Where can I get an International Driving Permit?
If you hold a valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, you can get an International Driving Permit in person from certain shops that have PayPoint, at a cost of £5.50. Whether you need one at all depends on the country you are visiting, how long you are staying and what kind of licence you hold.
Where the permit is actually issued
There is no postal application to a central office for UK-issued IDPs. The government's driving abroad guidance is straightforward on this point: you get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint. The step-by-step guide lists the fee as £5.50. Before you set out to buy one, it is worth confirming which shops near you offer the service, because the guidance says only certain PayPoint locations handle IDPs.
[1]First, check whether you need one at all
The permit you need depends on which country you are visiting and how long you are staying. There are three types of IDP: 1926, 1949 and 1968. If you are travelling through more than one country, you might need more than one type. You must have a valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence to get an IDP, and you must always carry your licence alongside the permit.
[2]If you hold a UK photocard licence, you do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. However, you might need one in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar · Jersey or the Isle of Man. If your destination is not covered by the official country table, the guidance says to check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to. Hiring a car adds another wrinkle: some hire companies ask for an IDP even where the law does not, so check with the hire company too.
[2]A concrete example: two drivers, one trip to Italy
Imagine two travellers heading to Italy. The first holds a UK photocard licence. The official table shows that driver does not need an IDP in Italy, though the hire company should still be consulted if renting a car. The second holds a licence issued in the Isle of Man. The same table says that driver will need to get an IDP to drive in Italy. Same destination, same dates, different paperwork. This is why the check is done per licence type and per country, not per trip.
[2]A mistake worth avoiding
The government guidance carries a specific warning: do not apply for an IDP if you are moving abroad permanently. In that case you will need to either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new licence in the country you are moving to. An IDP is a document for visitors, not a substitute for becoming licensed where you live. Separately, if you have a paper driving licence, the guidance says you will need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP, and for some countries listed in the table you must also carry another form of photographic ID, such as your passport.
[1][2]If you already have one
An existing IDP is not automatically fine for the next trip. The guidance says to make sure it is still valid in the country you are visiting. Types differ, expiry rules differ, and a permit that worked for one destination may be the wrong type for another.
[2]Your next step
Before travelling, use the official country-by-country table on GOV.UK to identify which of the three IDP types your destination requires, if any. Then find a nearby shop with PayPoint that issues IDPs, take your valid photocard licence, and buy the correct type in person for £5.50. If your destination is not listed, contact that country's embassy to confirm what is required.
[1][2]Sources and dates
- https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad · accessed 2026-10-18
- https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit · accessed 2026-10-18
- https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/international-recruitment/joining-us-from-abroad-practical-information-to-help-you/driving-in-the-uk/ · accessed 2026-10-18
- https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences · accessed 2026-10-18
- https://roadrules99.com/ · accessed 2026-10-18