International Driving Permit

What is an international driving permit?

An international driving permit is a special driving licence that allows motorists to drive vehicles in other countries without further tests or applications. If you have an international driving permit, this proves that you have a valid driving permit issued by a competent authority in your home country. If you are travelling abroad and wish to drive in another country, you will very likely require an international driving permit. International driving permits issued in Ireland are only available to Irish residents with a current full driving licence.

There are two types of international driving permit issued in Ireland:

A 1949 Convention International Driving Permit, which is the most commonly issued driving permit and is recognised in most countries
A 1929 Convention International Driving Permit, which is required for the following countries - Brazil, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia.

Where can I use my international driving permit?

You can use your international driving permit in any of the countries that have signed the 1929 or 1949 UN Convention on road traffic.

The list of countries that recognise international permits is not available online. We cannot answer questions relating to this issue. (Contact AA Travel under 'Where to apply' below for more information).

Many other countries that are not signatories to the 1949 convention recognise the international driving permit and accept it in their territory. Contact your embassy or consulate in advance of travel to check whether or not an international driving permit is required in the country you will be visiting.

An international driving permit is available to Irish residents, who possess a current full Irish driving licence. European Union/European Economic Area citizens who are in possession of a full driving permit from a competent authority in their own country and who are resident in Ireland can also obtain an international driving permit in Ireland that is valid for use abroad.

You cannot be issued with an international driving permit in Ireland if:

you have not passed your driving test and have a provisional driving licence
You are from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. The European Economic Area consists of the 25 member states of the EU and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You should always carry your own driving permit, even when you have an international driving permit, when travelling abroad, as you may be required to produce this licence for inspection, for example, when hiring a car abroad.
Each international driving permit is valid for one year from date of issue.

International Driving Permit Fee

An international driving permit (valid for 1 year) costs 5.08 euro.
If you require both a 1949 Convention International Driving Permit and a 1929 Convention International Driving Permit, this will cost 10.16 euro.

How to apply

This application form is available from AA Travel at the address below.

Your application must be accompanied by a full valid Republic of Ireland driving licence or a full valid driving permit from another European Union or European Economic Area country, together with a passport photograph and the appropriate fee. If you are from a European Union/European Economic Area country and possess a full valid driving permit from your home country, you are also required to supply a copy of a utility bill (i.e., an electricity, telephone or gas bill) showing your address in Ireland. You will also be required to sign a declaration of residency on the application form.

Where to apply

AA Travel,
56 Drury Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 617 95 40
Fax: (01) 617 49 42
E-mail: aatravel@aaireland.ie

For more information visit http://www.citizensinformation.ie/