Do I need an International Driver's Permit to Drive in Europe?

What is an International Driver's Permit (IDP)?

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is an official booklet that translates your domestic driver's licence into several major languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, and Italian. This permit is recognised in 150 countries and helps local authorities verify your driving credentials when you are in a foreign country. 

Note that an IDP doesn't replace your national driver's licence; it complements it. Your domestic licence proves you are qualified to drive, while the IDP provides a globally understood translation of this certification. This makes it easier for traffic officials to verify your identity and driving qualifications, helping to overcome language barriers effectively.

Is an IDP necessary for driving in Europe?

When planning a driving trip through Europe, you might wonder if you need an IDP.  Whether you do depends on your nationality, the country you're visiting, and specific local requirements.

Generally, if you're from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you do not need an IDP to drive in other EU/EAA countries. However, the rules are different if you’re a non-EU/EAA citizen – you must have an IDP and a valid domestic driver’s licence to drive in Europe. 

Some EU countries like France and Germany accept a valid non-EU/EEA driver’s licence for short stays, usually up to 90 days, but may still ask for an IDP if your licence is in a non-Latin script like Arabic, Hebrew, Thai, or Chinese, or if additional identification is needed.

Special considerations

• Legal Compliance: An IDP can simplify interactions with local police and car rental agencies, who may require it as part of their standard documentation, regardless of legal requirements.
   
• UK Drivers Post-Brexit: Following Brexit, UK drivers may need an IDP to drive in some EU countries including Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, particularly if they have older paper licences or licences issued in regions like Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

To determine if you need an IDP, consider these steps:

1. Check Local Regulations: Before travelling, check the driving regulations of the country or countries you plan to visit. You can find this information on their official tourism websites or through their Embassies.
    
2. Consult Car Rental Companies: Ask the rental company about their IDP requirements if you plan to rent a car. They can provide the most up-to-date advice on whether an IDP is necessary for their vehicles.
    
3. Consider Your Licence's Format: If your licence does not include a photo, is not in the Latin alphabet, or is otherwise atypical, obtaining an IDP is advisable.

How to get an IDP 

Follow this straightforward process to get an IDP to allow you to drive in Europe: 

• Verify your eligibility: You must be 18 or older to apply for an IDP and have a valid driver’s licence from your home country. 
   
• Gather the necessary documents: These include a completed IDP application form from the authorised issuing body in your country, two recent passport-sized photos, clear photocopies of both sides of your driver’s licence and a valid identity document (like your passport). 
   
• Find an Authorised Issuing Organization:
  • Spain: Dirección General de Tráfico Provincial.
  • Netherlands: Administrative County District (Starosta).
  • Switzerland: Automobile Club of Switzerland.
  • Other Countries: Check the table below for a more comprehensive list. If you can’t find your country on the list, please check with your local automobile association or transportation authority.
     
• Submit Your Application: Most countries require you to submit your application in person, but some offer mail services. Note that when you apply in person, you may receive the IDP on the same day, whereas mail applications may have longer processing times.
   
• Pay the Application Fee: The fee for an IDP varies by country. Check with the issuing organisation in your country for accepted payment methods. These may include cash, credit card, or checks.
   
• Receive Your IDP: If you apply in person, you might receive your IDP on the spot. But if you apply by mail, expect to receive your IDP within a few days or weeks, depending on processing times and postal services.

An IDP is just one of the documents you’ll need when travelling to Europe. You must ensure that other essential travel documents like your passport, visa, medical records, birth certificate, and insurance papers are valid and officially recognised. If these documents are not in the language of the country you're visiting, you will need certified translations. At Translayte, we provide accurate certified translations from and to over 100 languages to ensure your documents are valid for official use in other countries so you can enjoy your trip without any worries.

IDP application fees by country

IDP validity and renewal

IDPs are typically valid for one year, but only as long as your domestic driver’s licence is valid. If your domestic licence expires before the IDP’s one-year term ends, your IDP will also expire. Also, some countries may restrict how long you can use an IDP, often requiring you to get a local driving permit after a few months.

To renew your IDP, complete a new application, provide updated passport photos, submit a copy of your valid domestic licence, and pay the renewal fee. Note that you cannot renew your IDP while abroad. You must return to your home country to re-apply. Therefore, track your IDP’s expiration date and renew early to avoid legal issues and maintain your driving privileges abroad.

Tips for a successful IDP application process

Applying for an IDP can be straightforward if you follow these tips:

1. Apply for your IDP well before your travel date to ensure you have ample time to gather all necessary documents and address any potential issues.
2. Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date information, double-checking for errors or missing details.
3. Use recent passport-sized photos that meet the specified criteria, such as a plain background and neutral expression.
4. Verify the application fee for your IDP and ensure you use an accepted payment method, whether it’s cash, credit card, or check.
5. Get a confirmation or receipt when you submit your application (if possible) and follow up if you applied by mail to ensure it was received and is being processed.
6. Understand the processing time for your IDP and how it will be delivered, especially if you applied by mail.
7. Keep copies of all documents submitted in your application, including the form, photos, and payment receipt.
8. Only apply through recognised and authorised issuing organisations to avoid scams and invalid permits. Be wary of online services offering expedited processing or cheaper fees.
9. If you lose your IDP while travelling, contact the issuing organisation for guidance on the next steps. You may need to apply for a new one upon returning home.

Driving laws in Europe

Understanding and following European driving laws helps to ensure your safety on the road.  Here are the general driving laws you need to know:

1. Driving Side: In most European countries, you drive on the right side of the road. The major exceptions are the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus, where you drive on the left.
    
2. Speed Limits: Speed limits vary by country and road type:
   • Urban Areas: Typically 50 km/h (31 mph).
   • Rural Roads: Usually 80 - 100 km/h (50 - 62 mph).
   • Highways/Expressways: Generally 120–130 km/h (75 - 81 mph).
      
3. Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle. If you violate this rule, you may pay a heavy fine.
    
4. Alcohol Limits: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits are strict across Europe. The standard limit in many countries is 0.05%, but some countries, like Norway and Sweden, have even lower limits at 0.02%. Always check the specific limit for the country you are driving in.
    
5. Toll Roads: Many European countries have toll roads. Ensure you have enough money to pay by cash, card, or electronic toll collection devices.
    
6. Low-Emission Zones: Cities like London, Paris, and Berlin have low-emission zones where high-emission vehicles are restricted or charged. Always check if your vehicle meets the environmental standards before entering these zones.
    
7. Mobile Phone Use: Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you use a hands-free system. Even then, limit phone use to ensure you stay focused while driving.
    
8. Parking Regulations: Parking rules vary widely across Europe. Generally, only use marked parking zones in urban areas, as unauthorised parking can lead to fines or towing. Also, only people with the proper permit can use disabled parking spaces.

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