How to Get an International Driving Permit in the UK

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive in over 140 countries worldwide when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. It is an official translation of your driver’s licence in several languages, including English. An IDP helps local authorities verify your credentials, ensuring you can legally drive across international borders without facing language barriers or legal issues.

Types of International Driving Permits

As a UK resident, you can apply for any of these International Driving Permits, depending on your travel destination: 

1926 IDP

This permit is the oldest and least commonly used. It is necessary for UK citizens who wish to travel to and drive in countries that obey the 1926 Paris International Convention on Motor Traffic, such as Mexico and Somalia. It is valid for 12 months. 

1949 IDP

This permit is the most widely accepted permit required for driving in countries that comply with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, such as Albania, France, Egypt, etc. It is valid for one year and is commonly used by travellers heading to the USA, Australia, or Japan.

1968 IDP

This permit has the widest coverage globally and is required in countries that endorsed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, including most EU countries, Brazil, and Russia. It is valid for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. Though many countries still treat it as valid for one year from the date of issue.

Each IDP is different in format and validity, and some countries may require more than one type depending on where you're driving through. Always check destination requirements before you travel.

Key facts about IDPs

• Validity: Both the I926 and 1949 IDPs are valid for one year. The 1968 IDP lasts for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. Make sure to renew it if your travels extend beyond this period.
   
• Driving Licence Requirement: You need a valid UK driving licence to apply for an IDP.
   
• Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to apply for an IDP. This age requirement ensures that all drivers holding an IDP have reached the adult age of driving responsibility in most countries.
   
• Application Timing: You can only apply for an IDP up to three months before your intended travel date.
   
• Purpose of Use: An IDP is mainly for driving abroad while on vacation or tourism. If travelling to another country for work or to live as a resident, check if an IDP meets their driving requirements. Some countries or regions might require more documents or a local driver's licence.
   
• Precautionary Measure: If you need clarification on the specific requirements for your travel or stay in a foreign country, consider applying for an IDP as a precautionary measure. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
   
• Renewals & Replacements: IDPs cannot be renewed. Once expired, you must apply for a new one. If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, it cannot be replaced from overseas. You must apply again from within the UK.
   
• Driving Licence Status: You cannot apply for an IDP if your UK driving licence has expired, been suspended, or revoked.

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When do I need an International Driving Permit?

As a UK resident or citizen, you’ll need an IDP if you plan to drive a vehicle in a foreign country that does not recognise your domestic driving licence as a valid document. Note that an IDP does not replace your local driving licence; it merely supplements it. So, ensure to have both documents when travelling.

Although IDPs are often associated with legal requirements in foreign countries, many car rental agencies may also request one even if the country itself does not. It’s best to check with your rental company before travel.

The table below shows the specific IDP you might need when travelling to countries in certain regions: 

How to get an International Driving Permit in the UK

Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UK is quite straightforward. Here’s how you can secure one:

1. Determine the Type of IDP You Need: Before applying, identify which type of IDP is required for your travel destination. As explained earlier, you have three options: 1926, 1949, and 1968. Additionally, if you’re travelling through more than one country, you might need more than one type of IDP.
    
2. Verify Your Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old, have a full UK driving licence and be a Great Britain or Northern Ireland resident to qualify for an IDP. 
    
3. Gather the Required Documents: These include your driving licence, a passport-sized photograph (if you have a paper licence), the IDP application fee of £5.50, and a valid passport as proof of identification if you’re presenting an older paper version licence.
    
4. Apply for the IDP: Visit any PayPoint stores in person to apply for the IDP. It is generally instant, meaning you receive it upon completing the application and payment. The processing time is typically within minutes. PayPoints are a quicker and convenient alternative to post offices.

Please note that IDPs can no longer be issued by post or online. You must apply in person at a verified PayPoint location, as signature and identification checks are required. No one else can apply on your behalf.

Important things to note about getting an International Driving Permit in the UK

• You need to hold a full, valid UK driving licence (either photocard or paper version).
   
• You can only apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date.
   
• IDPs cannot be issued based on past events, so plan ahead.
   
• You may need multiple IDPs if you’re visiting countries that each require a different permit type.
   
• Not all countries require an IDP but some do, even for short trips. Always check the latest entry and driving requirements for your destination on the official UK Government website.
   
• Post-Brexit, IDPs are now required in some EU countries where they previously weren’t, depending on how long you plan to stay and your licence type.

Who can’t apply:

• You’re not eligible if your driving licence was issued in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or outside the UK, or if you drive under a diplomatic licence.

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Do I Need an International Driving Permit for France?

Documents required for driving abroad in Europe

When driving in Europe, there are specific documents you should carry to ensure you're complying with local regulations. These documents include:  

• Your valid UK driver’s licence and an additional photo ID if you have a paper licence.
   
• An International Driving Permit.
   
• Your vehicle insurance (ensure that it covers driving in Europe).
   
• Your Vehicle Registration Document (for personal vehicles) or a VE103 document (for hired or leased vehicles).

You must also display a UK sticker on your vehicle, except your number plate already includes a UK identifier with the Union flag. However, you must display a UK sticker regardless of your number plate if you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus, or Malta. Also, some trailers or caravans must be registered before you tow them into a European country. 

Other travel requirements you might need to drive in Europe

• Your travel insurance documents. These are not specifically required for driving in Europe, but they can be helpful during travel-related emergencies.
   
• If driving in cities with low-emission zones, ensure your car displays the required emission sticker. This is mandatory in several European cities to help control air pollution.
   
• Many European countries require drivers to have reflective jackets, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. Always keep these safety items within reach inside your vehicle.
   
• If your car's headlights are not adjusted for driving on the right side of the road, you'll need beam deflectors. These prevent your headlights from dazzling other drivers, making it safer for everyone on the road.

Do I need certified translations?

When you plan to drive abroad, you'll often need to present documents like your work visa (if required), proof of residence, or other legal papers along with your International Driving Permit (IDP). If these documents are not in the language of your destination country, you'll need certified translations.

If you're a UK resident or a foreign national in the UK, Translayte can help. As a leading provider of certified translations in the UK, we specialise in translating and certifying documents from various languages into English and vice versa, ensuring your paperwork is professionally translated and widely accepted abroad.