Documents to carry while driving by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Documents to carry while driving compared across countries: driving licence, vehicle registration papers, proof of insurance, identity document, fine for not carrying documents. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Driving licence | Vehicle registration papers | Proof of insurance | Identity document | Fine for not carrying documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Show on request | Registration parts on request | ⚠ Not yet verified | Show ID on request (14+) | EUR 110 licence, EUR 65 papers |
| France | Show valid licence (paper or digital) | Show the carte grise | Not needed since 1 April 2024 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to EUR 38; up to EUR 750 after 5 days |
| Italy | Valid licence with you | Carta di circolazione | Insurance certificate | Only learner drivers | EUR 42 to 173 |
| Portugal | Must carry; app or digital copy allowed | Registration, vehicle ID and inspection record | Insurance certificate; app allowed | Personal ID (and tax ID if not on it) | EUR 60 to EUR 300 |
| Greece | Must carry; paper or digital | Circulation licence, road tax receipt | Must carry; not for rental cars | ⚠ Not yet verified | EUR 30 per missing document |
| Hungary | Not required (Hungarian licence) | Not required (Hungarian vehicles) | Checked in register; driver may prove | Hand over ID at a check | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Romania | Driving licence must be shown on request | Registration document shown on request | ⚠ Not yet verified | ID shown on request | Class III: 6 to 8 penalty points |
| Japan | Carry licence; show on request | Inspection certificate in car | Compulsory insurance certificate in car | ⚠ Not yet verified | Licence up to JPY 20,000 |
How to read the comparison
The table compares these points:
- Driving licence
- Vehicle registration papers
- Proof of insurance
- Identity document
- Fine for not carrying documents
Before you rely on it
These are national rules. Regions, cities, employers and venues can add their own, and the law changes. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.