You need an International Driving Permit only if your driving licence is not in Latin characters or if you're driving in certain countries after leaving the UK

If you hold a UK driving licence, you do not need an International Driving Permit to drive within the United Kingdom itself. Your UK licence is valid for driving on UK roads. However, if you plan to drive in other countries — particularly outside Europe — you may need one. An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your driving licence into multiple languages and is recognised in over 150 countries. It acts as a companion to your actual licence, not a replacement.

The confusion often arises because the rules changed after the UK left the European Union. Before that, a UK licence alone was sufficient almost everywhere in Europe. Now, some European countries recommend or require an International Driving Permit alongside your UK licence, though many still accept the UK licence alone. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for the country you're visiting before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • A UK driving licence is valid for driving in the UK and does not require an International Driving Permit.
  • If you're driving outside the UK, some countries require an International Driving Permit while others accept a UK licence alone — check your destination's rules before travelling.
  • An International Driving Permit costs £5.50 and takes up to two weeks to arrive by post from DVLA.
  • You must hold a valid UK driving licence to obtain an International Driving Permit; the permit cannot be used without it.
  • The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue and is not renewed — you must order a new one when it expires.

When you need an International Driving Permit

You need an International Driving Permit if you're driving in countries outside the UK that require one. Most European countries now recommend having one alongside your UK licence, even if they don't strictly require it. Countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece all accept UK licences, but carrying an International Driving Permit removes any ambiguity at a roadside stop. If you're driving in countries further afield — the Middle East, Africa, Asia, or the Americas — an International Driving Permit is often essential and sometimes legally required.

You also need one if your UK driving licence uses non-Latin characters, though this is rare. Standard UK licences use the Latin alphabet, so this applies only in unusual circumstances. The permit is particularly useful if you're renting a car abroad, as some rental companies require one as proof that your licence is legitimate and valid.

How to order an International Driving Permit from DVLA

You order an International Driving Permit by post from DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You cannot order one online or in person. read the process form D956 from the DVLA website or request it by phone on 0300 790 6801. Complete the form with your personal details, driving licence number, and the countries you plan to visit.

Send the completed form, your UK driving licence, a colour passport-style photograph (35mm × 45mm), and a cheque or postal order for £5.50 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DL. Do not send cash. DVLA will return your driving licence and send the International Driving Permit by post. The process typically takes up to two weeks, though it can be faster. If you need it urgently, phone DVLA to ask about expedited processing, though this is not may provide.

What information the permit contains

An International Driving Permit is a small booklet that translates your driving licence information into ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. It includes your name, date of birth, licence number, the categories of vehicles you're licensed to drive, and the date the permit was issued and when it expires.

The permit does not replace your UK driving licence — you must carry both documents when driving abroad. The permit is only valid when presented alongside your actual UK licence. If a police officer or rental company asks to see your driving licence, you show both documents together. The permit has no value on its own and cannot be used to prove you can drive without the UK licence.

How long the permit is valid and what happens when it expires

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date it is issued. The expiry date is printed on the front of the booklet. Unlike your UK driving licence, which is renewed automatically, the International Driving Permit is not renewed. When it expires, you must order a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

If your UK driving licence expires before your International Driving Permit does, the permit becomes invalid. You cannot use an expired UK licence with a valid permit. If you renew your UK licence, your old International Driving Permit remains valid until its three-year expiry date — you do not need to order a new one unless the permit itself has expired.

Alternatives if you cannot get a permit in time

If you're travelling soon and don't have time to wait for a permit by post, contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 to ask about faster processing. They cannot may provide a quicker turnaround, but they may be able to help in urgent circumstances. Some car rental companies will accept a UK licence alone even in countries that recommend a permit, so check your rental agreement before you travel.

If you're driving in Europe, many countries accept a UK licence without a permit, though you should carry additional documents: your vehicle registration document (V5C), proof of insurance, a GB or UK sticker or number plate identifier, and a headlight beam adjuster. These documents together prove you're a legitimate driver and owner. However, if you're driving outside Europe, an International Driving Permit is much harder to replace once you're abroad, so it's worth ordering before you leave.

What to do if your permit is lost or damaged while travelling

If you lose or damage your International Driving Permit while abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to the UK. There is no way to obtain one from a British embassy or consulate overseas. If you lose it, you can still drive using your UK licence alone in most countries, though some may question why you don't have the permit. Keep a photograph of both sides of your permit on your phone as backup proof that you had one.

If your UK licence is lost or stolen while you're abroad, contact the nearest British embassy or consulate when ready. They can issue an emergency travel document that allows you to drive back to the UK or to the nearest port or airport. You cannot legally drive on an International Driving Permit alone — you must have a valid UK licence with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in France or Germany?

No, you can drive in France and Germany with a UK licence alone. Both countries accept UK licences. However, both recommend carrying an International Driving Permit as well, and some car rental companies require one. It's not legally mandatory, but it removes any doubt at a roadside check.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. DVLA only issues International Driving Permits by post. You must read form D956, complete it by hand, and send it with your licence and a photograph to DVLA in Swansea. There is no online process process.

What if my UK driving licence has expired?

You cannot get an International Driving Permit if your UK licence has expired. Your UK licence must be valid and current. Renew your UK licence first through DVLA, then order the International Driving Permit.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in the United States?

Yes, the United States recognises International Driving Permits. Many US states require one if your licence is not in English, and some car rental companies require one as additional proof of identity. It's worth having one if you're planning to drive in the US.

Can I use someone else's International Driving Permit if I'm driving their car?

No. An International Driving Permit is issued to a specific person and is only valid when that person is driving. You must have your own UK licence and your own International Driving Permit if you need one.