Driving in Europe After Brexit

The UK stopped being a member of the EU on 31 January 2020 and a new deal came into effect on 1 January 2021. Post-Brexit, there are new rules which change the way you drive in Europe, including the documents you'll need to carry there.

Documents for driving in Europe

Green Card

From 2 August 2021, a Green Card (or International Motor Insurance Card) is no longer required for travel in the European Economic Area, which includes all the European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You also don't need a Green Card for Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Switzerland.

If you're a car insurance customer with the AA, the Republic of Ireland is within our territorial limit, so policyholders get the same level as cover there as they do in the UK all year round.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

You don't need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a UK photocard driving licence. But you might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either:

• A paper driving licence, or
• A licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

You can check with the embassy of the country you'll be driving in. Countries outside the EU may require an IDP.

We recommend that you take an IDP just in case you cross a border into a country that asks for one. You may also need one if you rent a car abroad.

Other required documents

If you're driving abroad, you'll also need:

• Your Certificate of Motor Insurance.
• The log book (V5C) for the vehicle.
• Your driving licence.
• A GB sticker if your number plate has the Euro symbol; a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales; or letters and numbers with no flag or identifier – but from 28 September 2021, you'll need a UK sticker instead.

You don't need a GB sticker if your number plate includes the GB identifier on its own or with the Union flag.

Read the latest Government advice about driving abroad.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a document that proves you have insurance to legally drive in the country you're visiting. It's also called the International Motor Insurance Card and is used in countries worldwide.

From 2 August 2021, a Green Card (or International Motor Insurance Card) is no longer required for travel in the European Economic Area.

Find out more about Green Cards.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence. It’s needed in certain countries outside the EU. You might also need it within the EU if you don't have a UK photocard licence.

You can only apply for an IDP at an issuing Post Office.

• To apply for an IDP you must be 18 years or over and have a valid UK driving licence.
• An IDP can’t be issued to a provisional licence holder.

Find out more about International Driving Permits.