UK driving licences are still valid in the EU, but the rules for exchanging them, renewing them, and driving as a visitor have changed since Brexit

If you hold a UK driving licence, you can still drive in EU countries — but you now need to carry additional documents and follow different rules than you did before January 2020. The licence itself remains valid, but the automatic recognition that existed under EU law no longer applies. Instead, the UK and EU operate under separate bilateral agreements and international driving conventions.

If you are an EU citizen living in the UK, or a UK citizen living in the EU, the process for renewing, exchanging, or proving your right to drive has become more complicated. The rules depend on where you live, where your licence was issued, and whether you are a resident or a visitor.

Key Takeaways

  • UK licences remain valid for driving in the EU, but you must carry a GB sticker or UK number plate, a GB identifier, and an International Driving Permit if your licence is older than 1991 or if you want extra legal protection.
  • EU citizens with licences issued before Brexit can still drive in the UK on their original licence, but renewal must happen through the DVLA if you are now a UK resident.
  • UK residents who moved to an EU country must exchange their UK licence for a local one within a set timeframe — usually between six months and two years depending on the country.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required for most EU countries but provides proof of your right to drive if your licence is questioned and can help with car hire or insurance claims.
  • Exchanging a licence between the UK and EU countries is not automatic; you must contact the driving authority in the country where you now live and provide your original licence, proof of residency, and often a medical report.

What changed for UK drivers visiting or living in the EU

Before Brexit, a UK driving licence was recognised across the EU without any additional paperwork. Now, when you drive in an EU country, you must carry proof that you are may have access to to drive. The UK licence alone is no longer sufficient legal proof in all circumstances.

You must display a GB identifier — either a GB sticker on your rear bumper or a GB number plate. Without one, you may be stopped by police and fined. You also need to carry your UK licence card itself, your vehicle registration document (V5C), proof of insurance, and a headlight beam adjuster or deflector kit (because UK headlights are set for left-hand traffic).

If your UK licence was issued before 1991, or if you want additional legal protection, you should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Post Office before you travel. An IDP is a document that translates your licence details into ten languages and is recognised under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic. It is not legally required in most EU countries, but it can help if you are stopped by police who are unfamiliar with UK licences, or if you need to hire a car or make an insurance claim.

How to get an International Driving Permit from the UK

An International Driving Permit is issued by the Post Office and costs £5.50. You can order one online through the Post Office website or in person at a Post Office branch. You will need your UK driving licence, a passport or other valid ID, and a colour passport-style photograph.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must carry it alongside your UK licence — it is not a replacement. The permit is issued on the spot if you explore in person, or within five working days if you order online. There is no separate process process; the Post Office handles the entire transaction.

An IDP is particularly useful if you plan to stay in the EU for more than a few weeks, if you are hiring a car, or if you are driving in countries where English is not widely spoken. Some car hire companies and insurance providers specifically ask for one, even though it is not legally required.

Exchanging a UK licence for an EU licence if you have moved

If you are a UK citizen who has moved to an EU country and now lives there permanently or long-term, you will eventually need to exchange your UK licence for a local one. The exact timeframe depends on the country where you live. Some countries require the exchange within six months of establishing residency; others allow up to two years.

To exchange your licence, you must contact the driving authority in your new country — this might be called the equivalent of the DVLA, but the name varies by country. You will typically need to provide your original UK licence, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or rental agreement), proof of identity, and sometimes a medical report or eye test. Some countries also require you to pass a theory test or practical driving test, particularly if your UK licence is very old or if you are moving to a country with significantly different road rules.

The process is not automatic, and there is no single EU-wide system. Each country has its own requirements and timescales. Before you move, contact the driving authority in your destination country to find out exactly what you need to do and by when.

What EU citizens with licences need to know about driving in the UK

If you hold an EU, EEA, or Swiss driving licence, you can still drive in the UK on your original licence. There is no requirement to exchange it or to hold a UK licence, as long as you meet the age requirements and your licence is valid.

However, if you are now a UK resident — meaning you have moved to the UK and intend to stay — you should check the rules of your specific country. Some EU countries require their citizens to exchange their licence for a UK one within a certain period if they become UK residents. The UK does not require this, but your home country might.

If you are an EU citizen who has settled in the UK and your licence is about to expire, you can renew it through the DVLA by post or online. You will need to provide your original licence, proof of identity, and proof of UK residency. The DVLA will issue you a UK photocard licence, which is valid for ten years.

Renewing a UK licence while living abroad

If you are a UK citizen living in the EU and your UK licence is about to expire, you can renew it through the DVLA by post. You do not need to be in the UK to renew. You will need to send your original licence, a completed process form (D1), a colour passport-style photograph, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement).

The DVLA will process your process and send your new licence to the address you provide. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if your licence is expiring soon. There is no fee for renewal if you are renewing a photocard licence before it expires; if it has already expired, there may be a charge.

Some EU countries do not allow you to hold a driving licence issued by another country if you are a resident. If this applies to you, you will need to exchange your UK licence for a local one rather than renewing it with the DVLA. Check with the driving authority in your country of residence to confirm their rules.

Driving in specific EU countries: rules that vary

While the basic rule — that you can drive on a UK licence with a GB identifier and the correct documents — applies across the EU, some countries have additional requirements. France, for example, requires all drivers to carry a breathalyser kit and a high-visibility vest. Germany requires a first-aid kit. Spain requires spare headlight bulbs.

These are not licence-specific rules; they explore to all drivers, regardless of where their licence was issued. However, they are worth knowing about before you travel, because fines for non-compliance can be substantial.

Some countries also have different rules about when you must exchange a licence. France, for example, requires EU citizens who become residents to exchange their licence within one year. Germany allows up to two years. Italy requires exchange within 60 days. Check the specific rules for the country where you are living or planning to stay long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU on my UK licence?

No, it is not legally required in most EU countries. However, it is recommended if your UK licence is older than 1991, if you are hiring a car, or if you want extra legal protection when dealing with police. It costs £5.50 and is valid for one year.

What happens if I drive in the EU without a GB identifier or GB number plate?

You can be stopped by police and fined. The fine varies by country but can be substantial. You must display either a GB sticker on your rear bumper or have a GB identifier on your number plate. This is a legal requirement, not optional.

Can I renew my UK licence while living in the EU?

Yes, you can renew by post through the DVLA. However, some EU countries do not allow residents to hold a licence issued by another country, so check your country's rules first. If you must exchange your licence, contact the local driving authority for the process and timeframe.

How long do I have to exchange my UK licence if I move to an EU country?

The timeframe varies by country. Some require exchange within six months of establishing residency; others allow up to two years. Contact the driving authority in your new country before you move to find out their specific requirements and what documents you will need.

If I am an EU citizen living in the UK, do I need to get a UK licence?

No, you can continue to drive on your EU licence as long as it is valid. However, if your licence is expiring and you are now a UK resident, you can renew it through the DVLA. Some EU countries require their citizens to exchange for a UK licence if they become UK residents, so check your home country's rules.