Press release -
Post Offices expands International Driving Permit services to 2,500 branches across the UK
The Post Office has announced that from today (1st February 2019) around 2,500 Post Office branches across the UK can provide International Driving Permits to UK travellers intending to drive abroad.
There are three versions of International Driving Permits, each supported by a different convention, which cover over 100 countries around the world, with the documents costing £5.50 each.
Previously, 89 Post Office branches offered International Driving Permits for countries which are parties to the 1926 and 1949 conventions; but from today, the service will be extended to offer all three permits, which includes countries now under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
In addition to the 89 Post Office branches, the 1926 and 1949 permits were previously also provided by the AA and the RAC through the post or at the AA shop in Folkestone. From 1st February these organisations will no longer provide International Driving Permits. Instead the Post Office will issue all driving permits on DVLA’s behalf, from 2,500 branches.
Customers can check which permit they require for the country they wish to drive in by checking our website: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit.
The expansion means that these 2,500 branches can offer a one stop shop for customers intending to travel abroad; they are able to pick up their Driving Permit for countries ranging from A – Z (Albania all the way to Zimbabwe), collect their travel money, and also find out more about travel insurance too..
Martin Edwards, Managing Director of Identity Services at the Post Office, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to extend the number of Post Office branches offering international driving permits to 2,500. Millions of travellers already visit our branches each year to access our range of travel services, including travel money, travel insurance and digital passport applications. It means we’re well placed and resourced to extend the availability of these documents, offering even greater convenience to our customers, who will now be able to pop into a branch to also pick up their International Driving Permit.”
The 2,500 Post Office branches now offering all three driving permits are spread across the UK, with some located in or near UK travel hubs - this includes the Post Offices located near to airports, such as London Gatwick, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow International, along with branches near to St Pancras International and ferry ports around the country.
London’s Canary Wharf branch is one of those now offering the service. Postmaster Subash Patel said:
“We are really pleased to be able to now offer all three International Driving Permits to our customers. Our branch serves lots of people who are making preparations to travel, both for work and pleasure, and it’s great that we can be their one stop travel shop, where they can come in and get all the important things they need for their trip, including travel money, travel insurance, and of course their all-important driving permit.”
Roads Minister Jesse Norman said:
“International Driving Permits will be on sale for drivers across the country at Post Office branches.
“The Government’s priority remains to secure an agreement with the EU that means UK driving licences continue to be recognised.
“But the wide availability of IDPs now through Post Offices should give reassurance to UK motorists that they can continue to drive in the EU, whatever the outcome of Brexit.”
The 1968 International Driving Permit covers countries such as South Africa, Vietnam and Kenya, all of which feature in the Post Office Travel Money’s 10th annual Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer 2018. The countries are highlighted as three of the top 12 best value for money long-haul holiday destinations in the report, which monitors the price of eight tourist items – comprising dinner for two with wine, a range of drinks, suncream and insect repellent.
International Driving Permits are not currently required for UK drivers who decide to drive within the EU. This could change dependent on developments around Brexit negotiations, and if so, the relevant permits would be available at the same 2,500 Post Office branches.
Notes to Editors:
- International Driving Permits will be available from 1st February, although the 1968 format permits will not be valid for use until after 28th March 2019 – branches will be able to date them from 28th March, and they can be post-dated for up to three months before travel.
- Depending on when and where motorists are travelling, e.g. if they travel before 28 March 2019, or are visiting multiple countries they may need more than one driving permits – Post Office counter staff will be able to advise.
- The 1926 and 1949 versions of the permits are valid for one year, while the 1968 permits are valid for three years, or until your licence expires if that is sooner.
- Post Office branches offer a walk in service for International Driving Permits. To apply for a permit applicants need to provide a full UK driving licence, an unused passport photo and a valid passport (only for paper licences).
Issued by:
Post Office External Relations
Tel: 0207 012 3456
Follow us on Twitter @postofficenews
About the Post Office
With over 11,500 branches, the Post Office network is the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
97% of Post Office branches are run with retail partners on an agency or franchise basis.
- The Post Office provides services central to peoples’ everyday lives; 99.7% of the population lives within 3 miles of a Post Office.
We offer the UK’s largest fee free cash withdrawal network through our 11,500 branches and an additional 2,500 cash machines and 99 per cent of UK bank customers can access their accounts at the Post Office.
We sell 170 different products and services spanning financial services including savings, insurance, loans, mortgages and credit cards; Government services; telephony; foreign currency; travel insurance and mail services.
Post Offices branches remain highly valued and trusted, and are the focal point of many communities. For more information; visit www.postoffice.co.uk and to find out about a Post Office business opportunities; visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk
About Post Office:
- With 11,500 branches, the Post Office is among the larger retail networks in the UK.
- 97% of Post Office branches are run with retail partners on an agency or franchise basis.
- The Post Office provides services central to peoples’ everyday lives; 99.7% of the population lives within 3 miles of a Post Office.
- We offer the UK’s largest fee free cash withdrawal network through our 11,500 branches and an additional 2,500 cash machines and 99 per cent of UK bank customers can access their accounts at the Post Office.
- We sell 170 different products and services spanning financial services including savings, insurance, loans, mortgages and credit cards; Government services; telephony; foreign currency; travel insurance and mail services.
- Post Offices branches remain highly valued and trusted, and are the focal point of many communities. For more information; visit www.postoffice.co.uk and to find out about a Post Office business opportunities; visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk
