International Driving Permits
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid drivers licence in your home country, at the date of issue of the IDP. This should be carried with your domestic driver licence as it is a very useful travel document and is required or recommended for many countries when renting a vehicle.
Even if you do not intend to drive whilst travelling overseas, an IDP can also be helpful for tourists who may need to identified or assisted. For non-English drivers licence holders, an international drivers licence is required for all countries worldwide. Please note you can get fined by the local police if you do not have an international driving permit. For a list of countries which require an International Driving Permit and more information, visit the Australian Automobile Association website or view the FAQ below.
IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs (see below) and the cost ranges from about $25 to $50. No need to worry! Simply obtain an IDP in 3 easy steps:
-
Take a copy of your current driver's licence into your local club with a passport sized photo.
-
Fill out an application form.
-
Pay the motoring club IDP fee (varies in each state).
See below for the relevant IDP authority in your state:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
NEW SOUTH WALES / ACT NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) |
QUEENSLAND RACQ Ltd. (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited) |
VICTORIA RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) |
SOUTH AUSTRALIA RAA (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia, Inc.) |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
WESTERN AUSTRALIA RAC (Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia, Inc.) |
TASMANIA RACT (Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania Limited) |
NORTHERN TERRITORY AANT (Automobile Association of Northern Territory, Inc.) |
Want more driving information?
Click on the images below for driving information and tips on some of our top destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP if I’m on a learners permit?
No. The IDP can only be issued to current Provisional or Full Australian Drivers Licence holders, aged 18 years and older.
Can I get an IDP if I’m on a provisional licence?
Yes. The IDP can be issued to current Provisional Australian Drivers Licence holders, aged 18 years and older. However, please check with local authorities in the country you plan to drive, as all countries have laws regarding minimum driving ages and most rental car companies have restrictions on providing vehicles to provisional licence holders. Contact us for more information.
How long is an IDP valid for?
Your IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry of your Australian licence (whichever comes first).
Is there a difference between an international driver’s licence and international driver’s permit?
No, there's actually no such licence. An International Drivers Permit is a United Nations sanctioned document and will always have "Convention on International Road Traffic of 19 September, 1949" on its cover. Counterfeit IDPs or licences usually don't show this anywhere*. IDPs are only available from State and Territory Motoring clubs such as shown above.
Do I still need to take my Australian drivers licence when I go overseas?
An IDP is not a stand-alone document or a substitute for a valid driving licence. You must carry your Australian state/territory licence as well as your IDP at all times.
*Warning: Counterfeit International Driving Permits (IDP) are being offered for sale on the Internet, usually at inflated prices. These forged IDPs are illegal and can get the holder into a great deal of difficulty with the traffic authorities in various countries. Only the associated members of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) (listed above) are authorised to issue international driver's licences in Australia. All information is correct at time of print & subject to change without notice.
