The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued an important reminder for millions of UK drivers regarding a small fee they may need to pay. As the body that issues driving licences in the UK and oversees motorists nationwide, the DVLA’s latest announcement on X targets the estimated two million people who take their vehicles abroad each year.
Many UK drivers may be unaware of certain steps they need to complete prior to travelling overseas, with DVLA moving to clarify in a public alert. .
The update reads: “If you’re planning to drive abroad, you might need an international driving permit (IDP). IDPs are now exclusively available from participating PayPoint stores across the UK.” A link included within the alert explains the issue further.
It adds: “This internationally recognised document is required when driving overseas. IDPs support a British or Northern Irish licence in countries where photographic proof of ID is needed, or where your licence alone may not be enough. There are 3 types of IDPs, and the right one for you depends on the country or countries you wish to drive in.”
Drivers looking to get an IDP must pay an application fee of £5.50, hold a full valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence, either a photocard or an older paper licence, and provide a current passport-sized photograph for the application.
If you have the older paper licence, you’ll also need a valid passport. Guidance adds: “If you hold a driving licence from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a foreign country or drive under a diplomatic licence, you are unfortunately not eligible to apply.”
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint, and you might need one for each country you’re visiting. You should also check the driving rules for each country you’re visiting.
This includes local speed limits and drink-driving laws, and you may also need extra equipment, emission stickers, headlight converter stickers, and/or a UK sticker.