How to get an International Driving Permit

• If you’re planning to drive abroad, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• This document enables you to drive overseas without needing to take an additional test or apply for another licence
• You can get an IDP from any PayPoint store

Whether you need to hire a car abroad for business, or you’re planning a road trip adventure for your next holiday, it’s crucial to make sure you’ve got all the documents you need to hit the road upon arrival. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an essential document for many motorists who intend to drive outside their home country.

Read on to find out how to get an international driving permit, where to get an international driving permit and how long the process takes.

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDP is an internationally-recognised document that contains an official translation of your UK driving licence. While you won’t need an International Driving Permit to motor around every country, the majority of nations do ask that UK drivers show an IDP alongside their UK-issued valid, full driving licence.

Put simply, having an IDP essentially enables you to drive in foreign countries without having to pass a separate test or apply for a different licence.

Requirements for IDP

Securing an International Driving Permit in the UK is straightforward, as long as you have the relevant documents.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A recent passport photo
• The £5.50 fee
• An original, valid passport (only required if you have a paper licence)

It’s worth mentioning that you can only get an IDP if you have a valid, full UK driving licence – not a provisional.

When do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

In some countries, a full, valid UK driving licence is all you need to hit the road, no International Driving Permit required. However, if you’re planning to hire a car or drive while abroad, it’s vital to check whether you’ll need an IDP, as in many countries this is a requirement or recommendation for drivers from the UK.

Here are four instances in which you’re most likely to need an IDP:

1. When driving outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein

If you hold a full, valid photocard driving licence, issued in the UK, you should not need an IDP when driving inside the European Union. You also won’t need an IDP to motor around Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

However, an IDP is often required for driving and renting cars in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada, Japan and the United States. Some countries simply recommend having an IDP, whereas in other locations it’s vital. So, if you’re heading outside the EU on your holiday, and would like to drive once you’re there, it’s worth checking your destination’s motoring regulations.

2. When hiring a car

If you’re planning to hire a car overseas, you’re likely to need an IDP. Indeed, many countries require you to present an IDP in order to rent a car, even if you don’t need a special permit to drive there.

Again, there are exceptions – with a full, valid UK driving licence, you should have no trouble hiring a car inside the EU, or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

3. If you have a paper licence

A paper licence complicates things a little. If you have one of these old-fashioned paper licences (rather than a photocard licence), you may not be entitled to the exemptions that photocard licence holders enjoy.

Indeed, motorists with a paper licence issued in the UK may need an IDP to drive in some European Union countries and Norway. To be sure you’ve got all the documentation you need for your journey upon arrival, it’s best to check with the country’s embassy.

4. If your licence was issued from the Channel Islands or Isle of Man

Similarly, if your driving licence was issued from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you may also need an International Driving Permit in more instances.

Some European Union countries and Norway require an IDP from motorists with licences issued in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Again, the best option is to check with the embassy of your destination.

4 steps: how to get an International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you do need an International Driving Permit, how do you secure one? And will you have time to get one ahead of your trip? Don’t worry – the process is quick, cheap and straightforward.

It is important to note, however, that you must acquire your IDP in the same country that issued your driving licence. So if you have a UK-issued driving licence, you must get your IDP in the UK. Once abroad, you won’t be able to secure one.

1. Find your nearest PayPoint store

In the UK, International Driving Permits are issued by PayPoint stores, which are convenience stores that run on the PayPoint network. There are plenty of these stores across the UK.

So, the first stop to securing your IDP is locating your nearest PayPoint store, which you can do using this handy search function.

2. Gather the relevant documents

Before setting off to the PayPoint shop, you’ll need to gather all the relevant documents.

You’ll need:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A recent passport photo
• An original, valid passport (only required if you have a paper licence)

3. Get your International Driving Permit

Head to the PayPoint shop, and ask for an International Driving Permit. You’ll need to hand over the documents listed above, and pay a £5.50 fee. The shop should be able to produce your IDP within minutes. Congratulations! You’re all set for a road trip abroad.

4. Pack your IDP and your driving licence

Remember to bring your IDP on your trip, and don’t forget your driving licence either. An IDP is intended to supplement your UK driving licence, and, in most cases, you will need to present both documents together.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Not long! Simply head to any participating PayPoint store in the UK, and you can get an International Driving Permit within minutes. You’ll need to present your full, valid, UK driving licence, a passport photo and the £5.50 fee.

If you have an old-style paper licence, you’ll also need to bring your passport along.

2. Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international driver’s license?

While an International Driving Permit (IDP) may sometimes be referred to as an ‘international driver’s licence’, this is not strictly accurate. An IDP is a translation of your domestic driving licence that allows you to drive in countries that recognise it. However, it is not a driving licence in itself, and there’s no such thing as an official international driver’s licence.

3. How long does an IDP last?

The length your International Driving Permit is valid for depends on the type of IDP you have.

There are three types of IDP available:

• 1926 – valid for 12 months
• 1949 – valid for 12 months
• 1968 – valid for three years or until your UK driving licence expires (whichever comes first).

The type of IDP you get will depend on which country you want to drive in: different countries accept different types of the document. For example, to drive in Mexico you’ll need a 1926 permit, while New Zealand requires a 1949, and the UAE accepts the 1968 version.