Last reviewed: 30 April 2026 | Sources: GOV.UK — International driving permits | GOV.UK — Driving abroad | Post Office IDP service
⚡ TL;DR — Skip to what matters
You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a UK photocard driving licence. You do need an IDP for many non-EU countries including Turkey, most of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. IDPs cost £5.50 and are available over the counter at Post Office branches. There are three types — which you need depends on your destination country.
📋 Key Facts at a Glance
- EU/EEA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein): no IDP needed with UK photocard licence
- Paper-only UK licence: may need an IDP even in some EU countries — check before travelling
- Cost: £5.50 per IDP — available over the counter at Post Office branches with PayPoint
- Three IDP types: 1926 Convention, 1949 Convention, 1968 Vienna Convention
- 1926 Convention IDP: required in some countries not covered by 1949/1968 — rare
- 1949 Convention IDP: required in countries including Japan, South Korea, UAE
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP: accepted in most countries including EU — rarely needed by UK drivers
- IDPs are NOT available online — must be purchased in person at a Post Office
- Valid for: 1 year (1968 Convention) or as specified
- Source: GOV.UK — International driving permits: gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
The three types of IDP
IDPs are issued under one of three international conventions. Each type is recognised by different countries — the wrong type may not be accepted. GOV.UK publishes a table at gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit listing which type each country requires.
| IDP type | Convention | Common countries where used | Valid period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1926 Convention | Paris Convention 1926 | Very few — rarely needed | 1 year |
| 1949 Convention | Geneva Convention 1949 | Japan, South Korea, UAE, Hong Kong, some non-EU states | 1 year |
| 1968 Vienna Convention | Vienna Convention 1968 | Most EU countries (rarely needed with UK photocard), Russia, many others | 3 years |
When UK drivers actually need an IDP
In practice, UK photocard driving licence holders need an IDP primarily when driving in:
- Countries that have not signed the EU driving licence recognition agreements — e.g. Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, most of the Middle East
- Some Asian countries — Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia
- Some countries in the Americas — check individually
- Any country listed on GOV.UK as requiring an IDP alongside a UK licence
For EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — your UK photocard licence is the only document needed. No IDP required for visits to these countries.
Car hire companies
Some international car hire companies ask for an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. This is a company policy rather than a legal requirement — but refusing to provide one means the hire company can decline to give you the car. If you are hiring a car abroad, check with the specific hire company whether they require an IDP before you travel.
How to get an IDP
- Find a Post Office branch with a PayPoint service (not all branches issue IDPs — use the Post Office branch finder)
- Attend in person — IDPs are not available online or by post
- Bring: your valid UK photocard driving licence, a passport-sized photo, and £5.50 per IDP
- The IDP is issued on the spot — you receive it immediately
- If you need multiple types (travelling through countries requiring different conventions), purchase one of each type at the same visit
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my IDP instead of my driving licence?
No — an IDP is not a licence. It is a translation of your UK driving licence into multiple languages, allowing foreign authorities to read your credentials. You must always carry your actual UK driving licence alongside the IDP.
My UK licence has expired — can I still use an IDP abroad?
No — an IDP is only valid alongside a valid, current UK driving licence. Renew your UK licence with DVLA before travelling if it has expired.
I have a Northern Ireland licence — can I get an IDP?
Yes — IDPs are available to holders of both Great Britain and Northern Ireland driving licences. The process is the same.
Do I need an IDP to drive a hire car in the USA?
Most US states recognise UK driving licences. Some car hire companies require an IDP — check with your specific hire company before travelling. The USA uses the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP.
How long is an IDP valid for?
A 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid for 3 years. A 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is valid for 1 year. A 1926 Convention IDP is valid for 1 year. The IDP is only valid while your underlying UK driving licence is also valid.
Sources & References
- GOV.UK — International driving permits: gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
- GOV.UK — Driving abroad: gov.uk/driving-abroad
- Post Office — International Driving Permit service
- United Nations — Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 1968)
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only — not motoring advice. Always verify at GOV.UK. More guides: our Driving in EU hub.
