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International Driving Permit (IDP): What you need to know
Planning on driving outside the UK? Do you need a UK International Driving Permit? Find out with our guide covering everything from which type of IDP you’ll need, to how to get one plus International Driving Permit latest news and turnaround times.
What is an International Driving Permit?
Thinking about hiring a car and driving abroad? Perhaps you're planning that road trip of a lifetime in the United States, Australia or New Zealand? When you're booking your hire car abroad or going on a road trip, one of the first steps is to check what you need to know before you go - including the travel documents you’ll need to hire a car on your holiday or business trip. You’ll also need to check for any extras you’ll need to drive safely and legally at your holiday destination like child seats.
To drive in many countries, you’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) whether you are planning to take your own car or hire a car. So, what is an International Driving Permit and what does it enable you to do?
An International Driving Permit is an official document containing a translation of your own GB Driving Licence or Northern Ireland Driving Licence into multiple languages which entitles you to drive a vehicle according to the road rules of each participating nation.
Essentially the IDP validates your UK Driving Licence for international travel when you are driving in certain countries. It is not the same as an International Driving Licence and when you are driving you will need to carry your UK Driving Licence with you at all times along with your IDP.
When you receive your IDP you’ll see it contains all the key details on your Driving Licence translated into 12 languages. This can be read by anyone who needs to see it in your destination country, whether that’s your car rental agent, government authority or the police. The IDP satisfies the authorities in the country you are visiting that your UK Driving Licence is up to date enabling you to drive legally in countries where a UK Driving Licence is insufficient.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
If you are a UK Licence holder with a photocard driving licence issued in the UK you don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in any country in the European Union (EU) or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Although if your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man you might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries.
Where do I need an International Driving Permit to drive outside of Europe?
For UK Licence holders, there are around 140 participating countries outside the EU where you’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit along with your UK Driving Licence.
Countries requiring UK Licence holders to have an IDP include popular destinations like the United States, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates as well as Japan, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
If you are hiring a car in a country outside the EU, once you’ve booked your hire car, for the latest advice on driving abroad we’d suggest checking the UK Government website.
Types of International Driving Permit
There are three different kinds of International Driving Permit: the International Driving Permit 1926, the International Driving Permit 1949 and the International Driving Permit 1968. If you are driving abroad and need an IDP, you’ll first need to check which IDP you need for the country you are travelling to.
The three IDPs relate to three different international motor transport treaties signed and recognised by Governments around the world. The International Driving Permit UK you apply for will depend on which IDP is required by the country you are visiting. If you are going on a road trip and plan on crossing borders, you’ll need to check the IDP required for each country you are visiting and you may need to buy more than one IDP.
How to get an International Driving Permit
UK International Driving Permits are only available in person from IDP participating PayPoint stores. These are readily accessible with more than 28,000 PayPoint locations around the UK, many of which can be found in newsagents.
What do you need to apply for an IDP?
To get an International Driving Permit UK you will need to go to a PayPoint location with your full GB (England, Scotland and Wales) or NI photocard Driving Licence and a passport quality photo plus the fee of £5.50. If you still have a paper driving licence you will need to take your passport along with you too.
International Driving Permit FAQs
What’s the news on International Driving Permit UK changes?
UK International Driving Licences used to be available via the Post Office network but since April 2024, the way to apply for DVLA IDPs has changed and you cannot order an IDP online but need to order and collect your IDP from a PayPoint location.
How long do IDPs last?
A 1926 IDP lasts for one year but today, the 1926 IDP is only required in two countries: Mexico and Somalia. Similarly, the 1949 IDP is valid for one year from the date when it was issued. The 1968 permit, which is recognised by most countries where an IDP is needed, lasts for three years.
What’s the average turnaround time for an IDP?
You’ll be able to collect your International Driving Permit straightaway provided you have the right documents and payment. You can buy an IDP ahead of time and delay the issue date by up to 3 months however you cannot back date the start of an IDP.
Can you drive abroad without an IDP?
You can drive in EU countries along with Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway without an International Driving Permit.
What are the penalties for driving without an International Driving Permit?
If you need an IDP in the country you are travelling to, it will be compulsory to have it with you along with your UK Licence when you are driving. Failure to carry an IDP if you need one for the country where you are travelling may have serious consequences resulting in a fine or arrest and your car may be impounded.
Are the driving laws in other countries different to the UK?
While many driving laws are similar around the world, there are also differences to be aware of even when driving in Europe. For example, in France, you need to carry reflective jackets for each occupant in the car together with a warning triangle. You’ll also find basics like national speed limits are different in every country.
Before you travel its useful to check the road rules of your destination country.
Do I need an IDP after Brexit?
UK motorists don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU and can still use a UK Driving Licence to drive in Europe after Brexit. However, if you are taking your own car to Europe, you will need a UK sticker on your car (depending on where you're driving) plus your vehicle logbook (V5C).
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am travelling to the UK and want to rent a car?
If you are travelling to the UK and hiring a car, you need to check whether you can drive with a non GB or NI Driving Licence via the UK Government website.