The key item drivers must have before taking their own car abroad this summer

Drivers must ensure they take several important documents with them when taking their own car abroad - including one vital piece of information. And you'll need to plan ahead, as it takes at least five working days to replace if it's been misplaced.

You must take your vehicle log book (V5C) with you if you’re taking your vehicle abroad and it must show your current UK address. A log book is issued by the DVLA to the registered keeper of a vehicle and contains important information about the car.

Drivers may have to show it if they're stopped at a port or while driving overseas. Motorists who don't have the documents can be fined or even have their vehicle confiscated if they can’t comply.

When taking your car abroad, you'll also need to ensure your vehicle is taxed in the UK for the time while you're away - and of course that you have a current MOT and UK insurance.

Ripe Caravan Insurance has compiled a checklist of all other essential documents that drivers, and anyone towing a caravan, must have with them when travelling around Europe and beyond in 2023. This is alongside costs and timeframes required to replace each document.

Founder John Woosey said: "Rules and regulations around driving abroad change often – so it’s vital that holidaymakers and anyone wishing to drive their car or tow a caravan abroad is up to date with the latest information. You could be in for a nasty shock if not, which could ruin your entire trip.

"The timeframes mentioned here are also often best-case scenario and don’t consider any potential strike action, delays, or unforeseen circumstances – so the sooner you can double check you have all documentation, the better."

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The documents you need when driving abroad - and how long they take to replace

Documentation	Time to obtain or replace
A valid full driving licence and national insurance number. If you want to tow a caravan over 750kg abroad, you’ll also need to update your licence to show that you can drive category BE. This is free. More information can be found here.	Allow three weeks.
A copy of your DVLA driver record and licence check code, if hiring a vehicle abroad.	You can get this immediately on the Government website but each licence check code is only valid for three weeks.
The vehicle's V5C or log book (the original version, not a copy).	Usually within five working days, but this could be longer.
Proof of motor insurance. Don’t forget to check if your policy covers you abroad, as many will only provide third-party cover. This means you won’t be covered for damage to your own vehicle or caravan, if towing. You may need to tell your insurer you plan to drive abroad. This information should be found on your policy documents.	Up to four days.
A VE103 certificate if you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you have hired or leased in the UK.	You can get a VE103 for a fee from any of the below – allow up to two weeks. AA British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) RAC Motoring Services Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Up-to-date MOT and vehicle tax. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a car without an MOT.	You must use an approved MOT test centre so waiting times vary. An MOT can be carried out up to one calendar month prior to the expiry date of the existing MOT certificate. Taxing your vehicle can be done immediately on the Government website. You can tax a vehicle up to two months before it expires.
Check if you need a green card. Green cards are no longer required when driving in many countries in Europe. However, drivers will need a green card for their vehicle AND caravan in the following places: Anywhere outside of the European Economic Area Albania Azerbaijan Belarus Moldova Russia Turkey Ukraine If travelling in other countries, you may need additional insurance for your caravan. Check this with your provider.	Up to six weeks.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re driving outside Europe. You may also need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.	You can get an IDP over the counter at a Post Office. They cost £5.50.
Your passport(s).	Allow at least 10 weeks for a UK passport. You must not travel if your passport shows less than six months before expiry. It costs £82.50 to renew or replace a British passport if you apply online or £93 if you fill in a paper form.
Your travel insurance documents.	You should be able to access immediately by calling your insurance provider.
A visa if travelling outside of designated visa-free access countries. UK citizens do not require a visa for the 27 Schengen Member States, if the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.	Check with the relevant embassy at least two months prior to travel.
A “clean air” Crit’air sticker if you are driving in France.	Around 10 days. This costs €3.72 for the sticker and postage. You can check if you need one and apply here.
A UK identifier sticker for your number plate. You will need two if you are towing a caravan – one for each number plate. GB, Wales, England or Scotland flag identifiers are no longer valid.	These can be purchased over the counter in many UK shops.