The last date to buy international driving permits in Post Office branches was 31 March 2024. If you have bought one from us before this date, it will still be valid. Check the common IDP question section for more details.
Withdrawal of IDPs from sale at Post Office
-
You can buy international driving permits from Post Office up to and including 31 March 2024.
-
Please visit the GOV.UK website for more information on where to buy an international driving permit from 1 April 2024 onwards.
-
Yes. All IDPs bought at a Post Office branch before 1 April 2024 will continue to be valid until their expiry date.
-
Yes. IDPs can be forwarded up to 3 months. They can’t be backdated.
-
Please visit the GOV.UK website for more information on where to buy an international driving permit from 1 April 2024 onwards.
-
Please visit the GOV.UK website for more details on where you’ll need an international driving permit and where to get one. This is regularly updated with the latest information.
About International Driving Permits
-
An IDP is required or recommended in over 140 countries. The IDP you need depends on what country you're visiting.
You can check if you need an IDP on the government website. If you’re travelling through more than one country, you might need more than one type of IDP.
-
Please check the GOV.UK website for the latest guidance on which IDP you may need for driving.
-
Not every country requires an IDP. You can check if you need an IDP on the government website by searching for your destination country.
Driving abroad
-
No. You need to carry your supporting valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence wherever you drive.
-
IDPs are valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the type of IDP required for your destination country. A 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years or until the expiry of your driving licence, whichever is sooner.
Whilst your IDP is valid it can be used in as many countries as you wish providing you have the correct version. Some countries, like Japan, only allow you to drive for one year on an IDP, regardless of the length of its validity.
-
For further information about driving abroad, please visit the GOV.UK website.
Applying for an IDP
-
Yes. You can apply 3 months before you travel, however a permit cannot be backdated.
-
Yes, you can purchase as many permits as required. Please remember that you may need more than one permit if you are travelling or driving through more than one country, you should check the requirements for each country.
-
You can apply for an IDP if you hold a full, valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence or if your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
-
Yes they can, providing they have the correct supporting documents.
-
The photograph must be:
- Recent true likeness of the applicant and of the full face (face forward with nothing covering your face)
- In colour, against a light grey or cream background
- Clear, in sharp focus, free from red-eye with no shadow
- Free from any reflection or glare from glasses
- In good condition, not damaged, creased, torn or marked