Driving abroad: UK stickers, a £5.50 permit and what to pack

A UK driving licence works across most of Europe with no extra paperwork — but exactly three countries demand a UK sticker on the car whatever the number plate says. Outside Europe you may need an international driving permit, and there are three different types. Here is what to check before you set off.

What documents do you need to drive abroad?

GOV.UK says to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, and to check it is still valid and renew it if it has expired or is about to. If you are taking your own vehicle, you also need your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate. Separately, check whether you need a green card or additional insurance, and that your policy covers every country you will drive through.

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When do you need a UK sticker on the car?

You do not need one if your number plate already carries the UK identifier with the Union flag. A sticker is required if the plate shows only numbers and letters, a GB identifier with the Union flag, a European Union flag, or a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. In Spain, Cyprus and Malta a UK sticker is required no matter what is on the plate. In the Republic of Ireland no sticker is needed whatever the plate shows.

What should you do with an old GB sticker?

The white oval GB stickers have been replaced by UK stickers. If you still have a GB sticker, cover it or remove it before driving abroad. Do not put the UK sticker on the number plate itself.

Do you need an international driving permit in the EU?

No. With a UK photocard licence you do not need an IDP in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. The exception is a paper licence, or one issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man: some EU countries and Norway may require an IDP in those cases, and you should check with the country's embassy. Countries also set their own limits — Germany, for example, allows up to 6 months on a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey or Jersey photocard licence without an IDP.

What does an IDP cost and where do you get one?

GOV.UK lists one price: £5.50 for an IDP bought in person from certain shops that have PayPoint. You need a valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence to get one. If you hold an old-style paper licence, you will need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP.

What is the difference between the 1926, 1949 and 1968 permits?

They are three separate types, and which one you need depends on the country — travel through several countries and you may need more than one. From the GOV.UK examples: 1926 covers Mexico and Somalia; 1949 covers Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Spain and the United States; 1968 covers France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Thailand. If you already hold an IDP, check it is still valid in the country you are visiting.

What about a hire car or a trailer?

A hire company may ask for your licence information when you collect the car. You can get a licence check code online up to 21 days before your trip; with a Northern Ireland licence you show the paper counterpart instead. For a trailer, check whether it must be registered before you take it abroad, and note that towing a trailer over 750kg may mean adding category BE to your licence. Some European cities also require headlight converter stickers and emission permits.