An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence. If one's required in the country you're driving in, you'll need to carry it along with your UK licence or risk a fine.
You won't need an IDP if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK and you're driving in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
You might need an IDP to drive outside of Europe. You might also need one to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either:
If you're hiring a car abroad, ask the hire company in advance what the driving licence requirements are in the countries you’re visiting. If you're not sure, get an IDP just in case, especially if travelling outside Europe.
From 2 August 2021, a Green Card (or International Motor Insurance Card) is no longer required for travel in the European Economic Area, which includes all the European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You also don't need a Green Card for Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Switzerland.
You do still need to take:
If you're a car insurance customer with the AA, the Republic of Ireland is within our territorial limit, so policyholders get the same level as cover there as they do in the UK all year round.
The way you apply for an IDP has changed – we can't issue any IDPs at our Folkestone/Eurotunnel shop.
