- The fee is £5.50.
- You get it in person from certain shops with PayPoint.
- You must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, hold a full UK licence and be 18 or over.
- 1926 and 1949 permits last 12 months; a 1968 permit lasts 3 years or until your licence expires, whichever comes first.
The official facts
| Item | GOV.UK says |
|---|---|
| Fee | £5.50 |
| Where | In person, certain shops with PayPoint |
| Who | Live in GB or NI, full UK licence, 18 or over |
| Types | 1926, 1949 and 1968 |
| Validity | 1926 and 1949: 12 months. 1968: 3 years or until the licence expires |
The type you need depends on where you are going. See 1949 against 1968. Paper licence holders have a separate rule in IDP and paper licences.
What the price and process tell you
At £5.50 it is one of the cheapest documents in this guide. A website charging far more, or promising a “digital IDP” or an “instant IDP”, is not following the process GOV.UK describes. Details are in fake international driving permits.
How to get one
- Check GOV.UK for the permit type your destination needs.
- Find a participating PayPoint shop through the link on the GOV.UK page.
- Go in person with your licence, since the process is in person only.
- Pay £5.50 and keep the permit with your licence while abroad.
Two-minute checks
- Is the permit being sold online for more than £5.50? It is not the GOV.UK route.
- Does the seller claim one permit covers every country? GOV.UK lists three types.
- Does it come without a licence check? You must hold a full UK licence.
Myth and fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “An IDP is a licence.” | It goes with a valid licence and needs one. |
| “It lasts for years.” | Only the 1968 type lasts up to 3 years, and never beyond your licence. |
The honest gap in the record
We searched for a UK police or DVLA warning specific to IDPs and found none. Warnings about fakes come from overseas bodies. We say so rather than imply a UK enforcement campaign that we cannot show.
Return to all driving licence scams.
Frequently asked questions
How much is an international driving permit?
£5.50, according to GOV.UK (checked 5 October 2026).
Where do I get one?
In person from certain shops with PayPoint, as described on GOV.UK.
Do I need a licence first?
Yes. You need a full UK driving licence, must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, and be 18 or over.
How long does an IDP last?
1926 and 1949 permits last 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts 3 years or until your UK licence expires, whichever comes first.
Can I apply online or by post?
GOV.UK describes getting one in person from certain shops with PayPoint.
Is an IDP a driving licence?
No. It accompanies a valid licence.