The 2021 law that ended the IDP requirement for most tourists
Greek Law 4850/2021 (Government Gazette 208/Α, published 5 November 2021), Article 25.3.η, removed the IDP requirement for driving licence holders from the following jurisdictions for tourist stays under six months: all EU and EEA countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. If your licence was issued by any of these countries, your home licence is the only document you need to rent and drive legally in Greece - no IDP required. This applies at the rental counter, during police checks and in the event of an accident. Despite this, many booking platforms (and car hire staff at larger airports) still ask for an IDP as a matter of corporate habit rather than Greek law. At Fast Motor Rental Naxos we follow the law as written. Your EU, UK, US, Canadian or Australian licence is sufficient.
When you do still need an IDP
If your driving licence was issued by a country not on the list above - China, India, Brazil, Russia, most Asian and Latin American countries - you are still legally required to carry a 1949 or 1968 International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Additionally: if your licence is printed in a non-Latin script (Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, etc.), even if the issuing country is technically exempt, we strongly recommend carrying an IDP - it makes the rental paperwork faster, police interaction smoother and accident procedures cleaner. An IDP from an AA, AAA or equivalent motoring association costs around €20–25 and takes 15 minutes to obtain at the office with your passport and licence photos. Get it before you fly.
What documents you actually need to rent with us
For EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most Western licence holders: your national driving licence and your passport or national ID. No IDP, no international licence translation, no notarised copy. For licences outside those jurisdictions: bring the IDP in addition. For scooters (50cc): a car licence (Category B) is sufficient in Greece. For scooters 125cc and above: Category A1, A2 or A licence required. For our buggies and ATVs: a standard car licence (Category B) is sufficient - these are classed as passenger vehicles, not off-road machinery, for licence purposes. Still not sure? WhatsApp us a photo of your licence before you book and we'll confirm instantly.