Don't leave home without Post Office Travel Insurance
Use our branch finder to find your nearest branch that allows you to apply for an IDP.
What is an IDP?
An International Driving Permit is a permit that allows you to drive in countries where a UK licence alone is not sufficient. These countries include the USA, Brazil and Japan, among others.
Do I need one?
An IDP is required or recommended in over 140 countries. Use our IDP Checker tool below to check the requirements of the country you are planning on driving in.
How do I apply?
Find your nearest Post Office branch that offers the IDP service using our branch finder tool.
Bring along your full valid UK photo-card driving licence, a passport standard photograph (see FAQs), and your valid passport as proof of identification if presenting an older paper version licence.
Which country are you planning on driving in?
Just tell us where you want to go then we'll tell you whether you need an IDP
IDPs are currently not required within EU countries, in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, IDPs may be required for people intending to drive in EU countries and this scenario is reflected in the information currently shown on the country checker tool.
Post Offices offering the IDP service can provide information on IDP requirements, or you can visit www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
To drive in
An International Driving Permit may be required.
Please check with the authorities in the country you are visiting
When hiring a car abroad, remember that licence requirements worldwide do vary. If you’re making an advance reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm the driving licence requirements of the countries you’re visiting. Without this info, consider an IDP as a precautionary measure. It’s the motorist’s responsibility to check with the driving authority of the country they are visiting for specific driving requirements
Cannot find country name
Please enter the full official country name. e.g. For USA enter United States
When hiring a car abroad, remember that licence requirements worldwide do vary. If you’re making an advance reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm the driving licence requirements of the countries you’re visiting. Without this info, consider an IDP as a precautionary measure. It’s the motorist’s responsibility to check with the driving authority of the country they are visiting for specific driving requirements
To drive in
No International Driving Permit is required
When hiring a car abroad, remember that licence requirements worldwide do vary. If you’re making an advance reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm the driving licence requirements of the countries you’re visiting. Without this info, consider an IDP as a precautionary measure. It’s the motorist’s responsibility to check with the driving authority of the country they are visiting for specific driving requirements
To drive in Benin you will need an
International Driving Permit 1949
Permit valid for 1 Year
How to apply
Bring the following…
- Full valid UK driving licence - photocard or an older paper licence
- A passport sized photograph - a recent true likeness of the applicant (see FAQs).
- The £5.50 application fee (cash or debit / credit card)
- Original valid passport as proof of identification, if presenting an older paper version licence
Find your nearest branch
Branch FinderWhen hiring a car abroad, remember that licence requirements worldwide do vary. If you’re making an advance reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm the driving licence requirements of the countries you’re visiting. Without this info, consider an IDP as a precautionary measure. It’s the motorist’s responsibility to check with the driving authority of the country they are visiting for specific driving requirements
What you need when applying
Driving in the EU after Brexit
The Government has confirmed that if there is no deal with the EU then recognition of UK driving licences in the EU may end.
Where’s my nearest branch?
Going abroad? You might also be interested in…
Travel Money
Competitive online rates and 0% commission from UK's No.1 currency provider.
Passport Check & Send
From form to photos, we’ll make sure your application meets all HM Passport Office requirements. No fuss, no mistakes.
Travel Tips and News
From preparing to visit somewhere new to getting your passport application through first time, the Post Office is here to help.
FAQs
What is the impact of driving in the EU and do I need a Green Card?
You may have heard in the news that in the event of a no deal Brexit, customers who will be driving in the EU after the UK leaves may be required under EU regulations to obtain a Green Card from their insurer as proof of insurance.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31st October 2019 and the European Commission does not make a decision to exempt UK registered vehicles from being checked for proof of insurance, you will need to carry a Green Card when driving in the EU and EEA. Those who travel without one may be breaking the law and may not be allowed to drive in the country they are visiting. Vehicles towing a trailer or caravan will also need a separate Green Card for the trailer or caravan.
If you are travelling before 31st October and returning after this date - please contact us 21 days before you are travelling and we will arrange for a Green Card to be sent to you in case it may be required.
If you are travelling after 31st October 2019 - please contact us 21 days before you are travelling and we will arrange for one to be sent to you if required.
Please keep an eye on the following websites for further updates around any changes to Green Card requirements.
- Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit URL: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-to-drive-in-the-eu-after-brexit
- International Driving Permits: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-driving-permits-for-uk-drivers-from-28-march-2019#driving-abroad-before-28-march-2019
- The Motor Insurance Bureau: https://www.mib.org.uk/driving-abroad-eu-exit
What countries require international driving permit?
Not every country requires an IDP. Use our country checker tool to search for your destination country.
I am a foreign national in the UK, can I apply for an IDP?
You can only apply for an IDP if you hold a full,valid UK driving licence.
Can someone apply for an IDP on my behalf?
Yes they can, providing they have the correct supporting documents.
Can I drive in my destination country with just an IDP ?
No. You need to carry your supporting valid UK driving licence wherever you drive.
How long does an IDP last?
IDPs are valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the type required for your destination country. 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.
Can I apply for an IDP before I travel?
Yes. You can apply 3 months before you travel, however a permit cannot be backdated.
Can I apply for more than one IDP?
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.
What photograph is acceptable for an IDP application?
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 and have no shadow in it
- Free from any reflection or glare from glasses
- In good condition, not damaged creased torn or marked,
How can I get in touch?
Online:
Using our online contact form
By Post:
FREEPOST
POST OFFICE
CUSTOMER CARE
Alternatively Textphone us:
0345 722 3355
Need to contact us using Braille, audio or large print? No problem, we'll respond to you in the same format.