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

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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.

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