The process for Europeans to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally straightforward, though it varies slightly depending on the country of residence. It is first crucial to clarify a key concept: an IDP is not a standalone driving licence, but an official multilingual translation of your national driving licence. It is only valid when carried and used alongside your valid national driving licence.
Key Eligibility Criteria for IDP Application
- Hold a valid national driving licence: You must possess a valid full driving licence issued by your EU member state.
- Be at least 18 years old: The minimum age requirement for applying for an IDP is typically 18.
- Be a permanent resident: You usually need to be a permanent resident of the country where you submit the IDP application.
General Application Process
While the specific authorities responsible differ by country, the application process is largely similar, consisting of the following steps:
1. Locate the Authorised Body
In most European countries, the only bodies authorised to issue IDPs are national automobile clubs. Examples include:
- UK: AA (The Automobile Association) or RAC (Royal Automobile Club) (Note: The UK has left the EU, so its process differs slightly from EU countries).
- Germany: ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) or DVR (Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat).
- France: ANTA (Association Nationale pour les Titres Automobiles) or via the Préfecture.
- Italy: ACI (Automobile Club d‘Italia).
The best practice is to search “International Driving Permit + [your country name]” on Google to find the officially designated authority.
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Completed application form: Usually available for download from the authorised body’s website.
- Valid original national driving licence.
- One or two passport-sized photos: Specific requirements (e.g., size, background colour) should follow the authority’s guidelines.
- Proof of identity: Typically your passport or national ID card.
- Application fee: A small fee is required, usually ranging from 10 to 20 euros.
3. Submit the Application
- In-person application: In most cases, you need to bring all original documents to the authorised automobile club office, post office, or relevant government agency in person. Some countries allow others to submit the application on your behalf, but a power of attorney and your identification documents must be presented.
- By mail: Some authorities accept applications by mail. You need to send copies of the required documents, photos, and a payment method (e.g., cheque) to them. Processing time will be longer.
- Online application: In some countries, you can fill out the form and upload photos via the authorised body’s website, but you may still need to mail the original documents or collect the IDP in person.
Important Notes
- Validity period: An IDP is usually valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. However, please note that once you leave your “country of residence” (e.g., start living abroad long-term), the validity of your IDP may be shortened, or you may need to obtain a local driving licence. You can reapply if you still need it after expiration.
- Purpose of use: IDPs are mainly for tourism, short-term business trips, or short-term residence. If you plan to live in another country long-term (usually more than 1 year), you usually need to obtain a local driving licence instead of relying on an IDP indefinitely.
- 1949 Convention vs. 1968 Convention: There are two international conventions governing IDPs worldwide. IDPs issued by European countries are usually based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, which is recognised by the vast majority of countries globally (including the United States, Canada, Australia, Thailand, etc.). The authorised body will issue the appropriate type of IDP when you apply.
- Beware of scams: IDPs can only be obtained through the official authorised bodies mentioned above. Any website claiming to quickly issue an “international driving licence” online without checking your national driving licence is almost certainly a scam. The documents they issue are invalid “translations” or counterfeits, which are not officially recognised.
- Driving within the EU: For EU citizens, an IDP is generally not required when travelling within the EU/European Economic Area. Your driving licence issued by an EU member state is directly valid in all member states. However, if you plan to travel to countries outside the EU (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Turkey, the United States, etc.), an IDP is usually required.
Summary
For Europeans, the process of applying for an IDP involves the following steps: confirm whether the country you plan to visit requires an IDP; locate the official authorised body (usually an automobile club) in your country; prepare your national driving licence, photos, ID card, and application fee; and submit the application in person or by mail. It is recommended that you apply several weeks before your planned trip to ensure everything goes smoothly.
