Can I drive in Turkey with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. GOV.UK says: “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey.” (FCDO travel advice for Turkey, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 1968 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Turkey: “Transport risks”
You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You must also carry a green card to show you have third party insurance.
Do not drink and drive. The police fine drunk drivers and they could confiscate your licence for 6 months.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Turkey travel advice, page updated 27 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Turkey
Hiring a car in Turkey? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Other licences in Turkey
| Licence | In Turkey | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Turkey
- British passport: Turkey entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Turkey
- Australian passport: Turkey
- Italian citizens: Turchia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Turkey with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. GOV.UK says: “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey.” (FCDO travel advice for Turkey, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Turkey with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Turkey?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Turkey.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.