International driving licence exchange in the UK: a step-by-step guide

So, you’ve been living in the UK for a while. Now it might be time to exchange your international driving licence for a UK one.

But how do you actually change your licence to a UK one? Which countries’ driving licenses can be exchanged in UK? The rules can feel complicated and often depend on where your licence was issued and how long you’ve been a UK resident.

The good news is the process for an international driving licence exchange is straightforward once you know the steps. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly who can exchange their licence, what documents you’ll need, how long it takes, and what to watch out for along the way.

At Marshmallow, we accept driving licences from all countries, so you could get car insurance today.

Which countries’ driving licence can be exchanged in UK?

While you can exchange driving licences from many countries for a UK one, you must be classed as a UK resident to do so. That means you’ll need a permanent address here that you’ve lived in for at least 185 days.

If you are a UK resident, here are the rules for converting your licence to a UK one:

Europe, EU and EEA

Drivers whose licence was issued in the European Economic Area can drive in the UK on a valid licence until age 70. After this point, they’ll have to exchange their international licence for a UK licence.

Northern Ireland

If your licence was issued after 1 January 1976, you can exchange it for a British licence at any time, and there’s no fee to do so.

Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man

Licences issued on or after 1 April 1991 can be exchanged.

Designated Countries

Drivers from the following countries can use their valid licence for up to 12 months in the UK. After that, they must exchange it within 5 years of becoming a UK resident (as long as the licence is still valid):

Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe.

Important exceptions:

• Republic of Korea: Motorcycle licences can’t be exchanged without passing UK theory and practice motorcycle tests.
• New Zealand: Automatic licence holders can only drive automatics unless they can prove they passed a manual test.
• South Africa: Old “book of life” licences or letters of entitlement to one are no longer valid. You must have a new card-style licence or a letter of entitlement to one.

Still unsure if you need to exchange your licence for a UK one? The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offers a handy interactive tool to guide you through the process.

How do I convert my international licence to a UK one?

Step 1: Check if you need a translation

• Japanese licence holders must provide an official translation of their licence. For more details on this process, read the UK government’s foreign embassies page.

Step 2. Order a D1 application form

• D1 application packs are only available from a post office that offers DVLA services.
• Order the complete form, as some sections can’t be printed at home.

Step 3. Send your application

Post the following to the DVLA address provided on the form:

• Completed D1 form
• Your current driving licence
• Proof of identity
• A passport photo (if needed)
• The £43 fee

Step 4. Get your UK licence

• Your new licence should arrive within 3 weeks (sometimes longer if extra checks are required).

Other things to remember

• Once exchanged, your old licence will not be returned.
• You must be a UK resident to apply.
• Licences from non-designated countries can only be used for 12 months. After that, you’ll need to pass a UK theory and practical test.
• You’ll also need valid UK car insurance to drive.

Need car insurance while you wait?

At Marshmallow, we specialise in helping international drivers get affordable cover in the UK. We accept licences from any country, so you could get insured today.

Get a free quote in minutes to see what you could save.