Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for France or Spain?

Most drivers won't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in France, Spain and other EU countries post-Brexit - but there are a few exceptions that mean some could require one of the permits. Read on as motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden explains the rules and exceptions around IDP requirements and other post-Brexit documentation. 

Read on to find out more about IDP requirements and whether drivers will also need other additional documents such as an insurance green card or VE103 form when driving in France, Spain and other EU countries.

Permit credit Kai Hendry

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDP, also known as an 'International Driving Permit,' is as an official document that provides a translated version of your driving license in multiple languages. When driving in a country that demands you have one, it is crucial to have the IDP with you, along with your driving licence and passport at all times while driving, as failure to do so may result in fines.

It is essential to recognise that an IDP does not function as a standalone driving licence but rather serves as a translation aid for your existing license.

Obtaining an IDP does not require any form of testing in most cases. Typically, you can apply for it conveniently online through the official channels in your country of residence.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Spain?

After Brexit, then-UK Transport minister Grant Shapps announced that a deal had been done with the 27 EU member states - including Spain to make it possible for UK drivers to drive there without an IDP. 

However, drivers with an old-style paper licence - either the green or pink version - should purchase an IDP before travelling to Europe as they are not included in the deal to avoid the need to be in possession of a permit (see below).

Different advice applies to Brits resident in Spain.

You will need an IDP to drive in Spain if you have:

• A paper driving licence - green or pink version. 
• A licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

What IDP do I need for Spain?

You will not need an IDP to drive in Spain from 1 January 2021.

(See exceptions above).

Do I need an IDP for France?

The Government confirmed that UK drivers would not need an IDP to drive in France after 1 January 2021 when the country cut ties with the EU. 

Drivers with an old-style green or pink paper licence should purchase an IDP before travelling to Europe (see below).

Different advice applies to British residents in France.

You will need an IDP to drive in France after Brexit if you have:

• a paper driving licence - green or pink version. 
• a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

What IDP permit do I need for France?

You will not need an IDP to drive in France after 1 January 2021. (See exceptions above).

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Spain or France? 

British drivers do not need an IDP to drive in Spain and France, but there are reports that some hire car companies are refusing to rent vehicles to UK citizens without an IDP, despite the deal being stuck that means this is not required. 

Checking with your hire car firm before travelling, or simply playing it safe by purchasing an IDP might be sensible for Brits who are planning to hire a vehicle in France, Spain and other EU countries. If you can, then get it in writing from the foreign hire car firm that they will not need you to produce an International Driving Permit. 

Testing out the system, we spoke to several international hire companies, asking their customer service departments if an International Driving Permit was required for British drivers hiring cars in France and Spain. The responses differed between each provider, with some seemingly unaware of the document.

As stated above, obtaining an IDP could be the safest option if you fail to find terms and conditions that state in writing that one will not be required when picking up a hire car.

Additionally, anyone with an older-style paper licence - green or pink - WILL need to obtain an IDP to hire a car or drive their own vehicle in Spain, France and other EU countries.

What does IDP stand for?

The correct definition of IDP is International Driving Permit, but many people mistakenly search for International Driver's Permit, but this is incorrect. It is also often incorrectly referred to as an International Driving Licence or International Driving License - but International Driving Permit is correct. 

Do I need a Green Card to drive in France and Spain after Brexit?

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Do I need 6 months left on my passport to visit France or Spain?

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Is there just one permit?

No. There are three - 1929, 1949 and 1968 – but British drivers will not require an IDP to drive in the 27 EU member states after 1 January 2021.

Make sure you get advice before you travel to ensure you have the correct documentation.

Use this Government web page to find which IDP variant you may need for your travels.

How do I get an IDP for my trip if needed?

To get an IDP you need to:

• Be 18 years or over

• Hold a valid UK driving licence

You will need to get your IDP at the nearest issuing Post Office. There are 2,500 branches nationwide where you can apply.

Use this tool to find your nearest issuing branch.

When applying for an IDP you'll need to bring all of the following:

• Your full UK driving licence - photocard or older paper version licence

• The £5.50 application fee

• A passport-sized photo signed on the back

• Proof of identification - such as a passport

How long does it take to get one from the Post Office?

If you visit an issuing Post Office with the correct documents you can collect the International Driving Permit straight away - and do not have to wait for it to be posted.  

Do I need to carry my UK driving licence when driving abroad?

Yes - an International Driving Permit is only valid if you're carrying your UK licence with you.

Additionally, whether an IDP is required or not, most countries such as France and Spain require you to carry your driving licence when driving abroad.

Where can I get an International Driving Permit in London?

If you are in London and need to get an IDP urgently, you can get one over the counter from a participating Post Office branch. The same applies for anywhere in the UK. 

Find the nearest Post Office that can issue an IDP over the counter. 

When can I get an IDP?

You can apply for your IDP up to three months before you need it. So, it'd be smart to apply now for trips in 2020 to avoid the inevitable delays as millions of Brits rush to get one as summer approaches.

What else will I need to take when driving in France and Spain after Brexit?

Here we look at other documents you might need to take when driving in France and Spain.

Will I need an Insurance Green Card to drive in France and Spain from 2021

No - drivers will not need to carry an insurance "Green Card" when driving in France or Spain. See the main section of Green Cards, above.

Drivers will still need to have a Green Card when driving in the following countries:

While drivers won't need a Green Card for EU countries after the latest concessions, they will need one when driving in:

Do need to have a GB sticker on my car when driving in France or Spain

Any UK-registered cars heading to any of the 27 EU countries, which includes the Republic of Ireland, will need to display a UK sticker or magnet.

The GB sticker is no longer legal in France, Spain or the rest of Europe.

The UK government says: “You will need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:

• a GB identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack)
• a Euro symbol
• a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
• numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier

If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack), you do not need a UK sticker.

If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate.

If you have a GB sticker, cover or remove it before driving outside the UK.

Do I need a Vehicle on Hire Certificate VE103R to drive in France or Spain?

Brits driving in the UK will need to carry their original Vehicle Registration Document (VRD). But for those driving a hire vehicle, will need to ask the owner for a Vehicle on Hire Certificate, as they are unlikely to provide the original VRD.

When requesting a Vehicle on Hire Certificate, drivers will need a photocopy of a letter of authority from the hire or leasing company giving permission to take the vehicle abroad. This will need the details of the vehicle you are going to be driving. 

Download the VE103R application form here. It will cost £8.00 for each VE103R, which will last for a year, Special delivery can be arranged if you want the certificate within two working days – this will cost around £6.95.

How old do I have to be to drive in France?

Unlike the UK, where we can start driving and pass our test at 17, British people driving in France will need to be at least 18 before being allowed to drive in the country.

How old do I have to be to drive in Spain?

British people heading to Spain must be at least 18 to drive a car on Spain's roads.

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