An International Driving Permit (IDP) - also known as an international driving license - lets you legally drive in over 140 countries, including the USA. It works alongside your UK driving licence, not instead of it, so you'll need to carry both.
Key takeaways
- There are 3 types of IDP: 1926, 1949, and 1968. Which one you need depends on where you're going.
- An IDP costs £5.50. You can only get one in person - there's no online option.
- A 1968 IDP lasts 3 years, or until your UK driving licence expires - whichever happens first.
- Driving in the EU or EEA? You don't need an IDP - your UK licence is enough.
- Driving without the right IDP could mean a fine, your car being taken away, or trouble hiring a car.
When do I need an international driving permit?
If you're driving outside the EU or EEA, you'll almost certainly need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
There are 3 types of IDPs, and which one you need depends on the international agreement your destination country follows:
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1926 IDP
-
1949 IDP
-
1968 IDP
Countries where you need an IDP
- Turkey: requires a 1968 IDP.
- USA: certain states need a 1949 IDP. If you have a paper licence, carry another photo ID (like your passport). You might also need to show your IDP to your insurer if you have an accident.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): requires a 1968 IDP.
Countries where you don't need an IDP
You won't need an IDP in these countries, as long as your stay is within the permitted period:
- Spain: if staying for less than 6 months.
- Greece
- France
- Germany: if staying for less than 6 months. A 1968 IDP is needed if you have a paper licence or a licence from the Isle of Man.
- Italy
- Portugal: if staying for less than 6 months.
- Ireland: if staying for less than 12 months.
For a full list of IDP requirements by country, check GOV.UK.
Important: an IDP doesn't replace your driving licence or car insurance policy. You still need to make sure your car insurance covers you to drive abroad.
"Before you drive abroad, check your car insurance policy documents to make sure you have cover for driving abroad. Many insurers offer up to 30 days' third-party cover to drive in Europe, and you can usually upgrade this at an extra cost. Easy-peasy! "And, just keep in mind - if you're driving outside the EU, you might also need a green card to prove you've got insurance. Unsure what the rules are for the destination you're headed to? No worries. You can check the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office before you travel."
What our motor insurance expert says
When might I not need an international driving permit?
In some countries, an IDP isn't a must-have. But if you're hiring a car, most rental companies will ask for it. So, it's usually worth getting just in case.
If you have a UK photocard driving licence, you don't need an IDP to drive in:
- The EU
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Many of these countries allow you to drive without an IDP for a set period - usually up to 6 months. But it's always smart to check the latest rules before you go!
Not sure whether your licence works abroad without one at all? Check our guide to driving in the UK with an international licence.
How do I apply for an international driving permit?
Need an IDP? In the UK, it's currently not possible to apply online. But getting your permit is easy enough - you'll just need to visit a shop that offers PayPoint services.
Once you get there, you'll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old. Heads up: some countries insist that you must be over 21 to hire a car. So, if you're under 21 and want to drive, check this ahead of time.
- Be a UK resident. You'll probably be asked to prove this.
- Have a valid, full UK driving licence. Provisional driving licences aren't accepted.
Don't forget to bring:
- Your full driving licence
- A passport-sized photo that you've signed on the back
- If you have a paper licence, your passport is a form of ID
Currently, the IDP costs £5.50.
How long does an international driving permit last?
That all depends on what IDP you get.
Let's break it down:
- 1926 IDPs - Good for 1 year
- 1949 IDPs - Also valid for 1 year
- 1968 IDPs - These last the longest, at 3 years, or until your UK driving licence expires - whichever comes first
What happens if I drive without an international driving permit?
Different countries have different rules, but if you're caught without a valid IDP, you could:
- Get fined
- Have your car confiscated
- If it's a rental, the hire company might charge you to get it back
Making sure you have the IDP you need can save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
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