International Driving Permit (IDP) for UK Drivers

#What an IDP is and is not

An International Driving Permit is a paper booklet that translates your UK driving licence into multiple languages, alongside a passport-style photo and the categories you are entitled to drive. It is recognised under three international conventions (1926 Paris, 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna) which between them cover most countries in the world. The IDP itself is not a licence, it is a translation. It must be carried alongside your full UK photocard licence to be valid, and it expires after either 1 year or 3 years depending on which convention version it covers.

In 2026, the UK issues three distinct IDP types, each covering a different convention. You may need more than one if your trip crosses jurisdictions, since not every country has signed all three conventions. Each costs £5.50 and is sold separately.

#The three IDP types

Type 1949 Geneva is the most common variant, covering travel to over 100 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, India, South Africa and most Asian, African and South American countries. It is valid for 1 year from issue. Type 1968 Vienna covers most of Europe, the Middle East, Russia and parts of Asia. It is valid for 3 years. Type 1926 Paris is now rarely needed, surviving mainly for Liechtenstein, the British Virgin Islands and a handful of small jurisdictions. It is valid for 1 year.

The official guidance from the UK Department for Transport lists which convention applies for each destination country. Always check before travel rather than assuming.

#Where you actually need one

For most UK visitors to most countries, a UK photocard licence is enough on its own. The IDP only becomes necessary in specific cases. Non-EU countries that require an IDP for short visits include Japan, India, Brazil, Argentina, much of Africa, Iran and Cuba. Some destinations (Russia, China) require an IDP plus a notarised translation. Many countries do not strictly require an IDP for stays under a few weeks but car hire companies in the country require one regardless. Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile and the United Arab Emirates fall in this last category, where the official rule is permissive but the practical hire desk requires the document.

Countries where a UK licence alone is sufficient for visitors include all EU member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland and most of Western and Central Europe. The non-UK resident driving guide covers the inverse case of foreign drivers visiting the UK.

#How to get an IDP

Since 2019, UK IDPs are no longer issued by the AA, RAC or Post Office. They are sold over the counter at PayPoint outlets, of which there are around 4,000 across the UK in newsagents, convenience stores, petrol stations and small supermarkets. The PayPoint locator on paypoint.com lists outlets that issue IDPs (not all PayPoint stores do, only those signed up to the IDP scheme). You cannot buy an IDP online, by post or directly from DVLA.

To buy one you take three things to the PayPoint outlet: your full UK photocard driving licence, a passport-sized colour photo (taken within the last 6 months, no older), and £5.50 in cash or by card. You cannot apply for someone else, the licence holder must attend in person. The IDP is issued on the spot, while you wait, with no postal turnaround.

#Documents to carry alongside

An IDP is only valid when carried with the full UK photocard licence it translates. Carry both at all times when driving abroad. You should also carry your passport, the V5 vehicle log book if driving your own car overseas, a Green Card or international insurance certificate, and proof of any country-specific requirements (warning triangle, hi-vis vest, breathalyser kit in France until 2020 reforms, fire extinguisher in Greece). The car hire company will provide the equivalent for a hire vehicle, but you should still carry your IDP and licence as the driver.

#Costs

• 1949 Geneva IDP: £5.50, valid 1 year
• 1968 Vienna IDP: £5.50, valid 3 years
• 1926 Paris IDP: £5.50, valid 1 year
• Photo (if you do not have a recent one): £5 at most photo booths
• Multi-IDP packs: not formally available, you buy each separately if needed

Total cost for most travellers: £5.50 if you have a recent photo and need only one IDP. Even covering all three conventions, total cost is £16.50 plus photos. The IDP is one of the cheaper travel documents you will buy.

#When you do not need one

You do not need an IDP for any of the following. Driving in any EU or EEA country (Brexit did not change the IDP picture for short visits). Driving in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Switzerland. Driving in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan (if you have the IDP requirement waived through long-stay status), or the UAE for short visits. Driving in any country where the local rules accept a UK licence alone.

For longer stays in any country, IDP rules eventually give way to local licence-conversion rules, similar to the UK foreign licence conversion process. The 12-month visitor window typically applies similarly in reverse.

#Practical considerations

A few practical tips that save grief at the hire car desk or roadside. Buy your IDP at least 1 to 2 weeks before travel rather than at the airport, since not every airport branch issues all three convention types. Carry both IDP and UK licence in separate compartments of your luggage in case one goes missing. Photograph both documents and keep digital copies in cloud storage. If your trip is a multi-country drive, work out which IDP each country needs before buying. The main pass guide and guides hub cover the broader UK driving picture.