International Driving Permits (IDPs)
What is an International Driving Permit? (IDP)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential for UK drivers who are planning to drive abroad. IDPs support a British or Northern Irish driving licence in countries where your UK driving licence alone may not be sufficient. This is an internationally recognised document that translates your licence into several languages, making it easier for foreign authorities to understand.
There are three types of IDPs (1926, 1949, and 1968) and the type you need depends on the country or countries you're planning to visit. Make sure to check the specific requirements of your destination to ensure you're carrying the correct IDP.
How do I get an international driving permit?
If you have a full UK driving licence - either a photocard or paper version - you can apply for an IDP at PayPoint stores.
If you hold a driving licence from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a foreign country or drive under a diplomatic licence, you are unfortunately not eligible to apply.
Full valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence -
photocard or an older paper licence
The £5.50 application fee
(cash or card)
A passport standard photograph -
a recent true likeness of the applicant
Original valid passport as proof of identification,
if presenting an older paper version licence
Which IDP do I need?
You don't need an IDP to drive here
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 90 days. You must get your permit certified by local authorities when you arrive
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months. If you have a paper driving licence, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Belgian Embassy
IDP needed for car hire
You don't need an IDP to drive here
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Croatian Embassy
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for visits up to 30 days. For visits longer than 30 days you’ll need a 1949 IDP. If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1949 IDP for any length of visit. Check with the High Commission of Cyprus
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Czech Republic Embassy
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 90 days
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you hold a paper driving licence you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Estonian Embassy
If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months. If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the German Embassy
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days. If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 12 months. If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Hungarian Embassy
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 30 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 12 months
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 12 months. If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need a 1949 IDP. Check with the Malta High Commission
IDP needed for car hire. If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident
You don’t need an IDP to drive here
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 90 days. If you hold a paper driving licence you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Norwegian Embassy
IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days
IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 90 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months
If you hold a paper driving licence or a driving licence from the Isle of Man, you may need a 1968 IDP. Check with the Romanian Embassy
IDP needed for car hire
IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 30 days
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months. For visits longer than 6 months you’ll need a 1968 IDP
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months. For visits longer than 6 months you’ll need a 1968 IDP
If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 6 months
As well as the IDP, you must get a Sri Lankan recognition permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo
Show your UK driving licence or IDP to the police to get a visitor’s licence
Show your UK driving licence or IDP to the police to get a visitor’s licence
You don’t need an IDP to drive here for periods up to 12 months
You don't need an IDP to drive here
IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days
If you have an older, paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident
Why do you need an IDP when driving abroad
Whether you're exploring Europe, USA, or Australia, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) is an essential travel document. This document makes sure that you're legally allowed to drive in countries that may not recognise or allow your UK driving licence. Make sure you're covered for your next trip and avoid fines and legal issues by applying for an IDP before you travel.
Understanding the different types of IDP
There are three types of IDPs, each of these offer different levels of coverage for specific countries. It’s important that you choose the right one for your destination(s). The 1949 IDP is the most common, but if you’re planning to drive in countries like Italy or the USA, you may need the 1926 or 1968 versions.
Avoid common mistakes when applying for your IDP
Be careful not to overlook important details when applying for an IDP, this can often lead to delays or rejection of your application. Some common mistakes include applying too early (you cannot apply more than 3 months before you travel), not having the correct supporting documents, or applying for the wrong type of IDP. Make sure you understand these rules before applying.
What to do If you lose your IDP while abroad
Losing your IDP while abroad can be stressful, but it’s important to know what the next steps are if this happens. You should contact your nearest embassy or consulate to report the loss and follow their advice for getting a replacement. Keep in mind that some countries may require an IDP to rent a vehicle or to be legally recognised as a driver, it’s always good to have a backup plan, just in case.
Find your nearest store offering DVLA IDPs
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Got a question? Ask us anything
Not every country requires an IDP. You can use our country checker tool to search for the country you wish to visit and its requirements.
If you hold a full, valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence, you can apply for an IDP. If you hold an international driving licence, you will need to check your country's agreement on driving in your destination country.
Yes, anyone can apply for an IDP on your behalf if they have all of your correct documents. They will need:
- your full valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence – which can be a photocard or an older paper licence (if you have a paper licence, a valid passport will be required as proof of identification)
- your passport standard photograph (detailed in the FAQ below)
- the correct fee
You will need a photograph for each permit you apply for, and it must be:
- recent, a true likeness of the applicant and of the full head
- in colour, against a light background
- clear, in sharp focus, free from 'red eye’ and with no shadows
- free from any reflection or glare from glasses
- in good condition, not damaged, creased, torn, or marked
Yes. You need to carry your IDP and a valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence.
Depending on the type of IDP needed for your destination country, IDPs might be valid for one to 3 years. A 1968 IDP remains valid for 3 years, or until your driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
Providing you have the correct IDP, you can use your IDP in as many countries as you like whilst it is still valid. No matter how long the IDP is valid, some countries, like Japan, only let you drive with one for a year.
You may apply for an IDP up to 3 months before your date of travel. Permits cannot be backdated.
You may apply for as many IDPs as you need. Please remember that you will need a passport standard photograph for each IDP.
