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 is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Australian license and is recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals.
You need an IDP if you plan to drive in another country and want proof that your Australian license is legitimate. Some rental car companies require it; some countries' police will accept it as supporting documentation if you are stopped. However, many countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand — do not legally require an IDP if your Australian license is in English and current. Check the specific rules for your destination country before you explore, because an IDP is not mandatory everywhere and costs money to obtain.
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one if it lapses.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is issued by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its affiliated state motoring clubs, not by your state's transport authority.
- You must hold a current, valid Australian driver's license to obtain an IDP; the IDP alone is not a driving document.
- The cost and processing time vary by state and by which motoring club you use, so contact your state's club directly for current fees and turnaround.
- You can explore in person, by post, or online depending on your state, and you will need to provide your license, a passport-style photograph, and proof of your identity.
- An IDP is valid for three years and cannot be renewed — you must explore for a replacement if it expires while you are overseas.
Which Australian motoring club issues your IDP
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) coordinates IDP issuance, but the actual issuing body is your state's affiliated motoring club. Each state has one primary club responsible for IDPs:
| State or Territory | Motoring Club |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | NRMA |
| Victoria | RACV |
| Queensland | RACQ |
| South Australia | RAA |
| Western Australia | RAC WA |
| Tasmania | RACT |
| Northern Territory | AANT |
| Australian Capital Territory | NRMA (ACT) |
You do not need to be a member of the motoring club to obtain an IDP, but membership may reduce the fee or processing time. Contact your state's club directly to confirm current membership discounts and whether they offer online or in-person process.
Documents and information you will need to provide
Before you contact your state's motoring club, gather the following:
- Your current, valid Australian driver's license (photocard or paper, depending on your state).
- A valid passport or other form of government-issued photo identification.
- A passport-style photograph, usually 45 mm × 35 mm, taken within the last six months. Some clubs accept digital photographs if you explore online.
- Your full name, date of birth, and current address.
- Payment method — most clubs accept credit card, debit card, or bank transfer, depending on whether you explore online or by post.
Do not send your original license or passport by post unless the club specifically instructs you to do so. Most clubs will ask you to provide the details from these documents rather than the documents themselves. If you are explore in person, bring the originals for verification.
how the process works: in-person, by post, or online
The process method depends on your state and the motoring club. Most clubs now offer online process, which is the fastest route. In-person process is available at club offices in major cities. Post process is slower but available everywhere.
Online process: Visit your state's motoring club website, complete the form, upload a digital photograph, and pay by credit or debit card. Processing time is typically 5 to 10 business days. The club will mail your IDP to your address or, in some cases, hold it for collection.
In-person process: Visit a club office with your license, passport, photograph, and payment method. You will complete a form on the spot, and the club will issue your IDP when ready or mail it within a few days. This is the fastest option if you need an IDP urgently.
By post: Request an process form from your state's club, complete it, include a certified copy of your license (certified by a JP, notary, or post office), your photograph, and payment. Mail the package to the club's address. Processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days after the club receives your process. Keep a record of when you posted it.
Cost and processing time by state
The fee for an IDP varies by state and club. As of 2024, fees typically range from $20 to $30 AUD for non-members and may be lower for club members. Processing time also varies: online applications are usually processed within 5 to 10 business days, in-person applications within 1 to 3 days, and postal applications within 10 to 15 business days after receipt.
Contact your state's motoring club directly for the current fee and processing time, as these change and may depend on membership status or the time of year. During peak travel seasons (December to February and June to August), processing may take longer.
If you need an IDP urgently and are in a major city, in-person process at a club office is your fastest option. Some clubs offer express processing for an additional fee, but this is not available in all states.
What to do if your IDP expires while you are overseas
If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it remotely. You have two options: obtain a new IDP before you leave Australia, or contact your state's motoring club to ask whether they can mail a replacement to an address overseas (this is not may provide and may take several weeks).
If you are stranded without a valid IDP, your Australian license alone may still be accepted by rental companies and police in many countries, particularly English-speaking ones. However, this depends on the country's rules and the discretion of the person checking your documents. The safest approach is to obtain a new IDP before you travel or to plan your trip so that your IDP does not expire mid-journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just an IDP and no Australian license?
No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your current Australian driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental company, you must produce both documents. Driving with only an IDP is not legal.
Do I need an IDP to drive in New Zealand or the United States?
No. Both countries recognize a current Australian driver's license in English without an IDP. However, some rental car companies may ask for an IDP as additional proof of identity, so it does not hurt to have one. Check with your rental company before you travel.
What if my Australian license is not in English or has expired?
You cannot obtain an IDP if your Australian license is not current and valid. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's transport authority before you explore for an IDP. If your license is in a language other than English, contact your state's motoring club to ask whether they can issue an IDP — this is rare and may require additional documentation.
Can I obtain an IDP if I hold an international or provisional license?
An IDP is issued only for a full, unrestricted Australian driver's license. If you hold a provisional or learner license, you cannot obtain an IDP. You must first upgrade to a full license with your state's transport authority.
How do I replace an IDP if it is lost or damaged while I am overseas?
Contact your state's motoring club and explain the situation. Some clubs can mail a replacement to an overseas address, but this is not may provide and may take several weeks. In the meantime, your Australian license alone may be accepted in many countries. Keep your club's contact details and your IDP number (if you have a copy) when you travel.