Applying for an IDP by Post
If it's not convenient for you to get to a post office, you may apply by post to the AA.
However, please note that your application may take at least 10 working days to be processed from the date of receipt.
Print off an application form and complete the details. Then send it to the AA address shown on the form, including your payment and the relevant documents (see the IDP checklist on the form).
You will have to send:
- A recent passport size photograph on photographic paper signed by you on the back and showing full face against a light background (See photograph checklist on application form)
A full photocopy (not the originals) of the following valid documents:
- Your UK driving licence (if a photocard licence then we will require photocopies of the photocard front and back and the counterpart), or
Your UK pass certificate (certificate of competence to drive, valid for two years from the date of your test) and your provisional driving licence. - A photocopy of the page(s) of your passport showing your photograph and identification details.
Together with:
- A self-addressed envelope - C5 (229 x 162mm) preferred but must be at least 16 x 12cm. No stamps required.
- An original, signed application form (licence holder's signature only). We are unable to accept completed applications which have been photocopied, emailed or faxed.
- The appropriate fee - a minimum of £8.00 per permit (statutory charge of £5.50 plus £2.50 postal application processing fee). See possible additional charges below.
- If you require both a 1926 and a 1949 convention IDP then please include two photographs and two fees (£8.00 each permit) with your application. No more than one permit of each type can be issued to an applicant.
- If you cannot supply a copy of your full UK driving licence or pass certificate and provisional driving licence, please include an additional £4.00 search fee with your remittance, as we will need to check your driving entitlement. This search procedure is NOT available to the holders of Northern Ireland licences, who must contact their issuing authority direct.
- If you need your documents to be processed within five working days of receipt, please enclose an additional £4.00 priority fee, and mark the envelope in which you send your application 'PRIORITY IDP'.
Possible additional charges
All International Driving Permits will be returned to UK addresses by standard first class mail, unless the optional 'secure post' fee is paid. We do not accept responsibility for items that may be delayed or lost in the post.
IDP plastic holder
An optional plastic holder for the IDP is available at an additional cost of £1 each.
Processing fee
Due to administration costs, all postal applications must include a £2.50 processing fee.
UK Secure Post
For UK applicants who want their permits returned by secure, tracked, next working day1 post, please enclose an additional £5.50. The use of this service is optional. A signature will be required at the delivery address.
1Parts of Scotland may take two working days.
Overseas mail
For all permits to be returned to an overseas address, an additional £5.00 postage is payable. A signature may be required on delivery.
Check that you have signed and completed the application form in full, attached the supporting documentary evidence and enclosed the correct payment. Any incomplete applications will automatically be returned to you.
