International driving permit: do you need one?

​If you’re planning on driving abroad, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP). While UK driving licences are accepted in the European Union, IDPs are needed to drive legally in popular destinations like the US, Turkey, Japan and many others. Rules vary from country to country but this guide to the International Driving permit explains everything from how and where to get one to which countries require them, the different types of IDP and how much they cost.

If your United Kingdom driving licence is not recognised in the country you’re driving in it can cause headaches at the car hire desk, when dealing with local police or if you have to make an insurance claim. An International Driving Permit helps to bridge this gap. Recognised in over 140 different countries, an IDP is a paper document that sits alongside your UK driving licence, but it cannot be used independently of it.

Some countries make an International Driving Permit a legal requirement (with the IDP becoming a de facto international driver’s licence), while other countries make carrying an IDP voluntary. In the cases where the IDP is voluntary, it's definitely still worth having one up your sleeve, as it can make driving abroad less stressful. A common issue is that car rental firms will refuse a hirer who can’t show an IDP, even if it’s not a legal requirement to have one. The IDP also shows information in different languages which can be useful. 

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit is an internationally recognised translation of your UK driving licence and entitles you to drive a vehicle according to the rules agreed by every participating nation. The document is printed in multiple languages so anyone who needs to see your driving licence abroad should be able to understand it, whether they are a government authority or an agent at a car hire desk. Always keep your IDP and driving licence together.

The most important entitlement for most UK citizens is likely to be Category B – the entitlement to drive a vehicle, or vehicle and trailer, not exceeding 3,500kg in total, and not carrying more than eight passengers. Note that category B of the IDP matches that outlined on the rear of the UK driving licence photocard.

How do I get an International Driving Permit?

IDPs have historically only been available from participating Post Offices. However, as of 1 April 2024, IDPs are now only available from PayPoint locations. There are 28,000 PayPoint locations around the UK, many of which can be found in newsagents. You can find your nearest one on the PayPoint website.

To apply for a IDP, drivers will need:

• Their driving licence 
• Their passport
• A passport photo

An IDP costs £5.50 and you need to be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland, be over 18 and have a valid driving licence. It is not possible to buy an IDP online.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe?

You do not need an IDP when driving in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you hold a valid UK driving licence. However, if you have an old-format UK paper licence, or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you will need an International Driving Permit. 

If you're unsure about the requirements for the country you wish to visit, you can contact the relevant embassy for details, go to the GOV.UK website or see the table at the bottom of this page.

Since Brexit, regulations have changed regarding green cards, insurance and GB stickers when driving within the EU, so make sure to up to speed with those beforehand as well.

Which International Driving Permit do I need and how long do they last?

There are three different types of International Driving Permits. Each country requires a certain permit and that permit will expire after a set amount of time.

These are the three types of International Driving Permit:

• 1926 IDP (lasts for 1 year)
• 1949 IDP (lasts for 1 year)
• 1968 IDP (lasts for 3 years)

Most countries outside of the European Union will require a 1949 or 1968 IDP, – only Mexico and Somalia currently use the 1926 IDP.

All three permits will automatically run out if your driving licence expires, so it’s best to check the expiry date of your licence as well as that of any previous permits before you travel. 

If you’re unsure whether you need an IDP, the Department for Transport (DfT) advises you to get in touch with your car hire company or the embassy of the country you plan to drive in. Alternatively, you can check the table below for the type of IDP you need.

What happens if I drive without an International Driving Permit?

Consequences of being caught without a valid IDP in a country where it is a requirement will vary. You could:

• Be given a fine, arrested or face other enforcement action
• Have your car impounded and confiscated
• If you hire a car, the hire company could charge you for the cost of releasing the car from the police

Which countries require an International Driving Permit?

You may need different International Driving Permits depending upon the country or countries you are visiting and your length of stay. IDPs needed and additional information is listed in the table below.

If you're planning on driving abroad, our handy guides have you covered...

• Holiday car hire: scams, tips and how to get a great deal
• Driving on the right: we take our left-hand drive test
• European breakdown cover: top tips
• International driving permit: do I need one?
• Driving in France
• Driving in Spain
• Driving in Italy
• Driving in the USA