Update: Green Card essential for driving in Europe

Basically, the Green Card acts as proof of motor insurance. It is a printed certificate that confirms you have appropriate insurance in place and is a legal requirement. The important thing to note is that digital versions will not be accepted: you must have a physical, hard copy, which must:

• Be printed on green or white paper with black ink (Green Cards no longer need to be green since 1st July 2020)
• Cover your period of travel
• Be supported by a valid Certificate of Insurance. 

You will also require an International  Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in some EU Countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence and/or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. An IDP is available from participating Post Offices at a cost of £5.50. This is also required if you wish to hire a vehicle in the EU (although is not a requirement in Ireland).

You’ll also need to carry your UK driving licence with you and have a GB sticker displayed in your car. If you are travelling with a trailer or caravan, you will require two Green Cards. A Green Card lasts for up to 90 days.
 
While it only takes a couple of days for us to process and issue your Green Card, we strongly advise you to allow more time. We suggest you plan well in advance and allow yourself up to 15 days. We will email your Green Card as a pdf attachment, but you must print it out.
 
Please note, even if you have a foreign-use extension on your driving licence, you will still need a Green Card.
 
If you arrive at a ferry or try to cross a border without a Green Card, you may not be allowed to travel further. You may also be fined and your vehicle could be impounded: in this instance, your insurance policy does not provide cover for fines or release fees.
 
We understand that the current transition period is confusing, especially given the additional impact of coronavirus. For further clarification, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you plan to drive in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia, Switzerland or Eire. Call TMD on 01992 703 000 or email: insurance@mcdonaghs.co.uk and we will be pleased to advise you.
 
For further information on Brexit and Leaving the EU, keep up to date by (clicking here). If you are travelling with a pet, existing pet passports will no longer be valid and will be replaced by a new process that takes up to 4 months. For further information, please (click here).