International driving permit required for Australians renting cars in USA?

[pn1]

I have booked a rental car from Boston Airport (USA) for three days.

The documentation says an international driving permit is mandatory.

Prior to COVID, I had rented cars at different airports in the USA and not once had been required to have an international driving permit.

Fortunately, I checked the fine print in time to be able to get a permit from the RACV.

I wonder what other recent experiences people on here may have had.

Paul in Melbourne

 

[Austman]

I think it's a possible issue when your Driver Licence is not in English.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document.

 

[cjd600]

About a dozen US rentals, never had, or needed an International permit.
Even when pulled over for allegedly speeding by the Georgia State trooper, my Aussie licence was fine. And I wasn't fined for speeding (allegedly).

 

[pn1]

I think it's a possible issue when your Driver Licence is not in English.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document.

I've held a Victorian licence since 1968!

 

[Franky]

I've held a Victorian licence since 1968!

Just a beginner then?....

 

[Princess Fiona]

Never needed one anywhere in the USA. Multiple rentals over the past 10 plus years.

 

[drron]

And we have been driving around the USA for 40 years. in every State as well and have always had only my Aussie licence.

 

[RooFlyer]

Previous thread on the topic, 2019

International Driving Permits/Licences

I haven't bothered with an International Driving Licence for, oh, 30 years or so and thought they were irrelevant these days with photo national drivers licences. But reading this story from OMaaT, maybe they are still required for car hire in some places. Looks like Japan is a definite one...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[pn1]

I checked the fine print in great detail and discovered, well down in the wordiness, that an international permit is required if your driving licence is NOT in English. However, the covering documentation from Amex Travel (where I made the booking) clearly states an IDP is required. Again, I've been trumped by the use of standard sentences rather than plain English? My "problem" appears to be solved. Thanks for the assistance and feedback.