The way you apply for an IDP is changing
- We can't issue ANY IDPs after 31 January 2019
- We can't issue IDPs before 31 January that have an effective date later than 31 January 2019
- We can ONLY issue 1926 or 1949 Convention IDPs
- We CANNOT issue 1968 Convention IDPs – these will be required from 28 March by 1968 Convention countries that currently recognise UK-issued 1926 or 1949 IDPs, as well as by some EU countries in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit
- We'll be removing the application form from our website on 30 January 2019
- We cannot process any applications we receive after 31 January 2019 and these will be RETURNED to the sender
From 1 February 2019
- The Department for Transport will be responsible for issuing IDPs through 2,500 Post Offices (they're currently issued by 89)
- There will be no mail order service
- You can apply for a 1968 Convention IDP at 2,500 Post Offices
- Read more about applying for an IDP from 1 February
Driving in the EU after Brexit
If there is ‘no deal’ then mutual recognition of driving licences between the UK and EU may end, and UK drivers wishing to drive in Europe from 29 March 2019 may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP):
- A 1949 Convention IDP (Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Malta, Cyprus), or
- A 1968 Convention IDP (all other EU countries, Norway and Switzerland)
- A 1926 Convention IDP (Liechtenstein)
- Ireland has ratified the 1949 Convention but doesn't require foreign drivers to carry an IDP so you won't need an IDP to drive in Ireland after 29 March 2019.
Which countries require an IDP?
An IDP is required or recommended in the following countries.
This information refers to UK driving licence holders only. We are unable to advise holders of overseas licences for travel outside the UK.
If the country you are visiting is not shown, please check the requirements through the appropriate tourist offices or embassies, and any relevant car hire company.
Generally, UK licences are currently accepted in other EU countries unless otherwise specified below.
If you do need an IDP, the quickest way of getting one is to visit your nearest IDP-issuing Post Office
An IDP is required for the following countries
Special conditions or requirements apply for those countries in the list below with one or more capital letters alongside. It is important that you refer to the corresponding note(s) at the foot of this page.
- From 28 March 2019, countries that are party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic will no longer recognise 1926 and 1949 IDPs issued by the UK. Instead you may need a 1968 IDP to drive in these countries.
IDP 1926
Brazil (E, P)
Iraq
Somalia
IDP 1949
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V Y Z
Afghanistan
Algeria (L)
Angola (L)
Argentina (E)
Armenia
Australia (E)
Bahamas (I)
Bahrain (A, M)
Bangladesh
Belarus (E)
Belize (E,I)
Benin
Bhutan (I)
Bolivia
Bosnia (E)
Botswana (A,E)
Brunei (A, E)
Bulgaria (D)
Burkina Faso (E)
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Cameroon (E)
Canada (E)
Cape Verde (E)
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Congo (Republic of)
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Czech Republic (D)
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Djibouti (C)
Dominica (C)
Dominican Republic (I)
Egypt
El Salvador (E)
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia (C)
Gabon (E)
Gambia (C,I)
Georgia (A, E)
Ghana (E)
Guadeloupe (E)
Guam (E, Q)
Guatemala (E)
Guinea Bissau (C)
Guinea Republic (F)
Guyana (C)
Haiti (E, I)
Honduras (E)
Hong Kong (E)
Hungary (F)
Iceland (E)
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel (E)
Italy (F)
Japan
Jordan
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Kazakhstan
Kenya (I)
Kiribati
Korea (South)
Kuwait
Laos (E)
Lebanon (C)
Lesotho (E)
Liberia (C)
Libya (E)
Macao (Macau)
Macedonia (E)
Madagascar (E)
Malawi (E,I)
Malaysia (E)
Mali (E)
Mauritania (E)
Mauritius (C)
Mexico (E)
Montenegro (E)
Mozambique (E, I)
Myanmar (Burma) (K)
Namibia (A, J)
Nepal (H)
New Caledonia
Nicaragua (E)
Niger
Nigeria
Oman (I)
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Pakistan
Panama (E, I)
Papua New Guinea (Q)
Paraguay (E)
Philippines (A,I)
Portugal (F)
Qatar (C)
Reunion (E)
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Sabah (Malaysia)(E)
Sao Tome and Principe (E)
Saudi Arabia (A,E)
Senegal (E)
Serbia (E)
Seychelles (E)
Sierra Leone
Singapore (A, Q)
South Africa (D, J)
Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) (F)
Sri Lanka (N)
St. Lucia (G)
St. Vincent (G)
Sudan (C)
Surinam
Swaziland (D, J)
Syria
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Taiwan (H)
Tanzania (C)
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad & Tobago (I)
Tunisia (L)
Turkey (E)
Uganda (I)
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
USA (J,R)
Yemen
Zambia (E,I)
Zimbabwe (A, L)
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Important Notes
A – Required for car hire.
B – Women not permitted to drive.
C – IDP recommended. Temporary local licence may be obtained on production of UK licence, but this may be time consuming and more expensive.
D – UK driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.
E – IDP recommended.
F – All valid UK driving licences should be accepted. Acceptance of driving licences that are not of the European Communities model cannot be guaranteed therefore drivers may wish to voluntarily update them before travelling abroad, if time permits. Alternatively, older licences may be accompanied by an IDP.
G – National licence or IDP should be presented to the police who will issue a visitors licence.
H – In Nepal, IDP valid for 15 days then a local licence must be obtained. In Taiwan, IDP valid for 30 days - over 30 days IDP and UK licence must be endorsed locally at a motor vehicle office (photo and passport required).
I – UK driving licences valid for 90 days.
J – IDP recommended as, in the event of an accident, some insurance companies will insist on seeing one. Additionally those licences which do not incorporate a photograph need to be accompanied by photographic proof of identity.
K – IDP must be exchanged for a local driving licence. A small charge will be made.
L – An IDP is compulsory for holders of driving licenses not incorporating a photograph and also recommended for photocard licence holders.
M – IDP compulsory and must be certified by the local authorities on arrival.
N – IDP must be accompanied by a recognition permit available for a small fee from the AA of Ceylon in Colombo.
P – Officially a certified translation is required from the Consulate.
Q – For stays longer than 30 days.
R – USA (Florida) compulsory IDP – 1 January 2013
A law was introduced in Florida, USA, on 1 January 2013 requiring all persons who hold a licence issued outside of the US to carry an International Driving Permit along with their national driving licence.
The Governor of Florida repealed this law on 2 April 2013, however, car hire companies and insurance companies can impose their own terms and conditions so you should check with your intended hire/insurance company prior to travel or obtain an IDP as a precautionary measure.