[Travel Information] Applying an International Driving Permit (or International Driving Licence) in the UK or Hong Kong

中文版本請按此

I absolutely love road trip. However, if you're planning to drive abroad, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). In this article, I'll guide you through the application process for an IDP in both the UK and Hong Kong. 　 An IDP is not a driving licence; it's a permit. It serves as an additional document that extends the validity of your original driving licence overseas. The IDP cannot be used its own, so it's important to ALWAYS carry both your original driving licence and the IDP when driving abroad. 　 - Types of IDP - Applying for an IDP in the UK 　 • Where can you apply? • What documents are required? • When will I receive my IDP? • How long is the IDP valid for? - Applying for an IDP in Hong Kong 　 • Online Application • Apply at a Service Counter • Submit by Post or Drop-in box 　 　 Types of IDP 　 There are three types of IDP. They are issued based on the 1926 Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. 　 In the UK, you can obtain all three types of IDP. Please visit gov.uk website to check which type you need for the specific country you are travelling to. 　 In Hong Kong, you can obtain the '1949' version of IDP, which is accepted in most major countries. For the most up-to-date list of accepted countries, you can refer to the UN Website. 　 　 ▲ Driving Licence and IDP in the UK 　 Applying for an IDP in the UK 　 Since there are three types of IDP, it is important to check which type you need via gov.uk website. For example, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand only accept the 1949 version. Meanwhile, Brazil, Pakistan, Ukraine and Vietnam only accept the 1968 version. 　 Where can you apply? 　 You must apply at a designated PayPoint store. Please note that IDP applications are NOT available at all PayPoint locations. 　 There is no official online application process for an IDP in the UK. You (or a representative) must visit a designated PayPoint store in person. If you are applying through someone else, they must bring all the ORIGINAL documents to the designated PayPoint store on your behalf. 　 Up until 31st March 2024, IDP applications are handled by Post Office counters. However, from 1st April 2024, the Post Office will no longer accept IDP applications. You can still use any IDP obtained through the Post Office until it expires. 　 How I can find a designated PayPoint store? 　 1. Visit the PayPoint website (URL: https://consumer.paypoint.com/) 　 　 　 2. Scroll down to the map and enter the postcode of the area where you want to search. 　 　 　 3. Click on 'Filter Service'. 　 　 　 4. Select 'DVLA IDP' and then click 'Apply'. 　 　 　 5. The map will display the designated PayPoint stores where you can apply for an IDP. 　 　 　 6. Click on the store icon to view the store details, including the address. 　 　 What documents are required? 　 1. Your UK Driving Licence (either photo card or paper licence without photo is acceptable) 2. Application fee of £5.5 (can be paid by cash or card) 3. A passport-style photo 4. Your passport (if you have a paper licence without photo) 　 When will I receive my IDP? 　 Your IDP will be issued immediately. You will receive it on the spot. 　 How long is the IDP valid for? 　 The validity of IDP is based on the effective start date. The '1926' and '1949' versions are valid for 1 year, while the '1968' version is valid for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. The effective start day can be the same day as your application or up to 3 months later. For example, if you plan to travel on 1st April, you can apply on 1st January and request the effective start day on 31st March. The IDP will then expire on 30th March the following year. 　 　 ▲ Driving Licence and IDP in Hong Kong 　 Applying for an IDP in Hong Kong 　 Only the '1949' version of IDP is available in Hong Kong. Please check the most up-to-date list of accepted countries on the UN Website before applying. 　 Online Application 　 The online application is available only to individuals who have an 'iAM Smart+' account or a valid personal digital certificate (provided by Hongkong Post or Digi-Sign Certification Services Limited). 　 