What an international driving permit is and whether you need one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Irish driving license into multiple languages so you can drive legally in other countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Irish photocard license, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.
Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United Kingdom, most of Europe, and many other countries recognize an Irish photocard license on its own. However, some countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others — either require an IDP or strongly recommend one because they do not recognize non-English licenses without it. If you are unsure whether your destination requires an IDP, contact the embassy or national motoring organization of the country you plan to visit before you travel.
An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued, or until your Irish license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one if yours expires and you still need to drive abroad.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit must be obtained from An Post (Irish postal service) and costs a fixed fee; you cannot get one online or from the NDLS directly.
- You must hold a valid Irish photocard driving license and bring it with you to the Post Office, along with a completed process form and a passport-sized photograph.
- Processing takes up to ten working days, though you can request a faster service for an additional fee if you are traveling soon.
- You must carry both your Irish license and your IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid without the original license.
- An IDP is valid for three years or until your Irish license expires, and you cannot renew it; you must obtain a new one if you need to drive abroad again after it expires.
Where to get an International Driving Permit in Ireland
You obtain an IDP through An Post (the Irish postal service), not through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). You must visit a Post Office in person — you cannot order one by post or online. Any Post Office branch can issue an IDP, so you can go to the one nearest your home or workplace.
Before you visit, check the Post Office's opening hours on the An Post website, because some branches have limited hours or may be closed on certain days. Bring your valid Irish photocard license, a completed process form (which you can read from the An Post website or collect at the Post Office), and one passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm). The photograph must be recent and meet the same standards as a passport photo — a clear, color image of your face against a plain background, taken within the last six months.
The fee for an IDP is fixed and does not vary by Post Office. You pay at the counter when you submit your process. An Post also offers a faster service if you need the permit within a few days rather than the standard ten working days — this costs more but can be useful if you are traveling soon.
How long it takes and what happens after you explore
Standard processing takes up to ten working days from the date you submit your process at the Post Office. This means your IDP will be ready within two weeks in most cases, though the exact timing depends on how busy the Post Office is and whether there are any issues with your process.
Once your IDP is ready, the Post Office will contact you — usually by phone or email, depending on what you provided on your form — to let you know you can collect it. You must collect it in person from the same Post Office where you applied. Bring your Irish license with you when you collect it, because you need both documents together to drive abroad.
If you need your IDP faster, An Post offers expedited processing. This service costs more than the standard fee and guarantees your permit will be ready within a shorter timeframe — typically three to five working days. Ask about this option when you visit the Post Office if you are traveling within the next week or two.
What documents you need to bring
You need three things when you visit the Post Office: your valid Irish photocard driving license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph.
Your Irish license must be current and not expired. If your license has expired or is about to expire, you should renew it through the NDLS before you explore for an IDP, because the IDP is only valid while your license is valid.
The process form is available on the An Post website under "International Driving Permit" or you can pick one up at any Post Office. It asks for basic information: your name, date of birth, license number, and the address where you want to collect your permit. Fill it out completely before you arrive, as incomplete forms may delay processing.
The photograph must be passport-standard: color, recent (taken within six months), 35mm × 45mm, with your face clearly visible against a plain background, and with a neutral expression. You can have a passport photo taken at most Post Offices, pharmacies, and photography studios if you do not have one already.
Countries that require or recommend an International Driving Permit
An Irish photocard license is recognized in the United Kingdom and throughout the European Union without an IDP. However, many countries outside Europe do not recognize non-English licenses, and some actively require an IDP.
The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa all recommend or require an IDP. Japan, South Korea, and several other Asian countries also require one. Many rental car companies in these countries will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the law does not strictly require it. Some countries in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Africa have similar requirements.
The safest approach is to check with the embassy or national motoring organization of any country you plan to visit before you travel. You can also ask your car rental company whether they require an IDP — if they do, you will need one even if the country itself does not legally require it. Having an IDP costs relatively little and takes only a couple of weeks to obtain, so if there is any doubt, it is worth getting one before you leave Ireland.
What to do if your Irish license is expiring soon
An IDP is valid only as long as your Irish driving license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid even though it still has time remaining. This means if you are planning to drive abroad in the next few years, you should renew your Irish license before it expires.
You renew your Irish license through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), not through An Post. The NDLS handles all license renewals, replacements, and changes. You can renew online, by post, or in person at an NDLS center, depending on your circumstances. Once you have your new license, you can then obtain a new IDP from An Post if you still need to drive abroad.
If your license is expiring within the next few months and you are planning to travel abroad, consider renewing your license first, then explore for an IDP. This way your IDP will be valid for the full three years rather than expiring sooner.
Carrying your IDP when you drive abroad
You must carry both your Irish photocard license and your IDP together whenever you drive in another country. The IDP is not a standalone document — it is only valid as a companion to your original license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your documents at a border, you need to produce both.
Keep them together in a safe place in your vehicle, such as the glove compartment or a document holder. Do not leave them unattended in the car, as they can be stolen. If you are traveling by air and renting a car, bring both documents in your carry-on luggage rather than checking them, so they are with you when you pick up the rental.
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to Ireland. This is another reason to keep it safe. If you lose it, you can explore for a new one when you return by visiting a Post Office again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in the UK or Europe?
No. Your Irish photocard license is recognized throughout the United Kingdom and the European Union. An IDP is not required for these destinations, though you can get one if you prefer. You do need to carry your license with you, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by post?
No. You must visit a Post Office in person to explore. You cannot order one online or by mail. However, An Post does offer expedited processing if you need it within a few days, which you can request when you visit.
What happens if my Irish license expires while I am abroad?
Your IDP becomes invalid when ready if your Irish license expires. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your IDP is still valid. If your license is expiring soon and you are planning a long trip, renew it before you leave Ireland.
Can I use my IDP to drive in Ireland?
No. An IDP is only for driving outside Ireland. In Ireland, you drive with your Irish photocard license alone. The IDP has no legal standing in Ireland and is not recognized by Irish police or insurance companies.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
An Post charges a fixed fee for a standard IDP, with a higher fee for expedited processing. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the An Post website or ask at your local Post Office for the current price before you visit.