Green cards are official documents issued by your car insurance company confirming that your motor insurance provides the minimum legal cover required in the country you are visiting. They are essential for driving in many countries and are increasingly important post-Brexit.
When You Need a Green Card
You need a Green Card to drive your UK-registered vehicle in most non-EU countries and some EU countries post-Brexit. The document proves to foreign authorities that you have valid motor insurance that meets their minimum requirements. Without one, you risk being turned away at borders, fined, or having your vehicle confiscated. Green cards are free from your insurer — there is no charge for issuing one.
Post-Brexit Changes
Before Brexit, UK drivers needed green cards for EU travel. After Brexit, EU countries no longer automatically accept UK motor insurance. Several EU countries now require UK drivers to carry a green card — confirm with your insurer whether your destination country requires one. For EU countries that do not require a green card, you still need to carry your Certificate of Insurance as evidence of cover.
How to Get a Green Card
Contact your car insurance provider at least two weeks before your trip. Most insurers can email or post a green card document. The green card is specific to your vehicle, insurance policy, and trip dates — you cannot use a generic document. Some insurers now provide digital green cards that can be stored on your smartphone, though always check whether the destination country accepts digital versions.
Driving a Foreign Car in the UK
Foreign-registered vehicles visiting the UK may need their own green card or insurance certificate. Drivers from EU countries with valid EU motor insurance can drive in the UK — the insurance card is sufficient for most EU-issued policies. Non-EU visitors should check with their insurer whether their policy provides cover in the UK, or purchase UK motor insurance for the visit period.
Road Tax for Temporary Visitors
Foreign-registered vehicles visiting the UK for under 12 months do not need to pay UK road tax. The vehicle should be taxed in its country of registration. UK residents importing a car temporarily — for example, a UK resident buying a car in France to drive back — must register with DVLA and pay UK road tax if the vehicle will be in the UK for more than 12 months.
Border Crossings and Vehicle Documentation
When crossing international borders, carry your green card alongside your driving licence, passport, vehicle registration document, and insurance certificate. Some countries require additional documentation such as a vignette or local insurance. For UK drivers in Europe, check the AA or RAC website for country-specific requirements before you travel. The Motor Insurance Database is accessed by police across Europe, but physical documentation remains a legal requirement in many countries.