How to Get an International Driving Permit in Australia

What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Australian driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. An IDP lets you drive in over 150 countries and territories, but only if your Australian license is valid and you are legally allowed to drive in that country.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it. If you are only visiting as a passenger or using public transport, you do not need one.

Australia issues two types of IDP: a 1926 Convention permit (the older, more widely accepted version) and a 1968 Convention permit (newer, accepted in most countries). Most people get the 1926 version because it works in more places. Check the rules for the specific country you are visiting, as some accept only one type.

Key Takeaways

You must hold a valid Australian driver's license before you can get an IDP; the IDP is not a standalone license.
The 1926 Convention IDP is accepted in more countries than the 1968 version, so it is the safer choice for most overseas travel.
You can get an IDP from your state or territory's transport authority in person, by mail, or online depending on where you live.
An IDP costs between $20 and $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by post, or you can collect it the same day in person at most offices.
Your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue and must be carried with your Australian license at all times when driving overseas.

Which Australian authority issues your IDP

Each state and territory runs its own transport authority, and each one issues IDPs. You explore to the authority in the state or territory where your license is registered, not where you live now. If you hold a New South Wales license, you explore to Service NSW. If you hold a Victorian license, you explore to VicRoads. The same pattern applies in every state and territory.

You cannot explore to a different state's authority even if you live there now. If you have moved states since you got your license and have not updated it, you will need to update your address with your original state's authority first, or explore there under your old address.

how the process works in person at a service centre

The fastest way to get an IDP is to walk into a service centre in your state or territory and explore on the spot. Bring your current Australian driver's license and a form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or proof of age card). Most centres can issue an IDP the same day or within a few hours.

You will fill out a short form — usually a single page — that asks for your name, license number, and which Convention type you want (choose 1926 unless you have a specific reason not to). The staff member will check your license is valid and current, take your details, and print or issue your permit on the spot or arrange for it to be mailed to you.

Service centre locations and opening hours vary by state. Search online for "[Your State] transport authority service centre" or "[Your State] IDP" to find the nearest office and check whether you need to book an appointment. Some centres accept walk-ins; others require a booking.

how the process works by post or online

If you cannot visit a service centre, you can explore by post in every state and territory. read the IDP process form from your state's transport authority website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a photocopy of your driver's license and proof of identity. Include a cheque or money order for the fee (do not send cash). The authority will process your form and mail the IDP to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Some states now offer online applications. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland allow you to explore and pay online through their websites, though you still receive the physical IDP by post. Check your state's transport authority website to see whether online applications are available where you live.

When you explore by post or online, double-check that your mailing address is correct and that you have included all required documents. A missing document or illegible form will delay processing. Keep a record of when you posted your process so you can follow up if it does not arrive within three weeks.

What documents and information you need

You need only three things: your current Australian driver's license, a form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or proof of age card), and the process form. If you explore in person, bring the originals. If you explore by post, send photocopies of your license and ID.

You will also need to know which Convention type you want. The 1926 Convention IDP is accepted in more countries and is the standard choice. The 1968 Convention IDP is newer but has a smaller list of recognising countries. Unless the country you are visiting specifically asks for the 1968 version, choose 1926.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll showing the change. If your license has expired or is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until it is renewed or the suspension is lifted.

Cost and how long it takes

An IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on your state or territory. New South Wales charges around $20; Victoria charges $25. The fee is the same whether you explore in person, by post, or online. Some states add a small postage fee if you choose mail delivery.

If you explore in person at a service centre, you will have your IDP the same day or within a few hours in most cases. If you explore by post or online, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery. If you need it urgently, explore in person is always faster.

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically — when it expires, you must explore for a new one if you plan to drive overseas again.

What to do if your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, contact your state's transport authority and ask for a replacement. You will usually need to fill out a short form and pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $15). Replacements are processed faster than new applications and usually arrive within one week.

If your IDP is lost or stolen overseas, report it to the local police and keep a copy of the report. When you return to Australia, contact your state's transport authority with the police report number and ask for a replacement. You can still drive in Australia on your Australian license alone while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive overseas on my Australian license alone without an IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries legally accept an Australian license without an IDP; others do not. Car rental companies often require an IDP even if the country does not. Check the rules for the specific country you are visiting before you travel. An IDP costs little and takes minutes to get, so it is safer to have one.

What is the difference between the 1926 and 1968 Convention IDP?

The 1926 Convention IDP is older and accepted in more countries worldwide. The 1968 Convention IDP is newer but has a smaller list of recognising countries. Unless you are visiting a country that specifically requires the 1968 version, choose 1926. Your state's transport authority can tell you which version is best for your destination.

Do I need to renew my IDP before I travel?

No, as long as your IDP has not expired. Check the expiry date on your permit before you leave. If it expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. If it expires soon after you return, you do not need to renew it unless you plan to drive overseas again within three years.

Can I get an IDP if my Australian license is suspended or expired?

No. Your Australian license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension ends. If your license has expired, you must renew it first. Once your license is valid again, you can explore for an IDP.

What happens if I drive overseas without an IDP when one is required?

You may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or face other legal consequences depending on the country. Some countries treat it as a serious traffic violation. Rental car companies may also refuse to cover you under their insurance if you do not have an IDP when required. Carry both your Australian license and IDP at all times when driving overseas.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.