International driving permit (IDP)
Recognised internationally, an IDP allows you drive a private motor vehicle abroad when accompanied by a valid full Irish driving licence. It is valid for one year from date of issue.
An IDP is also available to EU/EEA* Licence holders who are also resident in Ireland.
There are 2 types of International Driving Permits:
- A 1949 Convention IDP/permit is usually issued, and is recognised in most countries.
- A 1926 Convention IDP/permit is required for the following countries: Brazil, Burundi, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia.
How much does it cost?
Our €15.00 Express Service means your IDP will be sent to you within 3-5 working days.
How do I apply?
Fully completed IDP application form which you can download here: Download IDP Application PDF and enclose the following:
- A photocopy of your current valid Republic of Ireland drivers licence (front and back).
- A passport size photograph - signed by you on the reverse.
- A photocopy of a household bill dated in the last 3 months of the applicant (only necessary if applying with a non Republic of Ireland driving licence)
All applications must be sent by post in a sealed envelope to: AA Travel Services, P.O. Box 11331, Dublin 2.
Please Note:
For security reasons The AA cannot accept cash. You can pay your fee by credit/debit card, by cheque or postal order made payable to The AA.
If two or more permits are being requested, please send an additional passport photograph and applications form for each permit along with the appropriate fees. If the application isn't fully complete or you haven't included all the items listed above it will be returned to you to re-submit. We will only accept applications sent by sealed envelope.
Note 1
If you travel to any country for longer than three months to take up residence or employment, or for any reason other than tourism, you should make enquiries about your personal position before relying on a permit.
Note 2
You will be expected to have your own drivers licence with you for inspection when hiring a car overseas; an IDP should be seen as separate to your own licence. It does not act as a replacement.
Note 3
Unfortunately permits cannot be issued to holders of provisional licences or non EU/EEA licence holders.
Note 4
It is important to check that the information printed on your IDP is correct. If you need to make any changes to it, you should do this immediately & notify the authority that issued your licence.
Note 5
Holders of EU/EEA* licences other than those issued in the Republic of Ireland, who are permanent residents of the Republic of Ireland, are eligible for an Irish IDP. However to qualify, you must submit with your application form a copy of a recent fixed-line telephone bill or electricity bill, clearly showing your address of residence. You must also sign and date the declaration of residency on the application form. Please read the definition of "normal residence" in Note 6 *EEA countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Note 6
Normal Residency in the Republic of Ireland is defined as follows: "You shall be regarded as having your normal residence in Ireland if, because of personal and occupational ties, you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year. However, if you have personal ties in Ireland and occupational ties in another country, which require absences from this country, you may still be regarded as being normally resident in Ireland provided that you return here regularly. Working abroad on a specific task for a definite duration, or attending a foreign university or college, shall not imply that you have transferred your normal residence to another country".
Note 7
Permits cannot be forward-dated more than 3 months from the date the application is received by the AA.
Note 8
IDPs can be issued at any time but will only be valid for 12 months or until the date of expiry of the Irish licence, whichever comes sooner.
Note 9
The IDP application can only be completed by the person applying for the permit.
Note 10
Only one IDP may be issued per licence per year unless you are looking for a replacement for an issued permit, in which case the IDP application form must be accompanied by a Garda report of the original IDP’s loss.
Note 11
An IDP may be issued for an endorsed licence once there are not 12 penalty points or more on it. If an IDP applicant's driving ban is still in force, an IDP cannot be issued.
Note 12
Passport-size photos must be provided and signed on the back by the applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are IDPs required?
IDPs are recognised internationally and normally allows you drive a motor vehicle without further formality. Permits cannot be issued to holders of provisional licences nor to holders of non EU/EEA licences.
2. What countries is an IDP required for?
All countries are listed on the IDP form. Click here to view
3. How long is an IDP valid for?
The IDP is valid for one year from date of issue.
4. Does an IDP cover me for driving in Ireland?
No.
5. How long does it take to issue an IDP?
Express Service applications will be completed within 3-5 working days of receipt, therefore allow for 5 workings days for all ROI postal applications and 10 working days for all non-ROI postal applications.
6. How much is an IDP?
€15.00 is for our Express Service (applications are completed within 3-5 working days). Please note this includes a €5.00 admin/postal delivery charge per permit requested which can be posted anywhere in the world.
The AA also offer a Standard Service for a fee of €10.00. Please allow 8-10 working days for receipt of your IDP by Standard Service for all ROI postal applications and 15 working days for non-ROI postal applications.