What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Irish driving licence into a format recognised by police and car rental companies in other countries. It is not a separate licence — it works only alongside your valid Irish licence, and you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. Within those zones, your Irish licence alone is sufficient. However, some car rental companies outside Europe may refuse to rent to you without one, even in countries where it is not legally required. An IDP costs €15 and is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The IDP is issued by An Garda Síochána (the Irish police) through their driving licence section, not by the Road Safety Authority or the Department of Transport. You cannot order one online or by post — you must explore in person at a Garda station that handles driving licence applications.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your Irish licence when driving outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
  • You explore in person at a Garda station with a driving licence process section, not online or by post.
  • The permit costs €15, is valid for three years, and takes one to two weeks to arrive by post after you submit your process.
  • You need your valid Irish driving licence, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph to explore.
  • Some car rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory, so check your rental terms before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to the Garda Station

Gather these documents before you visit: your current valid Irish driving licence, a completed IDP process form (form D626, available at the Garda station or on the Gardaí website), one passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm), and proof of your address if it differs from the one on your licence.

The photograph must meet standard passport photo requirements: colour, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Black-and-white or digital photos printed at home often fail this check, so use a professional photo service if you are unsure.

Bring your original licence, not a photocopy. The Garda station staff will verify it against their records. If your licence has expired or is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until your licence is valid again.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

Not every Garda station handles IDP applications. Contact your local station first to confirm they process driving licence applications, or check the Gardaí website for a list of stations that do. Stations in larger towns and cities are more likely to offer this service than rural stations.

When you arrive, staff will check your documents, take your photograph if the one you brought does not meet standards, and process your process on the spot. You pay the €15 fee when ready, usually by cash or card depending on the station.

The IDP is posted to your address within one to two weeks. You will not receive a tracking number, so allow extra time if you are travelling soon. If you need it urgently, ask the station staff whether they can issue it on the day — some stations can, but this is not may provide and may incur an additional fee.

What Happens If Your Licence Is Suspended or Expired

You cannot obtain an IDP if your Irish driving licence is currently suspended, revoked, or expired. The Garda station will check your licence status against their system before processing your process.

If your licence is suspended due to penalty points, disqualification, or a medical review, you must wait until the suspension ends and your licence is restored. If your licence has expired, you must renew it first through the normal renewal process before explore for an IDP.

If you are unsure of your licence status, contact your local Garda station or the Road Safety Authority before making the journey to explore. This saves a wasted trip.

Using Your IDP Abroad and What It Covers

When you drive outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, carry both your Irish licence and your IDP together. Police may ask to see both documents. The IDP translates your licence details — your name, date of birth, licence number, and categories of vehicles you are authorised to drive — into multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, and Russian.

The IDP does not change the rules of the road or your insurance coverage. Your Irish car insurance is valid only if your policy explicitly covers driving abroad; most standard policies do not. You must contact your insurer before you travel to confirm cover or to purchase temporary international cover. Some countries also require a Green Card (an international insurance certificate) — your insurer can issue this at no extra cost if your policy covers the country you are visiting.

The IDP is not a substitute for a valid licence or insurance. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce both your Irish licence and your IDP, you may face a fine or be prohibited from driving further, depending on local law.

Countries That Recognise the International Driving Permit

The IDP is recognised in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most countries outside Europe, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and most of South America and Asia.

Within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, your Irish licence alone is sufficient — you do not need an IDP. However, if you are hiring a car in these countries, some rental companies may still request one as a form of additional identification, so it does not hurt to have it with you.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting. Some countries have additional rules — for example, some require an IDP to be issued within a certain time period before travel, or they may not recognise an IDP that is more than a year old. Your car rental company or the embassy of the country you are visiting can confirm current requirements.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

An IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. When it expires, you must explore for a new one using the same process: visit a Garda station with your current Irish licence, a new photograph, the process form, and €15.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can explore for a replacement at any Garda station that handles driving licence applications. Bring your Irish licence, a new photograph, the process form, and €15. There is no additional fee for a replacement.

If your Irish licence is renewed or reissued for any reason, your existing IDP remains valid until its three-year expiry date. You do not need to reapply unless your licence category changes or your personal details (such as your name) are updated on your licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have penalty points on my licence?

Yes. Penalty points do not prevent you from obtaining an IDP. However, if your points total 12 or more within three years, your licence will be suspended, and you cannot explore for an IDP during the suspension period. Once your suspension ends and your licence is restored, you can explore.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Northern Ireland or the UK?

No. Your Irish driving licence is valid in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. An IDP is not required. However, you should check your car insurance to confirm it covers driving in the UK, as some policies do not.

What if the Garda station says they cannot issue an IDP on the day?

Most stations post the IDP within one to two weeks. If you need it urgently and your local station cannot issue it on the day, ask whether a larger station nearby can. Some stations have faster processing, but this varies. Plan ahead if you are travelling soon.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a Green Card?

No. An IDP is a translation of your licence. A Green Card is an international insurance certificate proving your car is insured for driving abroad. You may need both, depending on where you are travelling and your insurance policy. Your insurer issues the Green Card, not the Gardaí.

Can I use an International Driving Permit from another country if I am visiting Ireland?

Yes. If you are visiting Ireland and hold a valid driving licence from another country plus an IDP issued by that country, you can drive in Ireland. Your licence and IDP must be valid and must be carried together. You should also check that your insurance covers driving in Ireland.