Post Offices to stop issuing International Driving Permits 

From 1 April 2024, International Driving Permits (IDPs), required for UK licence holders to drive in some overseas countries, will no longer be available from Post Offices. From the beginning of next month, you can instead obtain an IDP from participating shops offering PayPoint services.

PayPoint services are available in over 28,000 shops across the UK, such as local convenience stores. With longer opening hours than traditional Post Offices, the switch to IDPs only being available from PayPoint outlets could make them more easily available. To find your nearest PayPoint location, enter your postcode here.

An IDP is an old fashioned-looking paper document with translations of the UK driving licences and currently costs £5.50. It is required or recommended for driving in over 140 countries around the world. This includes popular destinations such as Canada, Australia, Morocco, New Zealand and the USA. 

However, if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK, an IDP is not needed for driving in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein. The UK government has a country-by-country list of which you need an IDP for here. 

If you need to buy an IDP before 1 April, they will still be available from selected Post Offices until then. 

To buy an IDP, remember to take your current photo-card driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you’ll need to take a passport photo and your passport as proof of ID. For more information, read the Carwow guide to IDPs here.

For our tips and advice for driving abroad, click here.