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Special Consular Services

Driving in Greece

International Driver Permits and Converting U.S. Licenses

International Driver Permits: Tourists and temporary residents who plan to drive in Greece must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an International Driving Permit. American citizens who plan to stay in Greece more than 185 days, according to local law, need to convert their U.S. driving license into Greek.  The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue international permits to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. An international driving permit issued by AAA can be obtained through the mail. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Section of the American Embassy has permit applications and a listing of all AAA offices in the U.S. Permit applications and instructions are also available on the AAA web site. If you are currently overseas you can mail your completed application to the following office and address:

AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Dr.
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mailstop #28
Tel. 407-444-4240

For more information, call ACS at 210-720-2415/19. International permits must be renewed every year by mail with the same procedure. Please note that the Greek Automobile Association (ELPA) is not authorized to issue or renew International Driving Permits for non-Greek licenses.

Important Notice:  If a U.S. tourist in Greece is stopped by traffic police and is found to drive without the proper documentation (valid U.S. license together with International Driving Permit) the U.S. citizen will be arrested and will face a trial.

The Rental car agencies in Greece sometimes rent cars to tourists without informing them of the problems that might occur if one is driving without the proper documentation

Renewing U.S. Licenses: To renew or replace a U.S. driver license, applicants should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in their own state for information. The Embassy is not authorized by any state to renew or replace driver licenses, nor can the Embassy administer driving or eye tests. Some states issue licenses only to those who actually reside in that state; if an applicant no longer resides in the U.S., he/she may not be able to get the U.S. driver licenses renewed.

Converting your U.S. Driver's License

Valid U.S. driving licenses may be converted to the equivalent category Greek driving licenses. The following documents are required for the conversion and must be submitted to your local Nomarchy's Office of Transportation and Communications:

  1. Application
  2. Sworn statement of Law (Form 1599/86) stating:
    1. The individual's full address
    2. That he/she is a regular resident of Greece
    3. That the current US license is valid (if this is not established by the text of the translated license)
    4. Tax Identification Number, and
    5. That he/she does not hold any other driver's license, Greek or of another country except the one to be converted.
  3. A photocopy of the US passport (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) or photocopy of both sides of the Greek ID card
  4. A photocopy of a valid residence permit or other equivalent document (if the individual does not have Greek nationality) establishing that it has been issued at least 185 days prior to the submission of the application
  5. A valid U.S. driver's license
  6. Translation of the U.S. license by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an attorney. In the case that the type of vehicles that can be driven by the holder of the license cannot be established, a statement by your State's Motor Vehicle Administration must be submitted, together with its translation by the above mentioned authorities
  7. The applicant must request from the Department of Motor Vehicles of the respective state, a statement verifying that his/her driver license hasn't been withheld or revoked due to any type of traffic violation. The statement should be forwarded along with the holder's Greek address, to the nearest Greek Consulate by the respective Motor Vehicle Administration. The Greek Consulate will then forward the statement to the appropriate Ministry of Transportation in Greece. A list of Greek Consulates in the U.S. is available at the American Embassy in Athens
  8. Two recent colored ID photographs
  9. A receipt issued by the National Bank of Greece for the payment of approximately € 3.00, for the Special account of Legal Decree No. 638/70
  10. Receipt from a Taxes and Duties Collection Office for the payment of the necessary revenue stamps and contributions to the Motorists Retirement Fund, according to the provisions in force for every category or sub-category of driver's licenses.
  11. Health certificate from a medical doctor
  12. Certificate from an oculist or from a Medical Committee of 2nd degree.