Register for an 'iAM Smart+' account 　 If you do not yet have an account with the services mentioned, you will need to download and install 'iAM Smart' app (available for iOS/Android) and register for a new account. To register, you will need a newest version Hong Kong Identity Card (issue on or after 26th November 2018) and a smartphone with Near-field communication (NFC) and biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face ID) capabilities. For detailed instrustion on how to register for the 'iAM Smart+' service, please refer to the 'iAM Smart' website. 　 Prepare your Documents 　 1. A passport-style photo image file (saved as JPG or JPEG, maximum size 5Mb) 2. Proof of address document (saved as JPG/JPEG, maximum size 5Mb, or PDF, maximum 1Mb) 3. Application fee of HK$80, payable by credit card, FPS, or PPS. 　 Application Procedure 　 1. Go to the 'Online Application for International Driving Permit' page on the GovHK website. 2. Click the 'Online application for International Driving Permit ('iAM Smart+' account with digital signing function / Valid digital certificate required)' button 3. Follow the instructions to verify your identity using the 'iAM Smart' app. 4. Log in to complete the application form, upload documents, and make the payment. 　 Receive the IDP and its Validity 　 Once your application is successful, the Transport Department will send your IDP to your correspondence address by registered post within 10 working days. 　 The IDP will be effective from the issue date and is valid for 1 year. 　 Apply at a Service Counter 　 Both the applicant and an agent can bring a completed 'Application for International Driving Permit' form (Form No. TD 51) and the required documents to one of the Transport Department Licensing Office to apply for an IDP. Form TD 51 can be downloaded in Transport Department's website or is available at the Licensing Offices. (If you applied in person, you can complete the form on-site.) 　 Transport Department Licensing Offices 　 1. 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong 2. 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon 3. 5/F, Kowloon East Government Offices, 12 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon 4. 2/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, NT 　 Required Documents 　 1. Hong Kong Identity Card (original or copy) 2. 2 passport-style photos 3. Application fee of HK$80 4. Proof of address (e.g. utilities or telecom bills, bank documents, insurance statements, or government-issued documents) 5. Completed TD 51 form 　 Appointment or Same-Day Queue Ticket 　 All Transport Department Licensing Office have a limited number of application slots. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance either online or by phone at +852 3763 8080. 　 If no appointment has been made, you will need to obtain a same-day queue ticket at the Licensing Office either at 09:00 or 14:00 on the working days. In the Queensway and Cheung Sha Wan offices, there are 170 tickets (each) available for the morning session and 130 for the afternoon session. In Sha Tin and Kwun Tong offices, there are 70 tickets (each) for the morning session and 50 for the afternoon session. For further details, please visit the Transport Department's website. 　 Receive the IDP and its validity 　 Once your application is submitted, your IDP will be issued on the same day. You will need to wait for approximately 1 hour or more for it to be processed. 　 The IDP will be effective immediately and is valid for 1 year. 　 Submit by Post or Drop-in box 　 Send the completed 'Application for International Driving Permit' form (Form Number TD 51) and the required documents by post to: Transport Department Kwun Tong Licensing Office, P.O. Box 68115, Kowloon East Post Office. Alternatively, you can drop off your application at the drop-in boxes located at the Transport Department Licensing Offices. 　 Drop-in Boxes at the Transport Department Licensing Office 　 1. 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong 2. 2/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon 3. 5/F, Kowloon East Government Offices, 12 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon 4. 2/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, NT 　 Required Documents 　 1. A copy of Hong Kong Identity Card 2. 2 passport-style photos 3. A crossed cheque or cashier's order payable to 'The Government of the HKSAR' 4. Proof of address (e.g. utilities or telecom bills, bank documents, insurance statements, or government-issued documents) 5. Completed TD 51 form 　 Receive the IDP and its Validity 　 Upon successful application, the Transport Department will send the IDP to your correspondence address by registered post within 10 working days. 　 The IDP will be effective from the issue date and is valid for 1 year.

