International Driving Permits (IDP)

International driving permits are only needed for some destinations, so it’s worth checking before you assume one is required — or that you’re covered without one.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your UK driving licence, recognised in certain countries where a standard UK licence alone isn’t accepted. Whether you need one depends entirely on where you’re travelling.

When do you need an IDP?

Requirements vary by country — some accept a UK licence on its own, others require an IDP alongside it, and a few require a specific IDP type (1926, 1949, or 1968 convention) depending on when you’re travelling and for how long. Always check the requirements for your specific destination before you travel.

Where to get one and how much it costs

In the UK, an IDP costs £5.50 and can be issued in person at participating Post Office branches. You may need a separate permit for each country you plan to visit, and you’ll typically need your passport, a passport photo, and your UK driving licence to apply.

Moving abroad vs. visiting

An IDP is meant for temporary trips abroad, not for relocating permanently. If you’re moving to live in another country, you’ll usually need to exchange your UK licence for a local one instead — see our guide on exchanging a foreign driving licence for the reverse process (bringing a non-UK licence into the UK).

Getting help

Our international permit support service can help you work out which IDP type you need and check your documents before you apply.

Applying for your IDP: what to bring

When you apply in person at a participating Post Office, staff will check your documents on the spot, so it helps to have everything ready: your valid UK photocard driving licence, a recent passport-style photo, and (in some cases) your passport for identity verification. The permit is usually issued the same day, which makes it one of the few DVLA-related documents you don’t need to apply for weeks in advance.

Common mistakes drivers make with IDPs

The most frequent issue isn’t forgetting to bring one — it’s bringing the wrong type for the destination, or applying for a single IDP when the trip covers several countries with different requirements. Convention type (1926, 1949 or 1968) is determined by the destination country, not by personal preference, so check the requirement for every country on your itinerary rather than assuming one permit covers a whole multi-country trip. It’s also worth checking your destination’s rules well before travel, since some countries update their requirements periodically.

Frequently asked questions

How long is an IDP valid for? Validity depends on which convention type you’re issued (1926, 1949 or 1968), but it’s typically valid for one to three years or for the length of your trip, whichever is shorter — check the specific validity period printed on your permit before you travel.

Can I apply for an IDP online? In the UK, IDPs are issued in person at participating Post Office branches rather than online, mainly because the physical document and your identity need to be verified face to face before it’s issued.

Does an IDP replace my UK driving licence? No — you must carry both. An IDP is a translation document that sits alongside your UK licence; it isn’t valid on its own, and some countries and hire-car companies expect to see both together.