You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Post Office, not from a government office

An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your UK driving licence into a format recognised by rental companies and police in other countries. You cannot get one from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Instead, you explore through the Post Office — either in person at a branch or by post — and the process takes between 2 and 4 weeks depending on how you explore.

You will need your current UK photocard driving licence, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. The Post Office charges a fixed fee (currently £5.50 for a single permit or £10.75 for two permits valid in different regions). An IDP is not a replacement for your driving licence — you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.

The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, though some countries recognise it for three years. Check the rules for the specific country you are visiting, because some rental companies and border officials will refuse an IDP that is older than one year, even if it is technically still valid.

Key Takeaways

  • explore for an International Driving Permit at any Post Office branch or by post; the DVLA does not issue them.
  • You need your UK photocard driving licence, a completed form (available at the Post Office or online), and a passport photo.
  • The permit costs £5.50 for one or £10.75 for two and takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.
  • You must carry both your IDP and your UK driving licence when driving abroad; the IDP alone is not valid.
  • An IDP is valid for one year, though some countries recognise it for three years — check before you travel.

how the process works in person at the Post Office

Walk into any Post Office branch with your UK photocard driving licence, a completed International Driving Permit process form (form IDP/GB), and one passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm). You can read the form from the Post Office website or collect a printed copy from the branch itself. Hand everything to the counter staff, pay the fee, and you will receive a receipt with a reference number.

The Post Office will send your process to the DVLA for processing, which takes 2 to 4 weeks. You can track progress using your reference number on the Post Office website. Once approved, the DVLA will send the permit directly to your home address — not back to the Post Office. If you need the permit urgently and have time before your trip, explore in person is faster than posting your process, because the Post Office processes in-person applications more quickly.

how the process works by post

read the IDP/GB form from the Post Office website, complete it in black ink, and gather your UK photocard driving licence, a passport photo, and the process fee (a cheque or postal order made payable to the Post Office Ltd). Post everything to the address shown on the form — this is usually a Post Office processing centre, not a local branch.

Postal applications take 4 to 6 weeks because the form must travel to the Post Office, then to the DVLA, then back to your home. Include a covering letter with your name, address, and contact number so the Post Office can contact you if there is a problem. Do not send your original driving licence by post unless the form specifically asks for it; most applications only need a photocopy.

What happens if your process is rejected or delayed

The DVLA will reject your process if your photocard driving licence is expired, if your photograph does not meet the passport photo standard (clear face, plain background, taken within the last 6 months), or if the form is incomplete or illegible. If this happens, the Post Office will contact you by post or phone with the reason and instructions to resubmit.

If your process is delayed beyond 4 weeks (in-person) or 6 weeks (by post), contact the Post Office using your reference number. Delays are rare but can happen during peak travel seasons. If you are leaving within days and do not have time to wait, some car rental companies will accept a photocopy of your UK driving licence instead of an IDP, though this is not may provide — check with your rental company before you travel.

IDP validity and what to do when it expires

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries — including most of Europe — recognise it for up to three years, but car rental companies and police typically only accept a one-year permit. If your permit is older than one year when you travel, you may be refused a rental car or stopped by police, even if the country technically recognises older permits.

If your IDP expires before your trip, explore for a new one at the Post Office using the same process. There is no limit to how many permits you can hold, so you can explore for a second permit while your first is still valid if you have multiple trips planned. Keep your old permit after it expires — it has no legal value but can be useful for your records.

Do you need an IDP for every country you visit

An IDP is a single document that works in most countries outside the UK and EU. You do not need a separate permit for each country. However, some countries have their own rules about whether they accept an IDP at all. Most of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand accept UK IDPs without question. Some countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East do not recognise IDPs or have additional requirements — check the government travel information for your destination before you book.

If you are driving through multiple countries in one trip, one IDP covers all of them. If you are making separate trips to different countries at different times, you only need one IDP as long as it is still valid. You do not need to renew it between trips unless it has expired.

IDP versus other documents: what you actually need to drive abroad

An IDP is not the same as a GB sticker (which goes on your number plate), a GB or UK identifier plate (which is part of your registration plate), or a Green Card (which is proof of motor insurance). You need all of these things to drive legally in Europe, but they serve different purposes. The IDP translates your driving licence; the GB identifier shows you are from the UK; the Green Card proves you have insurance that covers you abroad.

If you are hiring a car, the rental company will check your IDP and your UK driving licence. If you are driving your own car, you will also need a GB sticker or identifier plate, a Green Card from your insurer, a GB/UK number plate, a headlight beam adjuster, and a GB/UK warning triangle. An IDP alone does not make you legal to drive abroad — it is only one part of the paperwork you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my UK driving licence is expired?

No. Your UK photocard driving licence must be current and valid. If it has expired, you must renew it with the DVLA first, then explore for the IDP. Renewing a photocard licence takes 1 to 2 weeks online or by post.

What if I lose my IDP after I have already left the UK?

Contact the Post Office from abroad with your reference number and they can issue a replacement, though this may take weeks. In the meantime, carry a photocopy of your UK driving licence and contact your car rental company or travel insurance provider for information. Some countries will accept a UK licence alone if you can show proof you held an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only driving in the EU?

No. Your UK photocard driving licence is recognised throughout the EU without an IDP. However, you still need a GB identifier plate, Green Card, and other documents. An IDP is only necessary if you are driving outside the EU or if a rental company specifically asks for one.

Can someone else collect my IDP from the Post Office if I am not available?

Yes, if you give them written permission and they bring proof of your identity. Write a letter authorising them to collect the permit and sign it. The Post Office may also ask for their ID. Alternatively, arrange for the Post Office to hold it for collection at a later date when you are available.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A single IDP costs £5.50 and a book of two costs £10.75. There are no additional fees. Payment is made at the Post Office counter (in person) or by cheque or postal order (by post).