What is an IDP?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence. If one's required in the country you're driving in, you'll need to carry it along with your UK licence or risk a fine.
You won't need an IDP if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK and you're driving in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
You might need an IDP to drive outside of Europe. You might also need one 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.
If you're hiring a car abroad, ask the hire company in advance what the driving licence requirements are in the countries you’re visiting. If you're not sure, get an IDP just in case, especially if travelling outside Europe.
Take a look at our complete guide to renewing your driving licence.
Documents for driving abroad in EuropeFrom 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. You do still need to take:
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. |
How to get an IDP
The way you apply for an IDP has changed – we can't issue any IDPs at our Folkestone/Eurotunnel shop.
- The quickest way to apply for an IDP is to visit the nearest PayPoint Store branch that offers this service.
- Find out if you need an IDP using the PayPoint IDP Checker.
- Find your nearest IDP issuing PayPoint using the PayPoint website.
- Alternatively, you can contact travel agents, tourist offices or embassy instead of using the links above.
- 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.