Please following my Instagram:

[旅遊事項] 在英國及香港申請國際駕駛許可證（國際車牌／國際駕照）的途徑

Click here for English Version

正一非常喜歡自駕遊。要合法在外國駕駛，首先需要「國際駕駛許可證」（International Driving Permit，IDP）。在這篇文章裡，正一會介紹在英國及香港怎樣領取 IDP。 　 IDP 只是一張「許可證」（permit），它的功用只是把你原有駕照延伸國外，是一份附加文件，不能取代原有駕照。因此除了 IDP 外，在國外開車時也必須攜帶原國駕照。 　 - IDP 的種類 - 在英國領取 IDP 　 • 申請地點 • 所需文件 • 領證時間 • 有效期限 - 在香港領取 IDP 　 • 網上申請 • 櫃檯申請 • 郵寄或投遞 　 　 IDP 的種類 　 IDP 總共分為三類，分別是《1926 年巴黎關於汽車交通國際公約》、《1949 年日內瓦道路交通公約》，以及《1968 年維也納道路交通公約》。 　 英國同時可申請到全部三類版本的 IDP，因此在辦理前請先在英國政府網站查看需要申請哪一個版本。 　 香港只簽發「1949」版本的 IDP，也是目前獲最多主流國家認可的版本。可瀏覽聯合國網頁查看最新認可國家列表。 　 　 ▲ 英國駕照及 IDP 　 在英國辦理 IDP 　 由於英國同時有簽發全部三類版本的 IDP，因此在辦理前請先在英國政府網站查看需要申請哪一個版本。以日本、香港、馬來西亞、新加坡、美國、加拿大、澳洲、紐西蘭為例，只支援「1949」版本。巴西、巴基斯坦、烏克蘭、越南側只支援「1968」版本。 　 申請地點 　 必須前往指定 PayPoint 商店辦理。請注意！並非所有 PayPoint 商店都能辦理 IDP。 　 英國沒有網上辦理 IDP 的官方途徑，必須親身或經由他人幫忙前往指定 PayPoint 商店辦理。經由他人申請時，代辦人必須帶同全部文件的正本前往指 PayPoint 商店辦理。 　 2024 年 3 月 31 日或以前，代辦申請 IDP 是由郵政局櫃檯負責；但自 2024 年 4 月 1 日起，郵政局已不接受 IDP 申請，而之前在郵政局領到的 IDP 則可繼續使用至有效期完結。 　 如何搜尋「指定 PayPoint 商店」？ 　 1. 瀏覽 PayPoint 網頁（網址：https://consumer.paypoint.com/） 　 　 　 2. 向下滑至地圖部分，輸入想搜尋區域的郵政編碼（Post Code）。 　 　 　 3. 按「Filter Service」進行商店篩選。 　 　 　 4. 勾選「DVLA IDP」後按「Apply」。 　 　 　 5. 剩下就是支援 IDP 申請的 PayPoint 商店。 　 　 　 6. 按下商店圖標就可以查看商店地址。 　 　 所需文件 　 1. 英國駕照（有照片的卡片駕照，以及沒照片的紙本駕照都可以） 2. 申請費用 £5.5，可使用現金或卡片支付 3. 符合護照規格的照片 4. 護照（如使用沒照片的紙本駕照） 　 領證時間 　 現場製作，即時領證。是不是以為要回家等政府部門審批、簽發完後再寄回家中？正一最初也以為是這樣。誰知道是現製的，馬上就可領證。這是正一唯一在英國遇到比香港更有效率的事物！（香港一般都要花數小時等待） 　 有效期限 　 由 IDP 生效日期起計算，「1926」或「1949」版本有效期為一年，「1968」版本有效期為三年，或有效至英國駕照到期為止，以較先者為準。生效日期可設於辦理當天或往後的三個月內；以「1949」版本為例，4 月 1 日出發到國外，1 月 1 日便可以辦理，並可把生效日期設於 3 月 31 日，該證有效期止於來年 3 月 30 日。 　 　 ▲ 香港駕照及 IDP 　 在香港辦理 IDP 　 香港只簽發「1949」版本的 IDP，請瀏灠聯合國網頁以取得最新認可列表。 　 