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Budget · United Kingdom

Does Budget require an IDP in United Kingdom?

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United Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Budget still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
Budget in United Kingdom
Budget IDP policyRequired for non-Roman-alphabet licences
Budget footprintGlobal
Accepted formatBoth
Minimum rental age17+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

Budget in United Kingdom: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP when your licence is not in the Roman alphabet. Value rental brand operating in 120+ countries.

Most visitors can drive in the UK on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months; an IDP helps if your licence is not in English.

In United Kingdom specifically, united Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Budget still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. An IDP is recommended for licences not printed in the Roman alphabet.

Budget runs a global network; at its United Kingdom desks, foreign renters are asked for the Both-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. United Kingdom drives on the left, uses the GBP, and sets a minimum driving age of 17; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.

What to bring to the Budget counter in United Kingdom

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the Both format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the GBP deposit; United Kingdom drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in United Kingdom Budget renters should know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Mobile-phone use while driving is heavily penalised.
  • 0.08% alcohol limit in England/Wales; lower in Scotland.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Budget in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Budget still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the Budget desk in United Kingdom?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the Both format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. United Kingdom drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 17+.
03
What is Budget's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP when your licence is not in the Roman alphabet. Value rental brand operating in 120+ countries.