What to see & do with your IDP in San Marino?
San Marino may be one of Europe’s tiniest nations, but it offers scenic drives and rich cultural stops that make a rental car—and an international driving permit—a smart choice for curious explorers.
Begin your drive at the base of Mount Titano. The roads leading up are narrow yet paved, winding through historic surroundings. Park outside the capital’s pedestrian zone and ride the funivia (cable car) up to San Marino’s famous towers—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale. The elevated drive alone offers spectacular views over the Adriatic coast on clear days.
Next, steer your journey toward Borgo Maggiore, a more laid-back town just downhill from the capital. Known for its local markets and quieter pace, it’s a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy the authenticity of daily life away from tourist crowds. Continue along to Acquaviva or Fiorentino for more rural routes through olive groves and terraced farms.
Only a short drive from the border lies Rimini, Italy—an ideal destination for beach lovers or those interested in Roman history. The drive is quick, and with an IDP, you’ll encounter fewer issues renting a car in Italy and returning to San Marino with it.
Another popular road route is the Via del Passetto, where scenic countryside, valleys, and small hillside chapels await. This less-traveled path reveals San Marino’s slower, pastoral side—ideal for a leisurely afternoon behind the wheel.
Whether you’re chasing panoramic viewpoints or using San Marino as a springboard for wider adventures in Emilia-Romagna, your international driving permit ensures every road is open to you—both within the country and beyond.
Time to travel around San Marino
Thanks to its central location, San Marino is a great starting point for regional road trips. With an international driving permit, travelers can easily drive into Italy and continue toward other European destinations. Rental cars are widely accepted across borders, especially with the right documentation. Highways around San Marino are well-maintained, and border crossings for tourists are generally seamless.
Whether you’re headed to beach towns on the Adriatic or historic cities inland, your IDP simplifies car rental logistics and avoids language-related delays.
Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for San Marino
While San Marino does not operate its own rental car services, most visitors rent vehicles in Italy and drive into the microstate. In those cases, an international driving permit (IDP) is often requested—especially for travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, and non-EU countries. If your license is not written in Italian or doesn’t use the Latin alphabet, an IDP helps bridge communication gaps at rental desks and during road stops.
EU license holders can generally drive without issue, but travelers from the UK or elsewhere are advised to carry an IDP to avoid any delays when collecting a vehicle. Italian rental companies near San Marino, such as in Rimini or Cesena, frequently require both the original license and an IDP for bookings.
Local police in San Marino conduct occasional traffic stops, especially near town centers or during major events. The country’s mountainous roads require attentive driving, and penalties for traffic violations can be immediate. An IDP can be particularly useful in resolving any questions at the roadside, as it presents key license information in multiple languages.
Driving rules to note in San Marino and nearby areas:
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers
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Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads
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Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%
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Using a handheld mobile device while driving is illegal
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Tolls apply when using Italian highways
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Daytime headlights required in tunnels and poor visibility
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Fines may be issued on the spot for infractions
For further information on San Marino’s road rules, refer to Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
Need more advice before hitting the road? Check out our San Marino Driving Guide
An international driving permit (IDP) is not legally required for all visitors driving in Italy, but it is strongly recommended for non-EU travelers. If your domestic driver’s license is not in Italian or doesn’t use the Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, or Chinese characters), Italian police or car rental agencies may ask for an IDP alongside your home license. This is especially common when renting vehicles or during roadside checks. Even for U.S., Canadian, or Australian license holders, carrying an IDP helps prevent language-related issues and avoids potential rental refusals. It’s a practical document that provides multilingual identification of your driving credentials while traveling in Italy.
While AAA is one of the providers of IDPs in the United States, we do not refer or link to third-party services. If you’re looking for a fast and secure way to obtain your international driving permit, our platform offers a convenient digital application process with delivery options available as quickly as a few hours. This can be especially helpful for last-minute travelers or those already abroad. You can start your application securely through our website.
To obtain an international driving permit, you need to apply with a valid copy of your domestic driver’s license and a recent passport-style photo. Our platform makes the process simple: fill out the application form online, upload the required documents, and choose your delivery option. Once approved, you’ll receive a digital version by email, with physical shipping available if needed. The permit translates your driving credentials into 12 languages and is accepted in over 180 countries worldwide. You can begin the process directly on our site.
Italy allows U.S. travelers to drive for short stays with a valid U.S. driver’s license, but many rental companies and local authorities may request an international driving permit (IDP) as a supporting document. This is particularly relevant if your stay exceeds a few weeks, or if you’re driving outside major cities where roadside checks are more common. The IDP provides an Italian-language translation of your license, helping you comply with rental policies and easing interactions with traffic officers. For smoother travel, it’s advised to carry both your U.S. license and an IDP during your time in Italy.