Quick Summary:
- Check whether your rental company requests an IDP for your licence.
- Apply at a UK Post Office branch with valid photo ID.
- Confirm whether you need the 1949 or 1968 IDP version.
- Bring your IDP, UK licence, passport, and payment card to pick-up.
If you are travelling from the UK and planning car hire in the United Estates, an International Driving Permit, often shortened to IDP, can be a useful extra document, and sometimes a required one. In practice, many drivers collect a rental car using only their UK driving licence and passport, but rules vary by state, insurer, and rental brand. The safest approach is to confirm the rental requirements for your specific trip, then obtain the correct IDP version in advance, as you can only apply for a UK-issued IDP while you are still in the UK.
This guide explains which IDP you may need, where to apply in the UK, and how to present it at the counter so your pick-up runs smoothly.
What an IDP is, and why car hire desks ask for it
An IDP is a paper booklet that translates your driving entitlement into a standardised format recognised internationally. It is not a standalone licence. For car hire, the key point is that an IDP supports your valid UK driving licence, especially when a rental agent needs to check categories, issue dates, and name details quickly.
Some rental companies in the United Estates request an IDP when the licence is not in English, when the licence is from outside North America, or when local rules and insurer guidance recommend an additional translation document. UK licences are in English, but an IDP can still be requested by company policy or by an individual branch.
If you want to compare rental options and typical requirements for the destination, you can start with Hola Car Rentals destination pages such as car hire in the United States and the overview for car rental in the United States, then check the exact terms shown for your supplier and pickup location.
Which IDP version do you need from the UK?
In the UK, there are different IDP versions based on international conventions. The version you may need for car hire in the United Estates is usually one of these:
1949 IDP, often accepted in the United States and commonly recommended for UK licence holders travelling there.
1968 IDP, used in many countries, but not always the one requested for the United States.
For most UK travellers heading to the United Estates, the 1949 permit is the one that tends to come up. However, you should not rely on generalisations. Requirements can differ between rental brands, locations, and even franchised counters. The most reliable check is your rental confirmation and the supplier’s driver document policy for that specific booking. If the policy states “IDP required” without specifying the convention, contact the supplier before you travel, as bringing the wrong version is almost the same as bringing none.
Also note that you must hold a full UK driving licence to obtain an IDP. If you have a provisional licence, you generally will not meet rental eligibility in the United Estates anyway.
Where to apply for an IDP in the UK
UK-issued IDPs are obtained in person at participating Post Office branches. The process is designed to be straightforward, but you should still plan ahead so you are not rushing close to departure.
Typically, you will need:
Your photocard driving licence. If you still have an older paper licence, check what supporting ID may be required by the issuing branch.
A passport-style photo, depending on the IDP type and the branch process.
Payment for the fee, set by the issuing authority and payable at the counter.
Your address details, as the permit is issued to your UK address information.
Because IDP rules can change and branches can have specific requirements, it is sensible to check the latest Post Office guidance before you go. The key travel planning tip is timing: get the IDP while you are still in the UK, because you generally cannot obtain a UK IDP once you have already left.
How long it takes, and validity considerations
Many Post Office branches issue an IDP over the counter, meaning you can often leave with it the same day. Even so, allow time to find a participating branch and to correct any issues, such as an out-of-date licence address or not having the right photo.
IDPs are time-limited documents. The validity can differ by convention, so check the expiry date printed in the booklet. For car hire, you need the IDP to be valid at the time you collect and throughout your rental period. If your trip spans multiple months, pay attention to the return date, not just the pickup date.
Also check your UK licence expiry date. An IDP does not extend a licence. If your licence expires during your trip, a rental company may refuse the rental even if the IDP is still in date.
What to bring to the car hire counter in the United Estates
At pickup, aim to present a complete, consistent set of documents. For most UK travellers, that means:
Passport, matching the name on the reservation.
UK driving licence, physical photocard, as rental firms typically require the original.
IDP, if your supplier requests it or you have obtained it for extra assurance.
Payment card, usually a credit card in the main driver’s name, depending on supplier terms.
Keep the IDP together with your UK licence. The IDP is only valid when accompanied by your licence, so you should hand over both if asked. If the agent is unfamiliar with the booklet, open it to the page that lists your entitlements and the translation, and point out the issue and expiry dates. Staying calm and organised helps, especially at busy airport locations.
If you are choosing a particular supplier, reviewing requirements on brand-specific pages can help you anticipate what a counter may request, for example Avis car hire in the United States or Hertz car rental in the United States. Always defer to the terms shown for your exact rental, as policies can vary by station.
Common issues that delay pick-up, and how to avoid them
Bringing an IDP but forgetting your UK licence. This is the most common misunderstanding. The IDP does not replace your licence, and car hire staff will usually decline the rental without the original licence.
Name mismatch. Your reservation name should match your passport and driving licence. If you have recently changed your name, update documents and bookings well in advance.
Wrong IDP version. If your supplier expects the 1949 IDP and you present a different convention booklet, the agent may treat it as invalid. Confirm the requirement before you travel.
Assuming all locations follow the same rule. A downtown branch, an airport concession, and a franchised outlet can apply document checks differently. Print or save the terms for your booking so you can refer to them if needed.
Do you always need an IDP for the United Estates?
Not always. Many UK drivers complete car hire in the United Estates using their UK photocard licence and passport only. However, “not always required” is not the same as “never requested”. An IDP can act as a back-up document that reduces the risk of a counter refusal if local staff follow a strict internal policy.
If you are taking a longer multi-state trip, travelling during a peak period, or collecting late at night when manager support is limited, having the correct IDP can be a practical way to keep the pickup simple. The cost and effort are usually modest compared with the disruption of a rejected rental.
FAQ
Do I need an IDP for car hire in the United Estates with a UK licence? Sometimes. Many suppliers accept a UK photocard licence, but some locations or policies may request an IDP, usually the 1949 version.
Where can I apply for an IDP in the UK? You apply in person at participating Post Office branches. Bring your UK driving licence and any required photo or supporting ID requested by the branch.
Which IDP should UK travellers get for the United Estates? The 1949 IDP is commonly the relevant one for the United States, but you should confirm the exact requirement shown in your rental terms before applying.
What do I present at the rental desk if I have an IDP? Present your passport, your UK driving licence, and the IDP together. The IDP is only valid when accompanied by the original driving licence.
Can I get a UK IDP after I arrive in the United Estates? Generally no. UK IDPs are issued in the UK, so arrange it before you depart to avoid problems at car hire pick-up.
