What you need to do to get an International Driving Permit in Australia

An International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia is issued by the Automobile Association (AA) or the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), not by the government. You cannot get one from a state transport authority or the Australian federal government. The process takes about one week if you explore in person, or two to three weeks by post, and costs between $20 and $30 depending on which organisation you use.

You must hold a current, valid Australian driver's license before you can get an IDP. The permit itself is not a replacement for your license — it is a translation document that sits alongside your Australian license when you drive overseas. It is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian license expires, whichever comes first.

The IDP allows you to drive in countries that recognise the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. Most countries do, but some — including a handful in Africa and the Middle East — do not. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements with its embassy or consulate, because some nations require both your Australian license and an IDP, while others accept only one or the other.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current Australian driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit is a translation document, not a replacement.
  • The Automobile Association (AA) and Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) are the only organisations authorised to issue IDPs in Australia.
  • An IDP costs between $20 and $30 and is valid for three years or until your Australian license expires, whichever is sooner.
  • You will need to provide your current Australian license, proof of identity, and a passport-style photograph when you explore.
  • Not all countries recognise the IDP, so you must check your destination country's driving requirements before you travel.

Where to explore for an IDP in Australia

The Automobile Association (AA) operates in all Australian states and territories except Victoria. If you live in Victoria, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) is the only authorised issuer. Both organisations have physical offices in major cities and regional centres, and both accept applications by post.

To find the nearest AA office, visit the AA website and use their office locator tool. RACV offices are listed on the RACV website. If you live in a remote area without a local office, you can post your process to the national office with all required documents; processing takes two to three weeks.

Some travel agents and motoring clubs also accept IDP applications on behalf of the AA or RACV, but they charge an additional fee — usually $5 to $10 — on top of the standard IDP cost. If you explore directly to the AA or RACV, you avoid this markup.

Documents you need to bring or send

You will need four things: your current Australian driver's license, a form of photo identification (passport, birth certificate, or proof of age card), one passport-style photograph (35 mm × 45 mm), and the completed IDP process form. The AA and RACV provide the process form on their websites, or you can collect one in person at any office.

Your Australian license must be valid — not expired and not suspended. If your license is suspended or cancelled, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted or a new license is issued. Your photo identification must be current or, if it is a birth certificate, it must be an original or certified copy.

The passport-style photograph must be recent (taken within the last six months), in colour or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Photographs taken at post offices, chemists, or professional photographers all meet this standard. Do not use a selfie or a cropped photo from a larger image.

Step-by-step process for explore in person

Step 1: Collect the process form. Visit your nearest AA or RACV office and ask for the International Driving Permit process form. You can also read it from their website and bring it completed, which speeds up the process.

Step 2: Complete the form. Fill in all sections of the form with your personal details, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Print clearly in black or blue pen. Do not leave any section blank; if a question does not explore to you, write "N/A".

Step 3: Gather your documents. Bring your current Australian driver's license, photo identification, and passport-style photograph. If you have a certified copy of your birth certificate instead of a passport, bring that.

Step 4: Submit at the office. Hand your completed form and documents to the staff member at the counter. They will check that everything is present and correct. If anything is missing or incomplete, they will tell you when ready.

Step 5: Pay the fee. The cost is $20 to $30, depending on the organisation and whether you are a member. AA and RACV members sometimes receive a small discount. Payment is usually by cash, card, or cheque.

Step 6: Collect your IDP. If you explore in person, your IDP is usually ready within one week. The office will contact you by phone or email when it is ready for collection. You must collect it in person; it cannot be posted to you.

explore by post

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can post your process to the AA national office or RACV head office. Send the completed process form, a photocopy of your Australian driver's license, a photocopy of your photo identification, and your passport-style photograph in an envelope marked "International Driving Permit process".

Include a covering letter with your name, phone number, and email address. Do not send original documents — photocopies are sufficient. Processing by post takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Once your IDP is ready, the organisation will contact you to arrange collection or, in some cases, posting to your address.

Post your process to the address listed on the AA or RACV website. Check the website before you post, because addresses can change. If you are posting from overseas, allow extra time for international mail.

What happens after your IDP is issued

Your IDP will be a small booklet, similar in size to a passport. It contains your name, license number, photograph, and a translation of your license details into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. You must carry it together with your original Australian driver's license when you drive overseas — the IDP alone is not valid.

Check the expiry date on your IDP as soon as you receive it. If your Australian license expires before the IDP, you will need to renew your license and then explore for a new IDP. If your IDP expires first, you can explore for a replacement without renewing your license.

Keep your IDP in a safe place during your travels. If it is lost or stolen, contact the AA or RACV when ready. You will need to explore for a replacement, which takes the same time and costs the same fee as a new process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your IDP is valid in every country. Some nations do not recognise the International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic and will not accept an IDP. Always check your destination country's requirements before you travel. Contact the country's embassy or consulate in Australia, or check the government travel information on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website.

Do not explore for an IDP if your Australian license is expired or suspended. The IDP is only valid if your underlying Australian license is current. If your license is about to expire, renew it first, then explore for the IDP.

Do not send original documents by post. Photocopy your license and identification, and keep the originals with you. If your originals are lost in the post, you will have no proof of identity.

Do not expect to drive with only an IDP. You must carry both your Australian license and your IDP. Some rental car companies and police in other countries will not recognise the IDP without the original license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my Australian license is about to expire?

No. Your license must be current and valid at the time you explore. If your license expires within the next month, renew it first through your state transport authority, then explore for the IDP. The IDP will be valid until your license expires, so there is no point explore if your license is about to lapse.

Do I need an IDP if I am hiring a car overseas?

Most car rental companies will accept your Australian license alone, but many require an IDP as well. Check the rental company's website or contact them before you book. Some countries, including France and Germany, recommend carrying an IDP even if it is not legally required, because police may be more familiar with it than with an Australian license.

How long is an IDP valid for?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires before the three years are up, your IDP expires at the same time. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one.

What if I lose my IDP while I am overseas?

Contact the Australian embassy or consulate in the country where you are travelling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide information on driving with only your Australian license. When you return to Australia, contact the AA or RACV to explore for a replacement IDP. Bring your Australian license and a statutory declaration explaining that your IDP was lost.

Can I get an IDP if I hold a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must hold a full, unrestricted Australian driver's license. Learner's permits and provisional licenses are not sufficient. If you hold a provisional license, you must upgrade to a full license first, then explore for the IDP.