Paper only driving licence validity in EU

[Mr Celine]

The useless government web site says photocard licences are valid in the EU post brexit but you might need an International Driving Permit if you have a paper only licence and recommends contacting the various embassies.

Does anyone here know if a paper-only driving licence is still valid in EU countries?

 

[glasgowcyclist]

For something of this nature, I wouldn't take the word of somebody on a chat forum, I’d be checking directly with the destination country and any others I’ll be passing through.

From this article it appears there isn’t a single type of IDP but two: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47459859

“There are two different types of IDP you might need in Europe. For France and Germany, for example, some of those people will need a 1968 IDP. ​

There is also a 1949 IDP, which covers visits to Andorra, for example. ​

You can find the full list of which IDPs you need worldwide on this page.”​

 

[lazybloke]

Oh thanks @Mr Celine, that's good timing; stupidly I hadn't thought about the impact of Brexit on my paper licence for driving in the EU later this year.

Phew, looks like i'm okay, although might get something in writing from embassies. Belt & braces, and all that.

 

[Bollo]

I had thought about the consequences but not done anything about it yet. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

As an aside, my new one turned up today and I was miffed to find it will only last four years when I am 70.

Three yearly renewals thereafter - albeit free.

 

[Baldy]

I may be wrong but I didn't think paper licences were still valid in this country never mind in the EU.

 

[PaulSB]

I may be wrong but I didn't think paper licences were still valid in this country never mind in the EU.

I'd agree. I'm surprised paper licences are still valid here or abroad.

 

[slowmotion]

I may be wrong but I didn't think paper licences were still valid in this country never mind in the EU.

They are still valid in the UK. A car hire outfit in Italy accepted mine last week.

 

[presta]

Wouldn't it just be quicker and simpler to swap to a photo licence instead of whatever faffing around it takes to use the paper one?

 

[Ajax Bay]

I may be wrong but I didn't think paper licences were still valid in this country never mind in the EU.

You think wrong. And @slowmotion 's EU experience matches mine: for car hire, fine.
@PaulSB surprised why?

 

[glasgowcyclist]

They are still valid in the UK. A car hire outfit in Italy accepted mine last week.

Italy agreed to accept them for now but won’t accept them without an IDP after December 2022. Anyone with plans to drive there next year should check what’s required before they go.

 

[vickster]

If taking your own car, check with your insurer?
If renting, check with the rental company

 

[Mr Celine]

Wouldn't it just be quicker and simpler to swap to a photo licence instead of whatever faffing around it takes to use the paper one?

You have to pay £20 to swap for a photo licence plus £14 every 10 years.

 

[slowmotion]

Wouldn't it just be quicker and simpler to swap to a photo licence instead of whatever faffing around it takes to use the paper one?

It doesn't take any faffing about at all. My incredibly shabby paper licence was issued in 1987 and is good in the UK until 2024. I have not had to faff about with passport photos and renewal fees, just a lot of Sellotape to stop it disintegrating.

 

[Mo1959]

Still got the pink and green paper one too. It’s never been needed much so is still pristine in it’s original plastic wallet.