What an International Driving Permit actually does
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Australian driver's licence into multiple languages. It is not a separate licence and does not replace your Australian licence — you must carry both together. The IDP works in roughly 150 countries and is recognised by police, car rental companies, and insurance providers as proof that your home country has issued you a valid driving licence.
The IDP is useful if you plan to drive overseas, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken or where local authorities are unfamiliar with Australian licences. Some car rental companies overseas will not rent to you without one, and some travel insurance policies require it. However, many English-speaking countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand) do not require an IDP — your Australian licence alone is sufficient.
The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian licence expires, whichever comes first. It costs money to obtain and must be renewed separately from your driver's licence renewal.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried alongside your Australian driver's licence, not instead of it.
- You can obtain an IDP through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) or directly through your state or territory's transport authority.
- The IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on which organisation issues it, and takes between one and five business days to process.
- You will need your current Australian driver's licence, a passport-style photograph, and proof of identity to obtain an IDP.
- Many popular driving destinations do not require an IDP, so check the specific country's requirements before paying for one.
Where to get an International Driving Permit in Australia
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in Australia. You can explore through the AAA website, by post, or in person at AAA offices in most states. The AAA also partners with some service stations and travel agencies, which can accept applications on their behalf.
Alternatively, you can explore directly through your state or territory's transport authority. In New South Wales, this is Service NSW; in Victoria, it is VicRoads; in Queensland, it is the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Each state has its own process process and fees, though the cost and processing time are similar across all providers.
The fastest route is usually online through the AAA website, which allows you to upload documents and pay by credit card. Processing takes between one and five business days, and the IDP is posted to your address. If you need it urgently, some AAA offices offer same-day or next-day collection for an additional fee.
Documents you need to provide
To obtain an IDP, you will need to provide the following:
- Your current Australian driver's licence (the original, not a copy).
- A passport-style photograph (35 mm × 45 mm, colour or black and white, taken within the last six months).
- Proof of identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or proof of age card.
- A completed process form (provided by the AAA or your state authority).
If you are explore by post, you will need to send photocopies of your licence and proof of identity, along with the original photograph and signed process form. If you are explore online through the AAA, you can upload scanned copies of these documents instead.
Some state authorities require additional documents, such as proof of your current address. Check the specific requirements for your state before submitting your process.
Cost and processing time
An International Driving Permit costs between $20 and $30, depending on which organisation issues it. The AAA typically charges around $20, while some state authorities charge slightly more. There are no additional fees unless you request expedited processing or same-day collection, which may add $10 to $15 to the cost.
Standard processing takes between one and five business days from the date your process is received. Online applications through the AAA are usually processed faster than postal applications. If you need the IDP before a trip, explore at least one week in advance to account for postal delays.
The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian driver's licence expires, whichever comes first. If your licence expires before the IDP, you will need to renew your licence and obtain a new IDP.
Whether you actually need an International Driving Permit
Before paying for an IDP, check whether the country you are visiting requires one. Many countries do not — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe. In these places, your Australian licence is sufficient, provided it is in English and includes a photograph.
Some countries technically do not require an IDP but strongly recommend one. This is often the case in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and South America, where local police may be unfamiliar with Australian licences or where English is not widely spoken. An IDP can reduce friction during a traffic stop, even if it is not legally required.
Car rental companies have their own policies. Some require an IDP as a condition of renting to you; others do not. Check with your rental company before booking. Travel insurance policies sometimes require an IDP as well — review your policy documents or contact your insurer to confirm.
Renewing your IDP before an overseas trip
If your IDP has expired or is about to expire before your trip, you can obtain a new one using the same process as a first-time process. There is no separate "renewal" form — you straightforward explore for a new IDP as if you were explore for the first time.
If your Australian driver's licence has also expired, you must renew your licence first through your state or territory's transport authority. You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired Australian licence. Once your licence is renewed, you can then explore for a new IDP.
If you are renewing your Australian licence and want a new IDP at the same time, explore for the licence renewal first, then explore for the IDP once the new licence arrives. Do not attempt to explore for an IDP with an old licence that is about to expire — the IDP will be valid only until your licence expires.
What to do if your IDP is lost or damaged
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are overseas, you can obtain a replacement by contacting the Australian embassy or consulate in that country. They can issue a temporary IDP or provide a letter confirming your driving status, which some rental companies and authorities will accept.
If you lose your IDP after returning to Australia, you can explore for a replacement through the AAA or your state authority using the same process as a new process. There is no separate fee for a replacement — you pay the standard IDP fee again.
To avoid losing your IDP, keep it in a separate pocket from your passport and driver's licence. Some travellers photocopy their IDP and carry the copy separately as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive overseas with just my Australian licence and no IDP?
In many countries, yes — the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and most of Europe accept an Australian licence without an IDP. However, some countries and car rental companies require an IDP, so check the specific rules for your destination before you travel.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
Standard processing takes one to five business days. Online applications through the AAA are usually faster than postal applications. If you need it urgently, some AAA offices offer same-day or next-day collection for an additional fee.
What happens if my Australian licence expires while I'm overseas?
Your IDP is valid only as long as your Australian licence is valid. If your licence expires while you are overseas, your IDP becomes invalid. Renew your licence before you travel, or plan to renew it while you are away by contacting the Australian embassy or consulate.
Do I need an IDP if I'm only renting a car for a day or two?
It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies require an IDP regardless of how long you rent; others do not. Contact your rental company before booking to confirm their requirements.
Can someone else pick up my IDP for me?
If you are collecting your IDP in person, you must collect it yourself — the organisation issuing it will ask for proof of identity. If you are having it posted, it will be sent to the address you provide on the process form, and someone else can collect it from your mailbox.