A recognised international driving permit
An International Driving Permit is recognised internationally and allows the motorist to drive a motor vehicle without further formality.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is available to Irish Residents, with a current full Irish Driving Licence. Each Licence 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, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia.
Applications & Permits available from:
- By Post to AA Travel Services, 56 Drury Street, Dublin 2
Download IDP Application PDF
A cost of €10.00 will apply for processing of the International drivers licence.
Note: for postal deliveries a €5.00 admin/postal charge will also apply per permit requested. Please allow 10 days for postal deliveries. If more than 2 permits are being requested then please send 2 passport photographs and 2 application forms along with the appropriate fee. Incomplete applications and/or non receipt of the correct documentation will result in all items being returned to you to re-submit.
You can send your completed forms accompanied by the above documentation to:
AA Travel Services, 56 Drury Street, Dublin 2.
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
Please Send:
- photocopy of your current valid Republic of Ireland drivers licence
- 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)
- Plus your fully completed application form By Post to AA Travel Services, 56 Drury Street, Dublin 2
Download application form You are still required to produce your own licence for inspection when hiring a car overseas; an IDP should be seen as a translation of your driving licence and not a replacement.
Note 3
Permits cannot be issued to holders of provisional licences or non EU/EEA licence holders.
Note 4
It is important to check the accuracy of the personal information printed on your driving licence. If there are any errors or you have a change of name or address, you should immediately notify the authority that issued your licence.
Note 5
Holders of EU/EEA* licences other than those issues in the Republic of Ireland, who are permanent residents of the Republic of Ireland, are eligible for an Irish IDP based on your residency. 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 AA Ireland.
Note 8
IDPs can be issued at any time but will 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 the applicant is looking for a replacement for an issued permit, in which case the IDP application form must be accompanied by a Garda report of their 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 to that person.
Note 12
Passport-size photos must be provided and signed on the back by the applicant.
*EEA - Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an IDP a requirement?
An IDP is recognized internationally and normally allows the holder to 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?
Please refer to list of countries on IDP form. Click here to download an International Driver P form.
3. How long is an IDP valid for?
The International drivers permit 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?
10 working days
6. How much is an IDP?
€15