Do I need a green card to drive in Europe after Brexit?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 23, 2026
You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.
What documents do I need to drive in Europe after Brexit?
Your Certificate of Motor Insurance.
The log book (V5C) for the vehicle. Your driving licence. A GB sticker if your number plate has the Euro symbol; a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales; or letters and numbers with no flag or identifier – but from 28 September 2021, you'll need a UK sticker instead.
Do you need a green card to drive post Brexit Europe?
From 2nd August 2021, motorists will no longer require an insurance green card to drive their vehicles in the EU (including Ireland). The same applies in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland.
Do I need a green card to drive in Europe now?
As of 2 August 2021, you no longer need a green card to drive your car in most EU countries. Only Albania, Morocco, Serbia and Turkey now require them as standard. If you're towing, you may still need to carry one for your caravan or trailer.
Do I need a green card to drive in Spain after Brexit?
Do I need a Green Card to drive in France and Spain after Brexit in 2022? UK motorists will no longer be required to be in possession of a 'Green Card' when driving in France and Spain or other EU countries.
28 related questions foundCan I drive my EU car in UK after Brexit?
The UK was always dedicated to keeping licence requirements the same regardless of the outcome of the EU agreement after Brexit. This means that anyone from the EU and EAA can use their licence to drive and hire a car in the UK.
Can I drive my UK car in Spain after Brexit?
UK vehicles are currently treated the same as vehicles from other EU countries when it comes to registering them in Spain. If no deal is agreed stating otherwise, when the transition period ends, UK cars brought to Spain will be treated as non-EU imports. This means they will need to go through customs.
What do I need to drive in France 2021?
Driving in France checklist
- Full and valid driver's licence.
- V5C (or a VE103 document for rental vehicles)
- Proof of Insurance.
- Passport/national ID.
- Reflective jackets for all passengers.
- Warning triangles.
- Headlamp beam deflectors.
- Spare light bulbs.
Do I need a green card to drive in Europe 2022?
You'll need a green card, which proves your car is covered when driving in the EU. You can obtain a green card from your insurer, providing you contact them six weeks before departure. If you take a trailer or caravan, you'll need a separate green card for them too.
What do I need to drive in Italy after Brexit?
To drive your car in Italy, you need a full and valid UK driving licence, a valid passport, a V5, proof of insurance and a GB sticker. You will also need an International Driving Permit if you do not hold a mainland UK driving licence and a Green Card.
Is my UK driving licence valid in France after Brexit?
If your UK driving licence was first issued before 1 January 2021. Your licence is recognised in France for as long as it is valid. Paper licences are usually valid until you are 70. For plastic photocard licences, the expiry date is on the front.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Italy 2022?
Yes, if you're visiting, you'll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your legal driving license. If you're a resident in Italy, you will need to obtain an Italian driving license after one year of becoming a resident.
What documents do I need to drive in Europe?
Important documents for driving in Europe
- Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number.
- Proof of vehicle insurance.
- Proof of ID (passport)
- V5C certificate (the 'log book')
- Travel insurance documents.
- European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents.
How long can I drive my car in Spain after Brexit?
Driving in Spain after Brexit
But the good news is they aren't required in Spain for visits of up to six months. From mid-2021, there's also no requirement to show an insurance green card when entering the EU. But you must make sure your car identifier is 'UK' rather than 'GB'.
What is a green card for driving in Europe?
A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance – a physical document that drivers sometimes need to take with them when travelling. You don't need a Green Card across the EU (including Ireland) and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and Andorra.
Do I need a special license to drive in Italy?
To drive in Italy, you must either have an Italian driver's license or one issued by a European Union country. If you don't have one of those, you need to get an International Driving Permit. In most cases, you'll need to show both your U.S. license and your IDP to rent a car in Italy.
Do you need an International Drivers license in Europe?
In Europe, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain require an international driving permit, according to the car rental agency Auto Europe.
Do I really need an International Driving Permit in Italy?
Americans visiting Italy as tourists and intending to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S. If the permit expires while abroad, you may apply for a new one by mail through the American Automobile Association (AAA), Worldwide Travel Dept., 1000 AAA Dr., Heathrow, FL 32746, tel.
How do I get an International Driving Permit in Italy?
Information on how to get an International Driving Permit in Italy, is available at the following link: ), but please note that in order to apply for an IDP in Italy you must hold a valid domestic ...
Which country driving Licence is valid in Italy?
1. EU, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein Driving Licenses. Driving licenses issued in an EU country or in Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein (European Economic Area) are equivalent to an Italian driving license.
Can US driver license drive in Europe?
Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).
What license do I need to drive in Europe?
You do not need an international driving permit ( IDP ) to visit and drive in the EU , Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have: a paper driving licence. a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
How do I get an international driver's license for Europe?
The International Driving Permit is available from government-authorized organizations (such as national automobile associations) in 150 countries. To obtain it, you'll need to complete an application and submit it with a photocopy of your driver's license, two passport-size photos, and a small fee.
What countries require international drivers license?
International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. *IDP enforcement may vary based upon car rental supplier as well as renting country.
What documents do I need to drive in Italy?
Driving in Italy checklist:
- Full and valid driver's licence.
- V5C.
- Proof of Insurance.
- Green card.
- Passport/national ID.
- Reflective jackets.
- Warning triangles.
- Headlamp beam deflectors.