網上申請 　 網上申請只供擁有「智方便+」或個人數碼證書（由香港郵政或電子核證服務有限公司提供）帳戶的人士使用。 　 登記「智方便+」 　 若沒有上述戶口，正一建議先下載「智方便」app（iOS／Android）並登記新帳戶。登記時需要使用最新版本（2018 年 11 月 26 日或之後簽發）的香港居民身份證，以及一部已啟動近場通訊（NFC）及生物認證（指紋或容貌識別）的智能電話。登記「智方便+」的詳細資料，可參考「智方便」網頁。 　 準備文檔 　 1. 證件相片檔案。需符合護照標準，以 JPG 或 JPEG 格式儲存，檔案大小不可超過 5Mb。 2. 住址證明檔案。需以 JPG 或 JPEG 格式（檔案大小 5Mb 以下）或 PDF 格式（1Mb 以下）儲存。 3. 申請費用 HK$80。需以信用卡、轉數快或繳費靈付款。 　 進入網上申請程序 　 1. 前往香港政府一站通網站「網上申請國際駕駛許可證」頁面。 2. 按下「網上申請國際駕駛許可證（需要已啟用數碼簽署功能的「智方便+」帳戶或有效的數碼證書）」按鈕。 3. 按照指示透過「智方便」app 進行身分驗證。 4. 登入申請程序，然後填寫申請表格，上傳文件及付款。 　 領證時間及有效期 　 成功申請後，運輸署會於 10 個工作天內，以掛號信件方式把 IDP 寄到通訊地址上。依據正一上次申請時的經驗，提交申請後 5 個工作天（一週）便收到「申請已批准」的電郵，再過 2~3 天便收到 IDP。 　 IDP 生效日期為運輸署批准當天，有效期為 1 年。 　 櫃檯申請 　 申請人可親身或委託他人，帶同已填寫及簽署的「國際駕駛許可證申請表」（表格編號 TD 51）及所需文件，前往運輸署 4 個牌照事務處進行申請。TD 51 表格可於運輸署網頁或前往各牌照事務處索取（親身前往可現場即時索取及填寫表格）。 　 運輸署牌照事務處 　 1. 香港金鐘道 95 號統一中心 3 樓 2. 九龍長沙灣道 303 號長沙灣政府合署 2 樓 3. 九龍觀塘鯉魚門道 12 號東九龍政府合署 5 樓 4. 新界沙田上禾輋路 1 號沙田政府合署 2 樓 　 所需文件 　 1. 香港身份證正本或副本 2. 護照相片 × 2 張 3. 申請費用 HK$80 4. 住址證明（三個月內的水電煤或電話賬單、銀行、保險、政府部門等發出的文件） 5. 填妥的 TD 51 表格 　 預約或當天取號 　 現時各運輪署牌照事務處已設有處理人數上限，需經由網上預約或致電 +852 3763 8080 預約。 　 沒有預約的人，可以在每個工作天 09:00 及 14:00 到各牌照事務處取當天籌號。籌號數量為金鐘道及長沙灣道上午各 170 個，下午各 130 個；沙田及觀塘上午各 70 個，下午各 50 個。詳情請查看運輸署網頁。 　 領證時間及有效期 　 經牌照事務處櫃檯申請的人士，需要即時等待製作證件。依個人經驗，等待時間由 1 小時至數小時不等！ 　 IDP 於申請當日生效，有效期為 1 年。 　 郵寄或投遞 　 把填妥的「國際駕駛許可證申請表」（表格編號 TD 51）及所需文件郵寄至「東九龍郵政信箱 68115 號運輸署觀塘牌照事務處」，或投入設於各運輸署牌照事務處的投遞箱內。 　 運輸署牌照事務處投遞箱 　 1. 香港金鐘道 95 號統一中心 3 樓 2. 九龍長沙灣道 303 號長沙灣政府合署 2 樓 3. 九龍觀塘鯉魚門道 12 號東九龍政府合署 5 樓 4. 新界沙田上禾輋路 1 號沙田政府合署 2 樓 　 所需文件 　 1. 香港身份證副本 2. 護照相片 × 2 張 3. 申請費用 HK$80 的劃線支票或銀行本票，收款人為「香港特別行政區政府」。 4. 住址證明（三個月內的水電煤或電話賬單、銀行、保險、政府部門等發出的文件） 5. 填妥的 TD 51 表格

領證時間及有效期

成功申請後，運輸署會於 10 個工作天內，以掛號信件方式把 IDP 寄到通訊地址上。

IDP 生效日期為運輸署批准當天，有效期為 1 年。

歡迎追蹤正一的 Instagram：