Last reviewed: 30 April 2026 | Sources: GOV.UK — Driving in the EU | GOV.UK — International driving permits | House of Commons Library — Driving in the EU after Brexit
⚡ TL;DR — Skip to what matters
Your UK photocard driving licence is valid for driving in all EU member states, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — for visits and holidays. You do NOT need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for these countries if you have a photocard licence. If you have a paper-only licence, you may need an IDP for some countries. If you move permanently to an EU country, you must exchange your UK licence for a local one within a specified period — typically 1–3 years depending on the country.
📋 Key Facts at a Glance
- UK photocard licence: valid in all EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein — no IDP needed for visits
- Paper-only UK licence: may require an IDP in some EU countries — check the specific country before travelling
- IDP: available from the Post Office for £5.50 — three types (1926, 1949, 1968 Conventions)
- UK sticker: required since 28 September 2021 — use 'UK' not 'GB'. Not needed in Ireland. Always needed in Spain, Malta and Cyprus regardless of number plate
- Insurance: all UK policies provide minimum third-party cover in EU — no green card required in GCFCZ countries
- V5C logbook: carry with you — DVLA recommends this when driving abroad
- Permanent move: exchange UK licence for local licence — deadlines vary by country
- Source: GOV.UK — Driving in the EU | GOV.UK — International driving permits
UK driving licence validity in the EU
Post-Brexit, UK photocard driving licences remain fully valid for driving in all 27 EU member states, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This applies to visits and temporary stays — holidays, business trips, driving hire cars. You drive on your existing UK licence without any additional documentation.
The key requirement is that you have a photocard driving licence. Paper-only licences (issued before 1998) are not recognised everywhere — if you only have a paper licence, update it to a photocard via DVLA or carry the appropriate IDP for your destination.
When do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
| Situation | IDP needed? |
|---|---|
| UK photocard licence, driving in EU/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein | No |
| UK paper-only licence, driving in some EU countries | Possibly — check with the country's embassy |
| Hiring a car in an EU country | Check with the hire company — some require IDP for non-EU licences |
| Driving in countries outside EU (Turkey, Morocco, etc.) | Yes — check destination country requirements |
| Living permanently in an EU country | No IDP — must exchange licence instead |
IDPs are available from the Post Office for £5.50 and are issued over the counter. There are three types (1926, 1949 and 1968 Vienna Convention) — which you need depends on the country. GOV.UK lists which type applies to each country at gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit.
UK sticker rules (updated September 2021)
Since 28 September 2021, UK vehicles must display a 'UK' sticker (not 'GB') when driving abroad. Rules:
- If your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag, you do not need a separate UK sticker in most countries
- You do need a UK sticker regardless of your number plate in Spain, Cyprus and Malta
- You do not need any sticker to drive in Ireland
- 'GB' stickers are no longer valid — replace with 'UK'
Insurance: no green card required
Since August 2021, the UK participates in the Green Card Free Circulation Zone (GCFCZ) as a third country. This means you do not need to carry a physical insurance green card when driving in EU countries, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland. Your UK insurance certificate is sufficient. All UK motor insurance policies automatically provide the minimum third-party cover required in EU countries.
However, your minimum third-party cover may be lower than your UK comprehensive policy. Check with your insurer whether your full comprehensive cover extends abroad or whether you need to arrange additional cover for your trip.
Documents to carry when driving in the EU
- UK photocard driving licence
- Vehicle registration document (V5C logbook)
- Motor insurance certificate (or evidence of cover)
- Passport or national identity card
- UK sticker for the vehicle (unless number plate already shows UK identifier with Union flag)
- Any country-specific requirements (see below)
Country-specific requirements
Many EU countries require additional equipment in your vehicle — requirements vary by country. Common requirements include:
- France: Warning triangle, high-visibility jacket per occupant, breathalyser kit (recommended), spare bulbs
- Spain: Two warning triangles, high-visibility jacket, spare glasses if you wear them for driving
- Germany: Warning triangle, first aid kit, high-visibility jacket
- Italy: Warning triangle, high-visibility jacket
Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to drive through at gov.uk/driving-abroad before departing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to exchange my UK licence if I'm moving to France?
Yes — if you become a permanent resident in an EU country, you must exchange your UK licence for a local one. In France, the exchange must be completed within 1 year of establishing residency. Exchange rules and deadlines vary by country — check with the relevant national driving authority.
Can I hire a car in Europe on my UK licence?
Yes — UK photocard licences are accepted by car hire companies across the EU. Some companies may ask for a DVLA check code to verify your licence and endorsements — you can generate this free at gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
My licence was issued in Northern Ireland — are there different rules?
Northern Ireland photocard licences are equally valid in the EU. If hiring a car, you may need to show your paper counterpart (if issued) to the hire company in addition to the photocard.
Are there speed limit differences I should know about?
Yes — speed limits vary significantly by country. France: 130km/h motorway, 80km/h rural roads. Germany: variable on autobahn (no limit in unrestricted sections), 100km/h other roads. Spain: 120km/h motorway. Always check the specific country's limits before driving.
Does drink-drive law differ in EU countries?
Yes. The UK limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (35 micrograms per 100ml of breath). Most EU countries have a lower limit of 50mg/100ml. Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia have a zero-tolerance limit. Check the specific limit for each country you visit.
Sources & References
- GOV.UK — Driving in the EU: gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu
- GOV.UK — International driving permits: gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
- GOV.UK — Driving abroad (country stickers): gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-and-symbols
- House of Commons Library — Driving in the EU after Brexit
- GOV.UK — Take a vehicle out of Great Britain: gov.uk/take-vehicle-out-great-britain
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only — not motoring advice. Always verify at GOV.UK. More guides: our Driving in EU hub.
