We are heading to France this summer and someone suggested to me that we need an International Licence in order to rent a car there. Has anyone experienced this? Alternatively is a french translation of the licence required?

Hi Linda,
I have yet to visit a country where an international driver's license was actually legally required to rent a car (including France). I believe Japan is one country that is known for being strict about having one, and they are more of an exception than the rule.
The international driver's license isn't a legal requirement in most countries. It's just a translation document, that makes it easier for police officer's in other countries to understand your license.
What you will hear from traveler's is that in certain country's, if you get pulled over, there's a small chance you might run into a police officer who uses a lack of an international driver's license as an excuse to fine you.
From what I've heard, Italy is known for this, but I've never personally had any issues there, or any other country in Europe.
You will also hear many people say it's 'better to be safe than sorry' and just get one. I don't really agree with that sentiment, because by that logic, you should get *every* form of insurance possible.
And that's really what I view the international driver's license as, a piece of insurance. A $20 piece of insurance that probably rakes in millions for AMA
If you think you'll be driving somewhere where you're likely going to get pulled over, and likely to be asked to produce an international driver's license, and likely to run into an officer having a bad day, and it gives you peace of mind to have it, well, then it could be worth getting.

Japan will not rent to you without it.

Yes, and it’s easy to get at AMA.

Agree with Chris! I have never had to produce anything...but then, wouldn't want to risk it in the case of a serious situation.

We just went to France and did not need one

We rented a car in Paris and drove to the South of France and all around. Our AB licence sufficed, I was not asked for any other documents, other than to show my passport

Never had an issue. Rented cars in many countries, including France

The only accepted translation of a drivers licence is the international drivers licence issued by AMA or whoever issues in other provinces. They may never ask for one but if the French authorities do, you’d be best advised to produce it. $15 and 10 min at AMA office.

We are in France right now and used our Alberta Drivers License.

f

$25 AMA and suggest more than one driver get it as you never know if you need to help drive. Last 1 year.

Best to get if something goes wrong ...always plan for most difficult circumstance... especially in Europe

We've rented cars many times in France (and Czeckia, Italia, Germany, Greece, and Netherlands) and we I have never been asked for an international DL. And in Jordan, where we are now, in the desert somewhere.

CHeck with your credit card company. They may have some insurance coverage if you rent the car with their card.

We rented a car from Germany to France and at that time my dad has an international license. We used the Sixt rental agency. We didn't know if its a legal requirement but it's better to be safe than sorry. At that time it was less than $30 get it done at AMA

Its easy to get it just go to AMA

In Italy if you are stopped by the carabinieri with their machine guns you are very glad you have it. Some countries it is required others not. Pays to check if it is recommended or required!

WHAT IS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE
Sometimes referred to as an IDL or IDP (International Driver's Permit), an International Driver's License is a translation of important information from your Canadian driver's license into several different languages. IDLs are available in a number of languages, including German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. This form of identification is not a stand alone document; it is only valid if it is presented with your primary license. An IDP is extremely helpful if you happen to get pulled over for a traffic violation or need to communicate with foreign authorities for any reason.
WHO NEEDS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT?
If you plan to be in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle at any time while you're traveling in a country where the primary language is not your own, it is recommended that you get an International Driving Permit. Besides potential fines for not having one should you come in contact with local authorities, another excellent reason to be sure that you are in possession of an IDP is that without it, some car rental suppliers will not let you pick up your rental car, putting a quick halt on your travel plans before they've even begun.
WHAT COUNTRIES REQUIRE AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE?
While it is always a good idea to obtain an IDL before driving overseas, there are some countries in Europe that legally require you to carry the document. Here's a list of countries that require an International Driver's License:
Austria
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Croatia
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Spain

Rent your car outside of Paris. Getting out of Paris is a challenge to say the least! So many tunnels where the GPS doesn’t work. The trains are so easy to use!

It's very easy to get an IDL. We did ours at an AMA even though we aren't members. https://www.amatravel.ca/.../what-is-an-international...
AMATRAVEL.CA
How to Get an International Driving Permit | AMA Travel

You do not need one in France. Rented one last week.

Beware of traffic cameras. We got a few speeding tickets while on France for going 61 in a 60 zone. I'm not exaggerating

Agree, France is the only European country (having driven in many) where we have been hit with a speeding ticket

Susan this is so true! Got one a year ago.

Not sure about France but I do know it is required in Spain. For $25 it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Yes. Pick one up at the AMA just to be safe.

They are allowed to ask for them (the rental agency and the police) but often don’t. I usually have one just in case - quick & easy at the AMA. CDG has the best selection of vehicles to rent but is generally a circus. Cheaper and easier to train out and rent elsewhere if your plans allow for it.

Just got back from Italy and we had obtained the ama international licenses before going. Didn't need it to rent the car but we got pulled over at a random check point. The Italian policeman didn't speak English so we gave him the international driver's license. No problems and they sent us on our way. Glad we had it and for $25 I think it better to be safe than sorry.

I have an international drivers licence but have never been asked for it, renting or buying cars in Europe. All it is is a document translating your drivers licence conditions into different languages. And if you do have one ,you probably don't have to get another one as nobody cares about the expiry date. It is not of any use unless accompanied by a valid drivers licence.

Depending on the length of time you will need a car, it can be easier and less expensive to lease a car through Renault Canada. You drive a new vehicle with GPS and it is fully insured (no deductable). France does not require an international license but if you decide to do a side trip and end up in another country you may need one (Italy comes to mind). What's really cool is that the registration papers are in your name. The downside is that any speeding tickets are sent to your Cdn address. Pick up at CDG is easy as they have a courtesy phone and will send a driver to pick you up. When you return the car you will get a ride back to CDG. All trains from CDG go to Paris so it's hard to get on the wrong train. just know the station to get off at. France has many toll roads and using them can add a substantial cost to your vacation. We generally program the GPS to avoid toll roads and enjoy the countryside and small villages.

It’s $ 35 but go ahead and take your chances on a ruined holiday. Every insurance policy will cancel your benefits if you don’t follow the rules of the country you are visiting.

Go to AMA and get it. It’s free

Jean-Mar we have always had to pay about 25$

You do not need one. Rented for two
weeks out of Nice last year. Rentals are surprisingly cheap. The tickets are not. Beware the photo
radar is everywhere. But my AB license was fine.

Don’t need one.

Didn’t need it in Italy.

Jan were you stopped?

Jan we have been stopped twice by carabinieri with machine guns and were very glad we had it, no problems, when we first handed them our Canadian license they were unimpressed. Don’t leave home without it for Italy!

Brenda we rented the car at the port, where we were told we didn’t need one, as long as we have our own licence and drove to Florence and back. No we weren’t stopped but a speeding ticket caught up to us 3 months later! I have since read that Italy requires an IDP, so best to spend the $20 in case you do have a meeting with the police.

Didn't need one in France in 2016, but it was required when we went to Greece last year (2018). I usually get one when going to Europe as I don't want to take a chance that the rules change. Yes, it's a bit of an insurance policy that may or may not be needed, but it could affect your vacation experience.

Just ask the rental agency....we are also renting and they said we did not need one.

Its very easy to get here. id recommend