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INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS (IDP)

Planning on driving abroad?

You may need an International Driving Permit

IDP Country Checker

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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.

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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 Finder

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

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What you need when applying

  •  Full valid UK driving licence - photocard or an older paper licence
  • A passport standard 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
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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. 

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Where’s my nearest branch?

Use our branch finder to find your nearest branch that allows you to apply for an IDP.

 

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when you purchase it with another selected travel product

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FAQs

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:
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Definitions

ˠ Offer open to customers who purchase Travel Money or load currency onto a new or existing Travel Money Card  in-branch or online (minimum spend applies to online purchases), or use Passport or Digital Passport Check & Send service in-branch, or apply for an International Driving Permit in-branch between 1 June and 29 September 2019, and then go on to buy a new Travel Insurance Policy online, by phone or in-branch, between 1 June and 29 September 2019 or renew a Travel Insurance Policy online, or by phone, between 1 June and 29 September 2019. Customers must use the promotional code provided when buying the Travel Insurance Policy and must have a valid email address. One £10 Amazon.co.uk Gift Cardˡ (ˡRestrictions apply, see  www.amazon.co.uk/gc-legal) or Hawaiian Tropic Sun Cream Bundle to the value of £33 per Policy, providing each Policy is purchased at least 30 days apart. Customers have 14 days to claim the gift from receipt of email on how to redeem. Gifts will be sent within 7 days of being claimed. Each Gift is subject to its own t&cs. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. For full T&Cs visit postoffice.co.uk/traveloffer19.