- GOV.UK: paper licence holders must update to a photocard licence or get an IDP.
- With a UK photocard licence you do not need an IDP in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein; paper licence holders may need one in some countries.
- An IDP costs £5.50 and needs a valid GB or Northern Ireland licence.
- You can create a licence check code on GOV.UK, valid for 21 days.
Two ways forward
The question is not 'does a paper licence work abroad' but 'which of the two fixes suits my trip'. Updating to a photocard is a DVLA matter and may be done on GOV.UK. An IDP is a quicker purchase if you are travelling soon. Neither is a favour you need a third-party site for.
| Option | What it involves | Cost per GOV.UK |
|---|---|---|
| Update to a photocard licence | Application to DVLA via GOV.UK | Check the current GOV.UK fee; we did not confirm one |
| Get an IDP | In person at a PayPoint shop, with your licence | £5.50 |
Working out which you need
- Look at your licence. A paper licence is the older document without a photo card.
- Check each destination on the GOV.UK country list; see which permit type applies.
- If you would otherwise need a permit in several countries, updating the licence may be simpler.
- If you choose the IDP, take your licence to a PayPoint shop and pay £5.50.
- Carry the licence and the permit together.
The permit depends on a valid licence; it needs one to be issued and it does not stand in for one. If your licence is lost, expired or suspended, an IDP does not fix that.
Where scams slip in
A fake site may tell a paper licence holder that a special 'digital IDP' or a package pairing a permit with a licence replacement is required. That is not the process GOV.UK describes. A permit bought this way can be worthless, and a 'licence replacement' from a middleman costs you a fee for something you can apply for directly. The warning signs are on fake international driving permits, and the texts and emails that imitate DVLA are covered on DVLA scam texts and emails.
- The site address ends gov.uk when it claims to be DVLA.
- No one asks for payment by gift card or transfer.
- The fee for the permit is £5.50.
- You were not messaged first; you went to GOV.UK yourself.
Checking the licence itself
If you are unsure what your licence shows, you can view your record on GOV.UK with your licence number, National Insurance number and licence postcode, and create a check code valid for 21 days if a hire firm needs to see it. The steps are on checking your licence online. Northern Ireland licences use a separate service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IDP with a paper licence?
GOV.UK says paper licence holders must update to a photocard licence or get an IDP. It adds that paper holders may need a permit in some countries where photocard holders do not. Check each destination.
Is an IDP valid without a licence?
No. You need a valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence to get one, and the permit is carried together with the licence rather than instead of it.
Do I need an IDP in Europe with a photocard?
GOV.UK says you do not need one to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a UK photocard licence. This is the main reason to update a paper licence.
What does the permit cost?
£5.50, obtained in person from certain shops with PayPoint, per GOV.UK. A site asking for more, or bundling a 'digital' version with a licence replacement, is not the official route.
Where do I update my paper licence?
Through DVLA on GOV.UK. We did not confirm the current update fee, so check it on the official page. Third-party sites that charge extra for the same form are best avoided.