You do not need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car in the UK if your driving license is a photocard and printed in English. Additionally, hiring companies will usually accept licenses from the European Union or European Economic Area countries without additional paperwork.
However, each rental provider is different. So, even if you have not needed an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before, it is recommended that you have one for peace of mind.
Therefore, when do you actually need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car in the UK?
When do I Need an International Driver’s Permit in the UK?
You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in the UK if:
- Your license is in a language that does not use the Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese).
- The company you intend to rent a car from requires you to have one.
- You have an old-style, non-photocard license.
Although it may not be strictly necessary that you have an IDP, we always recommend applying for one, just in case.
Why do I Need an International Driver’s Permit in the UK?
An International Driver’s Permit is a standardised translation and insurance safeguard. It proves to your prospective car hire providers that you are who you say you are, and you are allowed to drive.
Important Notes: The IDP is invalid without your original, physical driver’s license, which you must carry at all times when booking a car rental with an international license. Furthermore, it is not a legal ID. Lastly, in many countries, IPDs are still completed by hand. Seeing notes written with a pen does not mean your IDP is fake. Conversely, sites that offer Digital International Licenses are most definitely fake (as of April 2026). IDPs are always a physical paper booklet.
To Break Down Language Barriers Into a Standardised Format
An IDP translates your details into several languages, including English. It streamlines the verification process so you do not have to wait for manual translation or experience miscommunication. On your IDP, your car rental provider will see:
- Your full name, place and date of birth, and your permanent home address.
- A passport-sized photo.
- Your driving authorisations (e.g., Category B, to prove you can drive passenger cars).
- A stamp or seal from your issuing authority to prove your IDP’s legitimacy.
- Your IDP number.
- The issuing date and date of expiry of your IDP.
- A list of your disqualifications (if you have any).
To Comply With the Rental Agreement of Your Chosen Provider
Independent car rental companies often require an IDP for additional assurance. They help companies to avoid liability, streamline the check-in process, and ensure you can get on the road as quickly as possible. Without an IDP, you risk having your license manually verified, which can cause delays. And, depending on the flexibility of your provider’s policy, they may reject your booking if you do not have an IDP.
For this reason, we recommend you apply for an IDP, even if you do not think you need one.
To Prove an Outdated (but Still Valid) License Belongs to You
Although paper licenses are valid in many countries, many car hire companies will not accept them. Why? Because there is no guarantee that the paper license actually belongs to you. However, an IDP always necessitates a photo ID that validates your driving credentials and proves your identity.
To Quickly Solve Misunderstandings
Without an IDP, a routine police check could become a trip to the station, even if you have done nothing wrong. With an IDP, the officer can quickly process your information without you needing to go anywhere. Similarly, some third-party car hire insurance policies contain clauses stating that you must be legally documented in the country you visit. If this clause refers to an IDP, and you do not have one, the insurer could deny a claim. Essentially, the process is much smoother if you have an IDP.
How to Apply for an International Driver’s Permit for the UK as a Visitor?
To apply for an International Driver’s Permit to hire a car in the UK, you must apply with your licensing authority in your home country. You can not apply for an IDP within the UK. If you are visiting the UK from the following countries, you must apply for an IDP through:
- USA: American Automobile Association. You can apply in person, at a branch, or by mail.
- Canada: Canadian Automobile Association. You can apply in person, at a branch, or by mail.
- Australia: Through your state’s automobile club, e.g., NRMA, RACV, or RACQ.
- EU Countries: Through your national transport authority or automobile club (e.g., ADAC).
- India: Your Regional Transport Office or online via the Parivahansewa portal.
What You Need to Apply for an International Driver’s Permit
To obtain an International Driver’s Permit for your visit to the UK, you need:
- A valid, current driver’s license for your home country.
- Two recent passport-sized photos that meet standard passport specifications.
- To pay a fee of $20 to $35 USD to your local equivalent.
- An application form from your relevant association.
How Long Does it Take to get an International Driver’s Permit?
When you visit your local authority in person, you can usually leave with a permit in under half an hour. But if you choose to apply by mail, it can take from 2 to 3 weeks to process.
How Long can You use an International Driver’s Permit in the UK?
You can use an International Driver’s Permit alongside your valid foreign license for up to 12 months when renting a car in the UK. The 12-month period starts from the date you first entered the UK, not the date of issuing. If you become a UK resident, you can not drive permanently with an IDP, and future applications will be denied. Instead, you must obtain a UK provisional driving license and pass a practical driving test.
What are the Requirements for Car Hirers Using an International Driver’s Permit?
Even with an International Driver’s Permit, there are several other car rental requirements you must follow.
You Must Have Held Your Home License for at Least a Year
Most UK rental companies require IDP holders to have a full license for at least one year. And many request at least two years of driving experience. So, if you passed your driving test in your home country 6 months ago and intend to hire a car in the UK, you may be ineligible.
You May Need a Credit Card
Almost all car rental companies in the UK require hirers to have a physical credit card. Not all, but we recommend applying for a credit card to ensure you can hire the car you need.
Important Note: While UK car hire companies are becoming more flexible with their payment terms, many charge excess insurance when you choose to use a debit card. This means an additional cost is required to ensure maximum security for you and your hirer.
You Must be Over 21 or Under 75
If you are under 25 or over the age of 69, your car hire company may require a Young or Senior Driver’s surcharge. This surcharge ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and their vehicles, and costs a minimum of £25 a day.
You Need Proof of Entry and Return
Many car hire companies ask to see your passport, return flight information, travel tickets, and sometimes a proof of address (e.g., a utility bill). These documents prove that you are a visitor, and not a resident attempting to drive without a valid UK license.
You Can Only Hire the Transmission Type You are Licensed to Drive
If you only have experience driving automatic vehicles, you can not book a manual car hire in the UK. In many cases, automatic vehicles are more expensive to hire and can sell out quickly. So, we recommend booking in advance, once you have obtained your IDP.
Are You Looking for Car Hire in London?
Fairview Vehicle Hire is a trusted vehicle rental company based in London and the Home Counties. As one of the largest independent hirers in the UK, and with over 2,200 vehicles in our rental fleet, we are sure to have what you need. Whether you are looking for an automatic or manual transmission, we offer dozens of models at various price points. So you get the flexibility you want.
We also offer variable hire periods, so you can hire for as short or long a time as you require. If you are an international customer, our experts will advise you on all the documents you need to hire a car with an IDP at Fairview.
The best way to hire a car with Fairview Vehicle Hire is to download our app. There, you can input all of your documents and information for a streamlined checkout process. We will review your documents and let you know right away if anything is missing, and help you through the process over the phone if you need us.
Choose Fairview Vehicle Hire as your car hire provider in London, and get on the UK roads from the hour you land.