometers per hour.
According to the popular travel website TripSavvy, “The International Driving Permit is not a license—it’s an official, multilingual translation of your driver’s license, and it can only be used in conjunction with a valid government-issued driver’s license. It does not, in any way, replace your driver’s license.” Therefore, it is important to obtain both the IDP and your home country license before renting a car in Spain.
Table:
| EU citizens | Non-EU citizens |
|---|---|
| Can use their national driver’s license | Need an International Driving Permit |
Check out the other answers I found
Spain is the EU and as such, is pretty strict on formalities and legalities. To rent a car in Spain you will need a full EU driving license or an international driving license. Most rental companies will also insist that the license has been held for at least 12 months.
To rent a car, you need to get your international driving permit for Spain. Documents required to rent a car in Spain You need to provide the following documents: International Driving Permit (ID License or national driver’s license in Latin characters, however, there is a particular risk that some Spanish provinces will not accept it);
Yes, you will need an International Driver’s Permit, along with your primary driver’s license. What documents do I need to drive in Spain? In order to drive in Spain, you will need your driver’s license and International Driver’s Permit, passport, proof of insurance, and ownership or rental documents.
If you plan to visit Spain and drive during your trip, you must obtain an AATA or AAA international driver’s license. It is valid for one year from its date of issuance. As such, if you plan to stay longer or become a resident, then you must complete the process to obtain a Spanish license.
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The International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is a crucial document recognized by over 150 countries worldwide. The booklet contains the driver’s personal information and a translated version of their driver’s license, as well as any restrictions and eligible vehicle categories. It is recommended to carry an IDP, even if your license is valid overseas, as many car rental companies require it. Applying for an IDP can be done through government licensing authorities or third-party organizations that offer online applications with worldwide shipping. The IDP only translates the information on your license and does not provide additional driving privileges, and it becomes invalid when your license is revoked or suspended.
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Can you drive in Spain with US driver’s license?
The reply will be: Can I drive with my U.S. driver’s license in Spain? U.S. citizens who plan to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to their arrival. An international driving permit translates your state-issued driver’s license into ten languages so that officials in foreign countries can interpret it.
What documents do I need to drive a rental car in Spain?
The response is: To rent a car in Spain you will need a full EU driving license or an international driving license. Most rental companies will also insist that the license has been held for at least 12 months. Most rental companies also require a deposit to be paid by credit card only.
Can I rent a car in Europe with a US driver’s license?
Can I rent a car in Europe with a US Driver’s License? Yes, you will need both your passport and your driver’s license to rent a car in Europe.
Can you rent a car in Europe without an international license?
Answer to this: All drivers must present a valid non-expired driver’s license at the time of rental. Those holding a license issued in a Non-Latin-Letter Alphabet must also present a valid International Drivers Permit. All overseas renters require a passport as well as a driving license.
How to rent a car in Spain?
Spain is the EU and as such, is pretty strict on formalities and legalities. To rent a car in Spain you will need a full EU driving license or an international driving license. Most rental companies will also insist that the license has been held for at least 12 months. Most rental companies also require a deposit to be paid by credit card only.
Do I need a driving licence to drive in Spain?
As a response to this: Longer than that, you need to get a driving licence from an EU country. If your domestic driving licence is printed with non Roman Alphabet (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc), an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Spain.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I rent a car?
Whether or not you need to have an International Driving Permit depends on the car rental company. In general, if you have a US driver’s license you likely won’t be asked for your IDP if you rent a car in Canada, in Europe or other English-speaking countries. In South American countries, you likely will.
Do I need a photo ID to rent a car in Spain?
The reply will be: Some Spanish car rental companies require you to have a photo ID licence. If your foreign licence does not have a photo ID, you should get an IDP before travelling to Spain if you intend to rent a car. UK drivers with the new-style photo card licence will need both the paper counterpart and photo card.
Do you need an international driving license to drive in Spain?
Response will be: We suggest you apply for the International Driving License (IDL) to be on a safe side. US citizens who want to rent a car in Spain should apply for and get their IDL before going to Spain. Tourists driving in Spain should keep it in mind. Consider that international driving permit does not replace valid US state license.
How to rent a car in Spain?
The answer is: Spain is the EU and as such, is pretty strict on formalities and legalities. To rent a car in Spain you will need a full EU driving license or an international driving license. Most rental companies will also insist that the license has been held for at least 12 months. Most rental companies also require a deposit to be paid by credit card only.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I rent a car?
The answer is: Whether or not you need to have an International Driving Permit depends on the car rental company. In general, if you have a US driver’s license you likely won’t be asked for your IDP if you rent a car in Canada, in Europe or other English-speaking countries. In South American countries, you likely will.
How old do you have to be to drive in Spain?
As a response to this: Driving age: You must be 18 years old to drive and 21 years old to rent a car in Spain. Alcohol: The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.05 percent or 0.25 milligrams per liter in exhaled air. Drunk driving laws and punishments are strict in Spain, and you could be thrown in jail for having a high blood alcohol level.