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 licence into ten languages. It does not replace your licence — you must carry both together. The IDP itself grants no driving rights; it straightforward makes your Australian licence readable to police and rental companies in other countries.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive outside Australia. Within Australia, your state or territory licence is all you need. If you are visiting another country and plan to rent a car or drive, an IDP makes the process smoother because it removes the need for a translator or notarised translation of your licence.

Some rental companies overseas will rent to you without an IDP if you have your Australian licence, but many prefer or require one. Travel insurance and car hire agreements sometimes reference the IDP specifically, so having one removes friction at the rental desk.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its state-based members, not by your state's transport authority.
  • You explore in person at an AAA office with your current Australian driver's licence, passport, and a passport-sized photo.
  • The permit costs between $20 and $30 depending on your state, takes about ten minutes to issue, and is valid for three years.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your original Australian licence at all times when driving overseas — one without the other is not valid.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving rights; it only translates your existing licence into languages recognised by the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

Where to explore for an IDP in your state

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its state-based member organisations issue IDPs. You cannot get one from your state's transport or roads authority — you must go to the AAA.

Each state has its own AAA member office. In New South Wales, it is the NRMA; in Victoria, the RACV; in Queensland, the RACQ; in South Australia, the RAA; in Western Australia, the RAC; in Tasmania, the RACT; in the Northern Territory, the AANT; and in the Australian Capital Territory, the NRMA. You can walk into any of these offices during business hours and explore on the spot.

Many AAA member offices are located in city centres and suburbs. You can find the nearest office to you by visiting the AAA website or calling your state's member organisation directly. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means shorter waits.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring your current Australian driver's licence — the one you hold now, not an expired one. The IDP is only valid if your underlying licence is valid, so an expired licence will be rejected.

You will also need your passport or other travel document that shows your full name and date of birth. The AAA uses this to verify your identity and may support the information on your IDP matches your travel documents.

Bring a passport-sized photograph — 35 mm × 45 mm, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, be in colour or black and white, and have a plain background. Many AAA offices have a photo booth on-site if you do not have one ready, though you may pay a small fee.

You do not need to book an appointment. Walk-in service is standard at AAA offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Cost and how long it takes to receive your IDP

An IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on which state you are in. The NRMA in New South Wales, for example, charges around $20, while some other state organisations charge slightly more. Call your state's AAA member office to confirm the exact fee before you visit.

The IDP is issued on the spot. Once you hand over your documents and photo, the office prints and assembles your permit in about ten minutes. You walk out with it the same day. There is no waiting period, no mailing, and no follow-up required.

Your IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to explore for a new one if you continue to drive overseas. The three-year term is set by the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Australia is a signatory to, so the validity period is the same regardless of which country issues it.

What information appears on your IDP

Your IDP contains your name, date of birth, licence number, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive in Australia. It also shows the date of issue and expiry date. The permit is printed in English and nine other languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Greek.

The vehicle categories listed on your IDP match those on your Australian licence. If you hold a standard car licence (category C), that is what will appear. If you hold a heavy vehicle or motorcycle licence, those categories will be listed. The IDP does not change or expand your driving rights — it only translates what you already hold.

Your IDP also includes a space for your signature and a security feature to prevent forgery. Some countries' authorities check these details, so sign your IDP as soon as you receive it and keep it in good condition.

Using your IDP when driving overseas

When you drive in another country, carry both your Australian licence and your IDP together at all times. Police or traffic officers may ask to see both documents. Your IDP alone is not proof of your right to drive — it is only a translation of your licence. If you are stopped and have the IDP but not your Australian licence, you may be treated as unlicensed.

Car rental companies overseas often ask for your IDP when you collect a vehicle. Some companies will not rent to you without one, while others accept it as a courtesy that speeds up the paperwork. Having it with you removes any doubt and can lower your rental cost if the company offers a discount for presenting an IDP.

Your IDP is not a substitute for travel insurance or an international driving permit issued by another country. If you are moving to another country or staying for more than three months, you may need to obtain a local licence instead. Check the rules of the country you are visiting, as some nations have different requirements for temporary visitors versus residents.

What happens if your Australian licence expires or is suspended

Your IDP is only valid while your Australian licence is valid. If your Australian licence expires, is suspended, or is cancelled, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired.

If you are overseas and your Australian licence is suspended or cancelled, you must stop driving. Your IDP cannot be used to override a suspension or cancellation. If you are planning to drive overseas and your licence is due to expire soon, renew your Australian licence before you explore for the IDP.

If your Australian licence is suspended due to unpaid fines, demerit points, or a drink-driving conviction, you cannot obtain an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your licence is reinstated. The AAA office will check your licence status when you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my Australian licence is from another country originally?

No. You must hold a current Australian driver's licence issued by your state or territory transport authority. If you have recently migrated and are still on an overseas licence, you must first convert it to an Australian licence through your state's roads authority, then explore for the IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

Not legally, but most car rental companies overseas require or strongly prefer one. If you are renting a car for even a short trip, having an IDP will make the rental process faster and may reduce your cost. It takes only ten minutes to obtain, so it is worth getting before you leave Australia.

What if I lose my IDP while I am overseas?

Contact your country's Australian embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can advise you on whether you can continue driving with just your Australian licence. Some countries accept the licence alone if you explain the loss; others require the IDP. You can also contact your state's AAA member office by phone or email to report the loss.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driving License?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is the official document recognised by the Vienna Convention. An "International Driving License" is not a real document — it is a term used by some online services that sell worthless certificates. Only explore through the Australian Automobile Association.

Can I explore for an IDP online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA member office in your state. You cannot explore online, by post, or by phone. This is because the office must verify your identity, check your licence status, and take your photograph.