International Driving Permit In Ireland 2025 Guide

International Driving Permit In Ireland Guide

Do you want to explore other countries outside the European Union? You should be aware that the authorities expect you to possess an international driving permit in Ireland to drive in these countries. More so, no foreign car rental agency will let you drive their car without an international driving permit.

So, where can you get an international driving permit in Ireland? This article provides a clear answer to your question. You will also learn what an international driving permit is all about.

1. What Is International Driving Permit?

2. The 1949 Convention International Driving Permit

3. The 1926 Convention International Driving Permit

4. Where to Get International Driving Permit in Ireland?

5. What Countries Require an International Driving Permit?

6. About The International Driving Permit Application Form

7. Documents needed for International Driving Permit in Ireland

8. Who Can Apply For International Driving Permit in Ireland?

9. The categories of people that will not be granted an IDP.

10. How to Take Your Passport-Sized Photo with Your Phone ( for IDP Application)

11. Summary

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An international driving permit is a document that shows that you are eligible to drive outside your home country. It contains similar information to your national driving license. But the difference is that you can only use it in foreign countries without any driving test or further applications.

Additionally, the international driving permit translates your Irish driver’s license into 10 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Swedish, Arabic, and Portuguese.

If you are getting an international driving permit in Ireland, there are two major types to request.

The 1949 International Driving Permit Convention

This driving permit is more recent. If you check around the world, you will discover it has wide acceptance and recognition among several countries.

The 1926 Convention International Driving Permit

This permit is recognized in countries such as Brazil, Iraq, Nigeria, Burundi, and Somalia.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in Ireland?

You can get an international driving permit online, in person, or by mail. If you are applying online, the process takes 10-15 minutes. So it’s not a difficult task at all. Likewise, it takes about 30 minutes to get an international driving permit in person.

Unlike the online and in-person applications, getting an IDP by mail may take longer time. This is usually due to how busy the application center is, among other similar factors. To this end, we recommend that you apply for your IED online.

Irrespective of the method of application, you should get your IDP from an authorized dealer. Such authorized dealers are usually automobile associations that can help you with Irish passport photos.

What Countries Require an International Driving Permit?

Perhaps you are travelling to countries outside the European Union, it is important to have an international driving permit. Refusal to provide one when required by law enforcement agents may lead to serious sanctions like fines and even deportation in severe cases.

On the other hand, you don’t need an international driving permit if you are visiting a country within the European Union. A European License will suffice in this instance.

About The International Driving Permit Application Form

All applicants are required to get the International Driving Permit application form. But more importantly, ensure to get this form from accredited agents.

After getting the application form, you should provide information about your title, first name, and surname. Further, information such as date of birth, home address, email address, and mobile number must be provided.

If you examine the form closely, you will discover an area where you are expected to choose the type of IDP you’d like to get. The 1949 and 1926 International Driving Permit cost the same fee.

Documents needed for an International Driving Permit in Ireland

Before submitting your International Driving Permit application form, you must attach some supporting documents.

Submit a valid copy of your current Irish Driving License
A passport photo with your signature on the back
If you are applying with a non-Irish driving license, attach a copy of a household bill within the last 3 months
Pay the applicable fee of €15 by cheque or postal order

Who Can Apply For an International Driving Permit in Ireland?

Two categories of people can apply for the IDP in Ireland. If you are an Irish citizen with a valid driving license, authorized dealers will process an IDP application.

Also, persons holding an EU/EEA license other than those issued in Ireland can get an International Driving Permit. If you belong to the category, you must be a permanent resident of Ireland.

To prove that you are eligible for IDP, you must submit a copy of a domestic document dated not later than 3 months ago. And such a bill must show your residence address.

On the IDP application form, there’s a section that contains a declaration of residency. Ensure to sign there and include the appropriate date.

Perhaps you are confused about what “Normal Residency” means in Ireland. Let’s get to it immediately.

Normal Residency applies to people who live for not less than 185 days in Ireland in each calendar year. And such residency could be for personal or occupational reasons.

For persons with personal ties in Ireland and occupational ties in a foreign country, you are no less normal residents of Ireland. You only need to return to Ireland regularly.

No one will deny you the normal residency status on account of working abroad or attending a foreign university for a specific time.

The categories of people who will not be granted an IDP.

If your driving license expires in 6 months from the date of application
You’ve not passed your driving test
You have a learner’s permit

How to Take Your Passport-Sized Photo with Your Phone ( for IDP Application)

You need two copies of passport-sized photos for your IDP application. If you want to get passport photos with ease, the Smartphone iD app is your best shot.

Make your passport photo online with Smartphone iD. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes, available on Apple or Google Play Store. After the AI and standby experts verify the photos, you will get them via email.

Summary

An International Driving License is not similar to an International Driving Permit. Tricksters have devised this terminology to defraud unsuspecting victims. Therefore, you should be wary not to request for IDP from unauthorized persons.

When applying for your International Driving Permit, you will submit two copies of passport-sized photos. And to speed up the process, you can take an approved passport photo via Smartphone iD.

FAQs

Can I Drive In A Foreign Country Without an IDP?

No. The IDP validates your driving proficiency

Where Can I Get an IDP In Ireland?

You can get an International Driving Permit from authorized dealers in Ireland

How Much Is An International Driving Permit (IDP)?

International Driving Permit costs about €15 in Ireland

How Many Passport Photo Copies Do You Need For an International Driving Permit?

You need two copies of passport-sized photos for your IDP application

Can I Take a Passport Photo For IDP With My Phone?

Yes. You can take a passport photo with the Smartphone iD app