International Driving Permits: What you need to know

If you’re thinking of driving abroad, make sure you have the right documentation, including an international driving permit, sometimes called an international driver’s licence, before you hit the road. 

What is an international driving permit?

If you plan on driving abroad, chances are you need an international driving permit (IDP).

You might also see this document referred to as an international driver’s licence.

In a nutshell, an IDP lets you drive in more than 140 countries, including the USA.

It’s a multinational version of your UK driving licence.

The IDP is used as a complement to your UK driving licence, not a replacement. So make sure you have both with you when you drive abroad.

There are three different types of permit – the one you need depends on the country you're driving in.

If you’re planning to drive in more than one country, you might need more than one IDP.

Once your IDP has expired, you need to make a new application.

IDPs are different from green cards, which are used as proof of car insurance abroad.

When do I need an international driving permit?

In some countries, it’s a legal requirement to have an international driving permit or international driver’s licence In others it’s not compulsory, but car rental companies might not let you hire a car without one. So, to make things easier all round it’s probably worth your while getting an IDP, just in case.

Meanwhile, a few countries put restrictions on drivers, even with an IDP.

If you like to be prepared, you can get organised in advance and delay the start date of your IDP for up to three months.

Skip to the bottom to see a full list of countries where an IDP is needed, along with which type of permit you need for each destination.

EU countries

Broadly speaking, you don’t need an IDP to drive in the EU if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.

Although there are some slight variations from country to country.

For example, in Cyprus you need  a permit if your visit is longer than 30 days.

In Estonia you need one if you’re in the country for more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

In Luxembourg, you don’t need one unless you’re there for more than six months.

If you have an old-style paper driving licence, you might need an IDP, but again it depends on which country you’re visiting.

If your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you might need a permit.

Yet again, though, this varies from country to country so it’s important to check before you travel.

Norway

You don’t need an IDP if your visit is for up to 90 days. If your driving licence is a paper one, you might need a permit.

The advice is to check with the Norwegian embassy before you travel.

Switzerland

You don’t need a permit to drive in Switzerland.

USA

You do need an IDP to drive in the United States. You might also have  to show it to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident.

If you have a paper driving licence, you must have another form of photographic ID with you, such as your passport.

Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand

As with most non-EU countries, an IDP is required if you want to get behind the wheel.

What type of IDP do I need?

There are three types of international driving permit. Which one you need depends where you're driving.

• IDP 1926
• IDP 1949
• IDP 1968

What happens if I drive without an international driving permit?

This varies by country. But you could be hit with a fine or have your car confiscated if you aren’t able to show a valid IDP with your driving licence.

If you’re in a hire car when this happens, the hire car company is likely to charge you for the cost of releasing the car from the police.

How do I apply for an international driving permit? 

You can’t apply for an international driving permit online.  

To get your international driver’s licence you need to apply in person at the Post Office.

To be eligible for an international driving permit, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a UK resident
• Have a valid, full UK driving licence
• Although the minimum age to get an IDP is 18, some countries insist that you must be over 21 to hire a car.

When you go to the Post Office, make sure you take with you:

• Your full valid driving licence
• A passport-sized photo that you’ve signed on the back
• Your passport as ID, if you have an old paper driving licence

The IDP costs £5.50.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit?

The application process is straightforward and you should be able to pick up an IDP on the day you apply.

How long is an international driver's permit valid for? 

An international driving permit lasts for between one and three years, depending on the type of permit you apply for.

The 1926 and 1949 permits last for one year, while the 1968 lasts for three years (unless your UK driving licence runs out before then).

Full list of countries where you need an international driving permit

According to GOV.UK, these are the countries that you'll need an IDP in and what type you'll need.