How Do I Apply For An International Driving Permit (IDP)?
DVLNI do no issue IDP's. These are issued by
- AA (Automobile Association)
- RAC (Royal Automobile Association)
For advice on whether an IDP is needed in any other countries you are planning to visit, and to obtain an IDP if requred, you should contact your nearest office of the organisations above.
They will also be able to offer more detailed advice about driving abroad.
If you do need an IDP, you can obtain one from the above organisations. You do not need to be a member but must be aged 18 or over, have passed a driving test and be resident in Northern Ireland. You will need to show your full NI driving licence or prove that you have held one. A passport sized photograph is also required.
For further information please telephone 0800 550055 for an RAC or AA operator.
You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in an EC member state, or in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. Although all versions of NI licences are acceptable for driving in these countries, if your licence is an older paper style one with a photographic counterpart (i.e. issued prior to 1 April 1999), you may prefer to exchange it for the latest EC model licence. This is not obligatory but, if you wish to do so, please complete an application form DL1 (available from most Post Offices, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices or directly from DVLNI by calling 0845 402 4000 and send it together with your present licence, the appropriate fee, original identity documents and passport sized colour photograph to:
Driver Licensing Division,
DVLNI,
County Hall,
Castlerock Road,
Coleraine,
BT51 3TB.
(Full list of acceptable identity documents and photograph criteria,)
