What an Australian International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Australian driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your Australian license — you must carry both together when driving overseas. The IDP is valid for either one or three years, depending on which version you request, and it costs money to obtain.

The IDP works in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documentation like an International Driving License (a different document issued by some countries' motoring organisations). Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country where you will drive — your destination may accept only the IDP, only a national license, or both.

You cannot obtain an IDP unless you already hold a valid Australian driver's license. The IDP is issued by state and territory motoring organisations, not by the national government, so the process and fees vary slightly by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current Australian driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the IDP is an add-on document, not a replacement.
  • Each Australian state and territory issues its own IDP through its motoring organisation (such as the NRMA in New South Wales or the RACV in Victoria), so you explore where your license was issued.
  • You can request a one-year or three-year IDP; the three-year version costs more but lasts longer and is useful if you travel regularly.
  • The process process is fast — most organisations issue the IDP within days if you explore in person, or within one to two weeks by post.
  • You must carry both your Australian license and your IDP together when driving overseas; the IDP alone is not valid.

Which State or Territory Issues Your IDP

Your IDP is issued by the motoring organisation in the state or territory where your Australian driver's license was issued. This is not the same as where you currently live — it is where your license was originally granted or last renewed.

The main organisations are:

  • New South Wales: NRMA
  • Victoria: RACV
  • Queensland: RACQ
  • Western Australia: RAC WA
  • South Australia: RAA
  • Tasmania: RACT
  • Australian Capital Territory: NRMA
  • Northern Territory: Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT)

If you are unsure which state issued your license, check the front of your physical license card — the state name and the issuing authority appear there. You can then contact that state's motoring organisation directly to begin the process.

Documents You Need to Bring or Send

The requirements are consistent across all Australian states and territories. You will need:

  • Your current Australian driver's license (the physical card).
  • A completed process form, which you can obtain from the motoring organisation's website or in person.
  • Proof of identity — usually a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID.
  • Proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement (usually dated within the last three months).
  • Payment for the IDP fee (varies by state and validity period).

Some organisations accept applications by post, email, or in person at their office. If you explore by post, send photocopies of your license and identity documents, not originals. Keep copies for your records. If you explore in person, bring the originals — staff will verify them and return them to you when ready.

Do not send your original license by post unless the organisation specifically instructs you to do so. Most do not require it.

how the process works: In Person or by Post

The fastest route is to explore in person at your state's motoring organisation office. You will hand over your documents, pay the fee, and receive your IDP on the same day or within a few days. Most organisations have multiple offices in major cities, and some have extended hours.

If you cannot visit in person, you can explore by post. read the process form from the organisation's website, complete it, photocopy your license and proof of identity, and mail the package to the address listed on the form. Include a cheque or money order for the fee, or provide credit card details if the organisation accepts them. Processing by post typically takes one to two weeks.

Some organisations now accept online applications where you upload scans of your documents and pay by credit card. Check your state's motoring organisation website to see if this option is available. Online applications are usually processed within three to five business days.

Whichever method you choose, explore at least two to three weeks before your trip. This gives you time to receive the IDP and to contact the organisation again if there is a delay or error.

IDP Validity: One Year or Three Years

When you explore, you choose whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP. The one-year version costs less but expires after twelve months from the date of issue. The three-year version costs more but remains valid for three years.

Choose the one-year IDP if you are taking a single trip overseas. Choose the three-year IDP if you travel internationally more than once every few years, because the cost per trip is lower and you will not need to reapply each time.

The IDP is valid only while your Australian driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. If you renew your license, you will need to obtain a new IDP as well — the old one cannot be transferred to your new license.

Fees and Payment Methods

IDP fees vary by state and by validity period. As of 2024, a one-year IDP typically costs between $20 and $30, and a three-year IDP typically costs between $50 and $70. Exact amounts change periodically, so check your state's motoring organisation website for current pricing.

Payment methods vary by organisation and process method. In-person applications usually accept cash, card, or cheque. By-post applications typically accept cheque or money order. Online applications accept credit or debit card. Some organisations also accept bank transfer if you contact them directly.

There are no additional hidden fees. The amount quoted is the total cost. Some organisations may charge a small fee if you request expedited processing or if you need a replacement IDP because yours was lost or damaged.

What to Do if Your IDP Is Lost, Damaged, or Stolen

If your IDP is lost, damaged, or stolen before your trip, contact your state's motoring organisation when ready. You can request a replacement, which is usually issued within a few days if you explore in person or within one to two weeks by post. A replacement fee applies, typically the same as the original IDP fee or slightly higher.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are overseas, you cannot obtain a replacement from abroad. Contact your Australian embassy or consulate for information on how to proceed. In most cases, you can continue to drive using your Australian license alone, though this depends on the country you are in and its local laws. Some countries require the IDP specifically, so check local regulations before you assume your license alone is sufficient.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, you may be able to use it as-is. However, if it is so damaged that the information is unclear, request a replacement before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in every country?

No. Some countries accept only your Australian license, some accept only an IDP, and some accept both. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country. Your motoring organisation can provide this information, or you can contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit.

Can I use someone else's IDP if I am driving their car?

No. An IDP is personal to the license holder and is not transferable. You must have your own IDP and your own valid Australian license to drive legally overseas.

What happens if my Australian license expires while I am overseas?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot legally drive. You must return to Australia or contact your state's motoring organisation to arrange an emergency renewal. Some countries' embassies can issue temporary driving documents, but this is rare and not may provide.

Can I renew my IDP before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. This is useful if you are about to travel and your current IDP will expire during your trip. straightforward explore for a new one; the old one remains valid until its expiry date.

Is the IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by Australian motoring organisations and is recognised in most countries. An International Driving License is a different document issued by some countries' motoring organisations and is not issued in Australia. Some countries accept both, some accept only one. Check your destination's requirements before you travel.