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Use our branch finder to find your nearest branch that allows you to apply for an IDP.
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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.
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
For Travel in the EU existing arrangements will continue unchanged for the duration of the transition period - until 31 December 2020. This means that UK driving licences will continue to be recognised in the EU without the need for an IDP. Arrangements for January 2021 onwards will be subject to the EU-UK future relationship negotiations.
Post Offices offering the IDP service can provide information on IDP requirements, or you can visit www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
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
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
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 you will need an
International Driving Permit
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
Add outline border
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?
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FAQs
What is the impact of driving in the EU and do I need a Green Card?
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, customers who will be driving in the EU and EEA may be required under EU regulations to obtain a Green Card from their insurer as proof of insurance. If this is the case, it will take effect from 1 January 2021. Drivers towing a trailer or caravan would need a separate Green Card for their trailer or caravan.
Between 31 January 2020 (the date that the UK officially leaves the EU) and the end of the transition period (concluding 31 December 2020) there will be no material change to rules for driving in the EU. It is important to pay attention to ongoing developments, particularly towards the end of the year, to be sure that you have time to make the necessary arrangements to drive legally in the EU.
If the UK and EU agree and ratify their future relationship before or on 31 December 2020, there could still be changes affecting UK drivers in the EU. At time of writing, we do not know what these may be.
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 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.
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,
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