AA Roadwatch : International Driving Permit

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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.

(*EEA - Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein)

There are two types of IDP

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.

How to get an IDP

An IDP can be obtained for €5.08 each, when accompanied by a valid full Republic of Ireland Drivers Licence, a passport photograph and a completed application form. If you require both licences, please send two photographs, two completed applications and double the fee to €10.16. If applying on an EU/EEA licence please supply a copy of a utility bill showing your address of residence.

Applications & Permits available from:

Most AA Outlets - excluding Walkinstown and Killester
By post, AA Travel, 56 Drury Street, Dublin 2
By calling (01) 6179988
Print an APPLICATION FORM and return with payment to the above address.

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 may still be required to produce your own licence for inspection when hiring a car overseas. It is recommended that you always carry your own licence, even when an international permit is held.
Permits cannot be issued to holders of provisional licences or non EU/
EEA licence holders.

Note 3

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 4

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" below:
*EEA countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Note 5

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".

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