International Driving Permit - IDP

Your international driving permit is not required in all countries. However, we recommend that you obtain one, especially if you frequently travel abroad in your own car or a rental car. There have been some changes regarding the IDP in some countries, so we will try to cover all countries so you have all the information in one place. But in general, you don't have to worry about EU countries if you have a European driving license.

What is an International Driving Permit?

When it comes to the question of International Drivers Permit (IDP; also International Driving License), we wanted to explain it in a few words. it is, in fact, an official document that makes your driver's license valid in other countries. The most important condition for obtaining an IDP is of course that you have a valid driving license, only then you can apply for an international driving license.

An international driver's license is required in more than 140 countries around the world like in Brussels for example. It is important to know that if you drive without it in a foreign country that does require the license, you will face heavy fines. So, if you don't want to take any chances, we recommend securing your International Drivers Permit and making the responsibility of checking it a high priority before you leave for your destination country.

The Permit is slightly larger than a regular passport and contains your photo and other important personal information. It is a multilingual translation of your driver's license that you use for national travel.

In which countries do I need an International Driving Licence?

In some countries, it is illegal to travel without an international driving licence, but it depends on which country you are from (for example, if your licence was issued in the United Kingdom you don't need it in EU / EEA countries, but you need it if you are travelling to the US).

How much does an IDP cost?

It is difficult to say exactly how much you will pay for the International Driving Licence, as prices vary from country to country. Each country can set its price, so we can't give an exact amount, but to get a better idea, you can expect prices between 15 USD in the US and 35 € in EU countries. For the exact amount, it is best to check with your own office.

How can you get an IDP?

The procedure to apply for a permit depends on which country you are from, so it is best to check this on your country's official website. Usually, you can do this online with simple steps. Try to check with the main office of your country. On their website, you will find all the necessary instructions on where you can get an International Driving Permit.

Before you decide to acquire International Driving License, it is recommended that you do it for some time before your journey begins. You will need the following things:

• Proof of Identification (You will need a passport here)
• Valid driving licence - Whether you have a newer or older version, your driver’s licence must be valid.
• The same size of the image as you have it in the passport, it is also necessary to sign it on the back. You won’t get that picture back, so it’s good to keep that in mind.
• The application fee.

Can you renew an International driving licence?

Once it is issued in your name, it is valid for one year to a maximum of three years. The expiration date depends on which country you live in, as the validity varies from country to country.

If your International Driving Permit has expired, you will need to create a new one. Unfortunately, it is not possible to renew the existing one. This means that you will have to repeat the same process as you did for the previous ID card. If you want to travel for longer than your International Driving Permit is valid, you should check if it can be extended online before you travel. If this is not possible, you will have to return to your country and apply for a new permit, and as we have already mentioned, it is always the same process to get a new permit.

Advantages of carrying IDP

An International Driving License gives you an additional form of photo identification and includes translations of your valid driver's licence in 10 different languages. Most international Rent Car companies may require International Driving License. However, it is best to check with them directly or via Car Rental Brokerage Company, where you can get all the necessary information. The permit is valid in all countries that have signed the 1949 United Nations Traffic Convention.

If you are travelling to a country where English is not an official language, we recommend that you obtain an International Driving License, as this will ensure that you do not get into trouble if you are stopped by the police.

International driving licence for UK citizens

If you are from the UK and want to have an International Driving licence issued to your name, you will need to submit the following things before issuing:

• You must have a valid UK driving licence. Please note that in the destination country International Driving License will be valid for the same vehicle group as valid in your UK driver's licence.
• It is mandatory to have a permanent resident in the UK. If you are only a temporary resident, you will need to obtain an International Driving License in the country of your permanent residence.
• You must be at least 18 years old. But be aware that although the minimum age to get an International Driving Permit is 18 years, in some countries you have to be at least 21 years old to hire a car. In this case, it is better to check in advance with the car rental company through which you want to hire a car, what are the conditions regarding ages. 

It is currently not possible to get it online, but you can get one through your local post office.

A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.

Important: If you are a UK citizen with a valid UK driving licence, you do not usually need the permit to drive in EU/EEA countries. This includes non-EU countries such as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, if you are heading to countries further afield, you may need to carry an International Driving Permits. It's also good to know that this only applies if you have the 'new' photocard driving licence. If you have an older driving licence that doesn't fit the EU standard photocard style, you should probably apply for an International Driving License.

For European countries outside the EU, there is a possibility that your UK driving licence may not be valid and you will need to bring International Driving License. For more information on the requirements of these countries, visit their government website or contact their embassy directly.

If you are a UK citizen and move abroad, the requirements will change. You should check with your local driving licence authority to find out how to get a local licence. In some countries, you can have your UK driving licence transferred without taking another driving test. This is particularly true of all EU countries, where you can simply exchange your licence and then get your UK licence back when you return to the UK. If you are moving to a non-EU country, contact your local authorities.

In which countries do you need an International Driving Permit?

Check which IDP you need

It is also important to note that if you are travelling to multiple countries and want to rent a vehicle there, you may need several different International Driving Permits. Therefore, we advise you to find out about these requirements well in advance so that you don't run into any problems during your trip.

If the country you are travelling to is not listed in the table, it is best to check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to.

If you are renting a car, it is best to check directly with the car rental company to see what the International Driving Permit requirements are. It can happen that in the same country, some Rent Car companies require the permit and others do not. However, by and large, they all have the same requirements.

Below is a table showing where an International Driving Permit is required. All of this information falls under the new regulations as the UK is no longer part of the EU.

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How long does it take to get an IDP UK?

Applying for International Driving Permit is very quick, and then you have to wait about 14 days to arrive in the mailbox.

FAQs about the IDP

• In case you are travelling to a country where an International Driving Permit is required. It won't be enough if you only have the permit with you, but you must also have an original driver's licence. An international driving licence will not apply in your home country.
• If you want to obtain it more than 3 months before departure, this will not be possible.
• Based on a provisional licence, you will not be able to get an IDP, unless you've just passed your test, in which case you can apply using your test pass certificate that is valid for two years.
• Once you obtain an IDP, take the time to check that all the information matches your original driver’s licence, because if this is not the case, you may have inconveniences and the IDP will not be considered valid.
• DP validity cannot begin before you submit your application.
• An IDP covers you for tourism purposes. However, if drive for employment purposes or if you are taking up residence, you must know your personal circumstances before you can rely on an International Driving Permit.
• Before renting a vehicle abroad, ask the relevant provider if you need an IDP (especially if you are travelling outside the EU), and they will also explain what the IDP must be to meet their criteria.
• Most countries require the 1949 Convention IDP, but some countries require the 1926 Convention IDP. Make sure you have the right IDPs for each country you plan to visit.

What happens if I drive without one?

If you don't have International Driving License in the country where it is required, it can be considered the same offence as not having a driver's licence in your country. The penalties can also be very high, so it's good to check and sort out everything you need to before you travel.

If you are travelling by car to another country, you should always have your ID with you. However, it is not necessary that the police, if they stop you, ask you for it immediately. In most cases, they will want to see the original driver's licence first and only then the International Driving License. However, you may not be required to show the International Driving License even though it is mandatory in the country you are travelling to. However, it is not worth relying on this, as in most cases you will be asked for both your driver's licence and your International Driving License.