How to Get an International Driving Permit in the UK: Motorcycle & Car Travel Guide 2026
Gul Tariq
1/26/20262 min read
On 26th January 2026, I officially started planning my motorcycle journey across Europe and beyond. My bike is registered in the UK, and as soon as I began working on travel documents and visa requirements, one thing kept coming up again and again:
International Driving Permit (IDP).
Even during visa research, I noticed that having an International Driving Permit is often checked or strongly recommended. So before locking routes or dates, I decided this would be my first proper step.
Starting My Research in the UK
I remembered that some years ago you could simply walk into a Post Office in the UK and get an International Driving Permit issued on the spot. All you needed was:
Original UK driving licence
One recent passport-size photo
One form of ID (passport, etc.)
But things have changed.
After searching online, I found out that Post Offices no longer issue IDPs. So instead of relying on old information, I went straight to the official UK government website to get the latest details:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/get-an-idp
That’s where I learned that International Driving Permits are now issued through PayPoint stores.
Finding a PayPoint Store That Issues IDP
To find a PayPoint store near you that provides the IDP service, this tool is super useful:
👉 https://www.paypoint.com/instore-services/international-driving-permits
You just enter your current location in the UK, and it shows nearby PayPoint shops offering International Driving Permits.
đź’ˇ Helpful tip:
Most PayPoint shops are small local convenience stores and usually stay open until 8–10 pm, which is far more convenient than Post Offices that often close around 5 pm. Still, always check the opening times before heading out.
Documents Needed (Don’t Make My Mistake)
When I reached the PayPoint store, I realised they needed:
Original UK driving licence
Valid ID (passport is best)
1 recent passport-size photograph
I didn’t have the photo with me, so I had to step out and get one taken.
👉 My advice: Carry all documents and photos with you. It’ll save time and effort.
Cost of International Driving Permit in the UK
The cost is very reasonable:
ÂŁ5.50 per International Driving Permit
No hidden fees, no long forms.
Different Types of IDP in the UK (Very Important)
This part is extremely important and often confusing.
In the UK, there are different types of International Driving Permits, depending on which countries you plan to drive or ride in.
You can read more here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
IDP Validity:
1926 or 1949 IDP – Valid for 12 months
1968 IDP – Valid for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires (whichever comes first)
Since my motorcycle route across Europe and beyond can change while travelling, I decided to stay on the safe side and applied for both the 1968 and 1949 International Driving Permits.
The Actual Process at the PayPoint Store
The process was surprisingly quick.
The shopkeeper handed me a small paper IDP booklet (the same one you often see in travel photos). I:
Filled in my name, date of birth, and place of birth
Added my UK driving licence number
Pasted my passport-size photograph
After checking my documents, the shopkeeper approved, signed, and stamped the permit immediately.
⏱️ The whole process took just a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Getting an International Driving Permit in the UK is:
Simple
Fast
Affordable
If you’re planning to ride a motorcycle or drive a car abroad, especially from the UK, this should be one of the very first things you do even before finalising visas or routes.
For me, this small piece of paper marked the real beginning of my motorcycle journey across Europe and beyond.
