- Fee: €15, card payment only on the day.
- Valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Not available to learner permit holders or non-EU/EEA licence holders.
- You must carry your full licence as well. It is a translation, not a replacement.
What an IDP is
NDLS describes the permit as a translation of your driving licence which you may need when driving in countries outside the EU/EEA. It is not a licence. You still need your full licence, which you may have to show when hiring a vehicle.
Who can apply
All Irish residents with a valid full Irish driving licence, and EU/EEA licence holders resident in Ireland. NDLS says it cannot be issued to learner permit holders or to non-EU/EEA licence holders.
The two types
| Type | Used for |
|---|---|
| 1949 UN Convention | The most common type, recognised in most countries |
| 1926 UN Convention | Driving in Brazil, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia |
NDLS also notes that countries which are not signatories to the 1949 convention often accept the permit, and advises contacting the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to confirm.
How to apply
- Book an appointment by calling 0818 919 090. Appointments are available at all NDLS centres.
- Complete the IDP application form before the appointment, except parts 5 and 6.
- Gather the documents: your valid Irish or EU/EEA licence, the completed form, one passport-sized photograph and the €15 fee.
- Proof of address is required only where the address on your licence differs from your current one, or where you hold an EU/EEA licence and live in Ireland: a recent domestic bill from the last six months.
Watch for
This page describes only the NDLS route. We have not verified other issuers of the permit in Ireland, and we found no official Irish warning about fake IDP websites. Our advice is simply to check any provider against the NDLS page above before you pay or send documents. A permit sold without any check of your licence, or sold for a price well above €15, deserves suspicion. Do not send licence photographs to a website you have not verified. If you already have, follow the steps on what to do if you paid.
Related
An IDP depends on a valid licence, so renew or replace the licence first. If you hold a learner permit only, you cannot get one.
The permit and the licence together
| Item | What it is | Carry it? |
|---|---|---|
| Full Irish licence | Your entitlement to drive, which you may have to show when hiring a vehicle | Always |
| International driving permit | A translation of your licence, valid for one year | Where the country you visit asks for it |
When it is needed
NDLS says the permit is for countries outside the EU/EEA. Inside the EU/EEA your Irish licence is generally what you carry. Which permit type a country accepts depends on the convention it signed, and NDLS advises asking the embassy or consulate in advance.
A checklist for the appointment
- Valid Irish or EU/EEA licence.
- Completed IDP form, except parts 5 and 6.
- One passport-sized photograph.
- €15, by card on the day.
- Proof of address from the last six months, if your licence address differs or you hold an EU/EEA licence.
How the €15 compares
| NDLS service | Fee |
|---|---|
| International driving permit | €15 |
| Replacement licence | €35 |
| Licence renewal | €65 |
A permit price several times €15 is a reason to ask what else is being sold. The permit is a translation of a licence that already exists, so it adds no driving entitlement. Anyone offering one without seeing your licence is offering something NDLS itself would not issue.
If you only have a learner permit
NDLS says an IDP cannot be issued to learner permit holders, and a learner permit is valid for driving in Ireland only under its own conditions. Plan the trip around a full licence, or ask the embassy of the destination country what it accepts.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an international driving permit in Ireland?
€15, paid by card on the day at an NDLS centre, according to NDLS, checked 5 October 2026.
How long is an IDP valid?
One year from the date of issue.
Can I apply for an IDP online?
NDLS describes an in-person application at its centres, after booking an appointment on 0818 919 090. We did not find an online route on the NDLS page.
Can a learner permit holder get an IDP?
No. NDLS says it cannot be issued to learner permit holders or to non-EU/EEA licence holders.
Do I need my licence as well as the IDP?
Yes. The IDP is a translation, and NDLS says you should always carry your full licence abroad.