What an International Driving Permit is
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a standardized translation of the information on a valid driving licence. It is not a separate driving licence and does not give a person who is not licensed in Nigeria the right to drive abroad.
You must carry the valid Nigerian licence on which the IDP is based. A rental company, police officer or insurer may ask for both.
Where to apply in Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force lists International Driving Permit services on the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP). Use the current POSSAP portal to begin the application and follow the identity, licence-verification, photograph and payment instructions shown for the service.
Do not pay a website or agent simply because it uses the words “international licence.” A permit that cannot be traced to a competent Nigerian issuing route may be worthless at a rental desk or during a traffic stop.
What to prepare
The live POSSAP checklist controls, but you should have:
- a valid Nigerian driving licence;
- a clear identity document;
- the licence number and correct personal details;
- a suitable passport photograph where requested; and
- the destination country and expected travel dates.
Check that names and dates match the passport you will travel with. If the underlying Nigerian licence is expired, suspended or contains an error, deal with that first.
Check whether the destination recognizes it
An IDP does not guarantee that you can drive in every country. Before applying, check:
- the destination transport authority’s rule for visitors;
- which IDP convention or format the country recognizes;
- how long a visitor may use a foreign licence;
- the rental company’s age and licence-history rules; and
- whether the insurer imposes an additional condition.
A country may recognize an IDP for a short visit but require residents to exchange their licence or pass a local test after relocation.
When to apply
Apply after confirming the destination rule but early enough to correct any licence or identity problem. Use the fee, processing time and permit validity shown by the current official service. Do not rely on an old agent’s price list.
Before travelling
Carry the original Nigerian licence, the IDP, passport and rental documents together. Keep secure scans separately. If a rental company asks for a different permit format, confirm the demand against the destination authority rather than buying another document from an unverified seller.