Applying for an IDP by Post
If it's not convenient for you to get to a post office, you can apply for an IDP by post to the AA – your application may take at least 10 working days to be processed from the date of receipt.
YOU MUST SEND A FULL PHOTOCOPY NOT THE ORIGINALS OF THE DOCUMENTS PLUS YOUR PASSPORT PHOTO.
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 detailed notes below and the checklist on the form).
1. Your driving licence or pass certificate & provisional licence
If a photocard licence you must copy both sides of the card as well as the paper counterpart.
The photocard must be valid – check the expiry date shown at 4b. on the front of the card.
Alternatively you may send a copy of your UK practical pass certificate (valid for two years from the date of your test) together with a copy of your provisional licence.
Search fee
If you can't supply a copy of your full UK driving licence (or of your practical test pass certificate and provisional licence) please enclose 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 holders of Northern Ireland Licences who must contact their issuing authority direct.
2. Passport photograph
A recent passport sized photograph on photographic paper – signed by you on the back and showing full face against a light background. (see photograph checklist on the application form)
If both types of permit are required please include two photographs as well as two fees (£8.00 per permit) with your application.
NO MORE THAN ONE PERMIT OF EACH TYPE CAN BE ISSUED TO AN APPLICANT.
3. Photocopy of your passport
A photocopy of the page(s) of your passport showing your photograph and identification details.
4. Self-addressed envelope
Enclose a self-addressed envelope – C5 (229mm x 162mm) preferred – but must be at least 160mm x 120mm. No stamps required. (please don't send padded envelopes)
5. Original signed application form
You must enclose an original signed application form – licence holder's signature only.
We cannot accept completed applications that have been photocopied, emailed or faxed.
6. Appropriate fee
You must enclose the appropriate fee which is a minimum of £8.00 per permit – statutory charge of £5.50 plus £2.50 postal application processing fee.
Processing fee
Due to administration costs all postal applications must include a £2.50 postal application processing fee.
Priority fee
If you require your application to be processed quickly – within five working days of receipt – an urgent service is avaiable for fast processing.
Please enclose an additional £4.00 priority fee and mark the envelope in which you send your application "PRIORITY IDP"
Plastic holder
An optional plastic holder (shown above) for the IDP is available at an additional cost of £1.00.
UK Secure Post
IDPs will normally be returned to UK addresses by standard first class mail.
If you want your permit(s) to be returned by secure, tracked next working day post (part of Scotland might take 2 working days) please enclose an additional £5.50. A signature will be required at the delivery address.
The use of this service is optional.
BFPO
All mail to BFPO addresses will be returned by standard first class mail, even if the return address is located outside of the United Kingdom. No additional postage charges need be paid.
Overseas mail
For all permits to be returned to an overseas address, an additional postage fee of £6.50 (or courier fee of £26.00) is payable.
A signature may be required on delivery.
Overseas courier
If you require your permit to be returned to an overseas address by courier it is mandatory that an overseas contact telephone number is provided on the form.
An additional fee of £26.00 is payable if you want the permit returned to an overseas address by courier.
Method of payment
Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to "Automobile Association".
Payment cards (credit/charge/debit) are not accepted for these transactions.
Before you post your application
Check that you have signed and completed the application form in full, attached the supporting documentary evidence and enclosed the correct payment.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU
