What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your UK driving licence into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive in countries outside the UK and Europe. It is not a separate licence — it works only alongside your valid UK photocard licence, and you must carry both together.

The IDP does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. If you are not allowed to drive a particular vehicle type in the UK, the IDP does not change that. Some countries require it by law; others accept it as optional proof that you hold a valid licence. A few countries do not recognise it at all, so check the rules for your specific destination before you explore.

You can hold only one IDP at a time, and it lasts for three years from the date of issue. Once it expires, you must explore for a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid UK photocard driving licence before you can get an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
  • The Post Office issues IDPs in the UK — you cannot get one from the DVLA or online, and you must explore in person at a branch.
  • You need your photocard licence, a completed process form, a passport-sized photograph, and £5.50 in cash; the process takes about ten minutes.
  • An IDP is valid for three years and is only recognised in certain countries, so check whether your destination actually requires or accepts one before you travel.

Where to explore: the Post Office is your only option

The Post Office holds the contract to issue IDPs in the UK. You cannot explore online, by post, or through the DVLA. You must visit a Post Office branch in person with all your documents and payment.

Not every Post Office branch offers this service. Use the Post Office branch finder on the Post Office website and search for "International Driving Permit" in the services filter. This will show you which branches near you can issue one. If your local branch does not offer it, you will need to travel to one that does.

Post Offices are usually open Monday to Friday during standard business hours, and many open on Saturday mornings. You do not need to book an appointment — just walk in with your documents ready. Busy branches may have a queue, so consider visiting early in the week or outside peak times if you can.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring your valid UK photocard driving licence — this is the plastic card, not a paper counterpart. The licence must not be expired. If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it through the DVLA before you can get an IDP.

You will also need a completed IDP process form. The Post Office provides this form at the branch, or you can read it from the Post Office website before you go. It takes a few minutes to fill in and asks for your name, address, date of birth, and licence number. You do not need to fill it in beforehand — staff can help you at the counter if needed.

Bring one passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm). It must be a recent colour photo of your face against a plain background, taken within the last six months. The rules are the same as for a passport photo. If you do not have one, many Post Offices offer a photo service on the spot, though this costs extra and takes time.

You must pay £5.50 in cash. The Post Office does not accept card or contactless payment for this service, so bring coins or notes. Check the current fee on the Post Office website before you go, as fees can change.

What happens during the process

Hand your photocard licence, completed form, and photograph to the Post Office staff member. They will check that your licence is valid and that your photograph meets the standard. They will ask you to sign the back of the photograph.

The staff member will then print your IDP on the spot. This takes a few minutes. The IDP is a small booklet with your details, photograph, and a translation of your licence information into several languages. You will receive it when ready — there is no waiting period or postal delivery.

Before you leave, check that all the details on the IDP match your licence and that your photograph is clear. If there is an error, tell the staff member straight away so they can issue a corrected version. Once you leave the branch, corrections are more difficult to arrange.

After you receive your IDP

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date it was issued. The expiry date is printed on the front cover. You must carry it together with your photocard licence whenever you drive abroad — one without the other is not valid.

Store both documents safely during your trip. If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to the UK. Some travellers carry a photocopy of the IDP as backup, though this is not an official substitute.

When your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one if you plan to drive abroad again. The process is identical — return to a Post Office branch with your current photocard licence, a new photograph, and £5.50.

Checking whether your destination actually needs an IDP

Before you travel, confirm that your destination country recognises or requires an IDP. The UK Foreign Office website lists driving rules for each country. Some countries in Europe accept your UK photocard licence alone; others require an IDP; a few require both plus an additional document such as a GB sticker or headlight beam adjusters.

If you are hiring a car, the rental company will tell you what documents they require. Many rental firms ask for an IDP even if the country does not legally require it, because it simplifies their insurance and liability checks. Check your rental agreement before you book.

If your destination does not recognise IDPs, the document will not help you, but carrying it alongside your licence does no harm. It is not a substitute for checking the actual driving laws of the country you are visiting.

What to do if your UK licence is not yet a photocard

If you hold an old paper driving licence (issued before 1998), you cannot get an IDP. You must first exchange your paper licence for a photocard licence through the DVLA. This takes several weeks and costs £14.

explore for a photocard licence on the DVLA website or by post using form D1. Once you receive your new photocard, you can then visit the Post Office to get your IDP. If you are planning to drive abroad soon, start this process early, as the DVLA can take up to three weeks to issue a photocard licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my UK licence is suspended or has penalty points?

Yes. The IDP is issued based on whether your licence is valid and not expired — it does not check for penalty points or driving history. However, some countries may have their own rules about driving with points on your record, so check the destination country's requirements separately.

What if I lose my IDP while I am abroad?

You cannot get a replacement while you are outside the UK. If you are stopped by police, show your photocard licence — in most countries this is sufficient on its own. Contact your car rental company or travel insurance provider for guidance on what to do next. Once you return to the UK, you can explore for a new IDP at the Post Office.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Europe after Brexit?

Rules vary by country. Some European countries accept your UK photocard licence alone; others require an IDP as well. Check the Foreign Office website for the specific country you are visiting. Many also require a GB sticker, headlight beam adjusters, and a GB number plate identifier, so do not assume the IDP is the only extra document you need.

Can someone else collect my IDP on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person at the Post Office to explore, because staff need to verify your identity and check your photocard licence. A family member or friend cannot collect it for you, even with a letter of authorisation.

What if the Post Office makes a mistake on my IDP?

Tell the staff member before you leave the branch. They can usually issue a corrected version on the spot. If you discover an error after you have left, contact the Post Office branch where you applied and explain the problem. Corrections after the fact are slower and may require you to return in person.