What an Australian IDP is and how to get one
An International Driving Permit (IDP) from Australia is a document issued by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) that translates your Australian driver's licence into ten languages. It is not a separate licence — it works only alongside your valid Australian licence and is used in countries that recognise the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals.
You obtain an IDP by contacting the Australian Automobile Association directly. The AAA is the sole organisation authorised to issue IDPs in Australia. You cannot get one from your state's Roads and Maritime Services or equivalent transport authority; those bodies issue your domestic licence, but the IDP is a separate document handled only by the AAA.
The process is straightforward: you provide your valid Australian driver's licence, proof of identity, a passport-style photograph, and payment. The AAA processes the process and mails the permit to you. Processing time is typically one to two weeks, though this varies depending on the state office you explore through and current demand.
Key Takeaways
- The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only body that issues IDPs in Australia, not your state transport authority.
- An IDP is valid for three years and must be carried alongside your Australian driver's licence at all times when driving overseas.
- You need a current Australian licence, proof of identity, a passport photo, and payment to obtain an IDP.
- The AAA has offices in each state and territory, and you can explore in person or by mail depending on your location.
- An IDP is not recognised in all countries; check with your destination country before you travel to confirm it will be accepted.
Which countries accept an Australian IDP
An Australian IDP is recognised in countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, many countries in Asia, parts of the Middle East, and some countries in Africa and South America. However, not every country recognises it, and recognition can change.
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom do not require an IDP if you hold a valid Australian licence. Many of these countries will accept your Australian licence alone, though some states or provinces may have additional rules. New Zealand also does not require an IDP for Australian licence holders.
Before you travel, contact the transport authority or embassy of your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is required or recommended. Some countries accept an IDP but do not require it; others require it by law. A few countries do not recognise it at all. The AAA website lists countries that recognise Australian IDPs, but this list can change, so direct contact with your destination is the safest approach.
how the process works through the Australian Automobile Association
The AAA has offices in every Australian state and territory. You can explore in person at any office, or by mail if you prefer not to visit in person. To explore, you will need your current Australian driver's licence, one form of proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), a passport-style photograph (35 × 45 mm), and the process fee.
If you explore in person, bring these documents to your nearest AAA office. Staff will verify your licence and identity, take your photograph if you do not have one, and process your process on the spot. You will pay the fee at that time. If you explore by mail, complete the process form (available on the AAA website), include photocopies of your licence and proof of identity, attach your photograph, and send everything with payment to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the AAA receives your process. The IDP will be mailed to the address you provide. Once you receive it, check that all details are correct — your name, licence number, and photograph should match your Australian licence. If there is an error, contact the AAA when ready to request a correction.
Cost and validity period
The cost of an Australian IDP varies slightly by state but is typically between AUD $20 and AUD $30. This is a one-time fee; you do not pay again unless you need to renew the permit. The AAA website for your state will show the exact current fee.
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on the date printed on the document itself. Your Australian driver's licence must also remain valid during the entire period you are using the IDP overseas — if your licence expires, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its three-year expiry date.
When your IDP expires, you can explore for a new one by following the same process. There is no renewal process; you submit a new process as if you were explore for the first time. If you lose your IDP while overseas, contact the Australian embassy or consulate in that country for guidance on obtaining a replacement or continuing to drive with your Australian licence alone.
What to carry when driving overseas with an Australian IDP
When you drive in a country that recognises your IDP, you must carry both your Australian driver's licence and your IDP together. The IDP alone is not valid — it is a translation document and must accompany the original licence. If you are stopped by police or asked to produce your licence, present both documents.
You should also carry your passport and any vehicle hire documents or registration papers if you are driving a rental car. Some countries require you to carry additional documents such as an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (Green Card) or a GB sticker or number plate identifier if you are driving from the United Kingdom or Europe. Check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit.
Keep your IDP and licence in a safe place while you travel. If either is lost or stolen, contact your car hire company (if applicable) and the local police to report the loss. You may be able to continue driving on your Australian licence alone in some countries, but this depends on local law and your insurance coverage.
Differences between an IDP and a foreign licence
An IDP is not a foreign licence. It is a translation of your Australian licence into multiple languages. A foreign licence is a driving licence issued by another country's transport authority — for example, a UK licence or a US licence.
If you hold a foreign licence and want to drive in Australia, you may be able to use it for a limited time as a visitor, but you will eventually need to convert it to an Australian licence or obtain an Australian visitor's permit. The rules vary by state. An IDP does the opposite: it allows you to use your Australian licence overseas by providing a translation that foreign authorities can read.
If you are moving to Australia and hold a foreign licence, you cannot straightforward carry an IDP to drive here. You must follow your state's process for converting or recognising your foreign licence, which typically involves passing a driving test or meeting other requirements. The AAA can provide information about this process, but the conversion itself is handled by your state's transport authority.
Common reasons an IDP process is delayed or rejected
The most common reason for delay is incomplete documentation. If your proof of identity does not match the name on your driver's licence, or if your photograph does not meet the passport-style requirements, the AAA will contact you to request corrections. Providing clear, legible photocopies of your documents when explore by mail speeds up processing.
An process may be rejected if your Australian driver's licence is suspended, cancelled, or expired. The AAA will not issue an IDP if your licence is not currently valid. If your licence has been suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your licence is reinstated before you can obtain an IDP.
If you have changed your name since your licence was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll) along with your other documents. Without this, the AAA cannot issue an IDP in your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Australian IDP to drive in the United States?
No, the United States does not recognise Australian IDPs. However, you can drive in the US with your valid Australian driver's licence alone. Some car hire companies may ask to see an IDP, but it is not required by US law. Check with your hire company before you travel.
What happens if my Australian licence expires while I am overseas?
Your IDP becomes invalid when ready if your Australian licence expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its three-year expiry date. You should renew your Australian licence before you travel, or arrange to renew it while you are away by contacting your state's transport authority. Driving with an expired licence is illegal in most countries.
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a short trip?
It depends on your destination. If you are visiting a country that recognises Australian IDPs and you plan to drive, an IDP is recommended and may be required by law. If you are visiting a country that does not recognise IDPs (such as the US or UK), you do not need one. Check your destination country's requirements before you book your trip.
Can someone else explore for an IDP on my behalf?
If you explore by mail, someone can post your documents to the AAA for you. However, you must sign the process form yourself. If you explore in person, you must attend the AAA office yourself — the staff will not accept an process from someone else, as they need to verify your identity and take your photograph.
How do I replace an IDP if I lose it while travelling?
Contact the Australian embassy or consulate in the country where you are travelling. They can provide guidance on obtaining a replacement or advise whether you can continue driving with your Australian licence alone. In most cases, you will need to return to Australia or wait until you return home to explore for a new IDP through the AAA.