Your International Driving Permit for the UK, Ready in 5 Minutes
No need for an embassy visit. Apply online, upload your documents, and get a permit accepted at every major UK rental counter.
- Accepted at every major rental counter in the UK
- Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years — your choice
- Digital delivery by email, physical card optional
- Covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
How to Get Your UK IDP
No embassy visit, no notary, no paperwork in triplicate — just three steps online.
Provide your details
Name, license number, and travel dates. Takes about 3 minutes on any device.
Upload your license and photo
A clear phone photo of your license plus a passport-style picture — nothing else needed.
Get your UK-r IDP
Emailed to you in 5 minutes. Physical card optional, ships within 1–2 business days.
International Driving Permit for the UK: What Visitors Should Know
The UK drives on the left, which catches out visitors from most of Europe and North America in the first few minutes behind the wheel — roundabouts in particular reward a moment of extra caution, since traffic flows clockwise and priority rules differ from continental Europe.
Documents to carry at all times
- Your valid home country driver's license
- Your International Driving Permit
- Passport or other government-issued photo ID
- Proof of vehicle insurance (provided by the rental company)
City Emission Zones
London's Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) apply daily fees for most vehicles entering central areas, and several other UK cities run similar low-emission zones. Check your rental company's policy before driving into a city centre — the daily charge is usually the renter's responsibility, not included in the rental price.
Nations of the UK
Speed limits, drink-driving thresholds, and some signage conventions differ slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — Scotland, for instance, sets a lower legal blood alcohol limit than England and Wales. Your IDP is recognized identically across all four nations; only the local rules shift as you cross a border.
Popular Road Trip Stops
Scottish Highlands
Winding single-track roads past lochs and the North Coast 500 route.
Lake District, England
Narrow country lanes through fells and lakeside villages.
The Cotswolds
Honey-stone villages on an easy loop from Oxford or Bath.
International Driving Permit for the UK — Common Questions
Is an IDP legally required to drive in the UK?
Visitors can often drive on a valid overseas license for up to 12 months, but an IDP is required if your license isn't in English, and rental companies frequently ask for one regardless.
How long can I drive in the UK with my IDP?
Visitor driving privileges are generally tied to your immigration status, often up to 12 months. Your IDP itself stays valid for the term you purchased (1, 2, or 3 years), but only as long as your home license remains valid too.
Do I need a separate IDP for Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. A single IDP covers all four nations of the UK — only local road rules, like Scotland's lower drink-driving limit, change as you cross internal borders.
Does my IDP cover London's Congestion Charge or ULEZ?
No — your IDP is a driving document, not a payment exemption. Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees apply separately and are usually charged to the renter directly by the rental company or the local authority.