Damon Mcknight
If you're planning on driving overseas, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to advise local authorities and car rental companies that you're licensed to drive in Australia. An IDP is a translation of your Australian driver's licence in nine languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and French, and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. In Australia, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to issue IDPs, and you can apply for one online or in person at an AAA member club, such as the NRMA, RACQ, or RAA. To apply, you'll need an Australian driver's licence, a passport-sized photo, and the applicable fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) in Australia? | The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to issue IDPs in Australia. |
| Who are the authorised IDP sales agents in Australia? | NRMA, RACQ, and RAA. |
| Who can apply for an IDP in Australia? | Australian Drivers Licence holders. |
| Where can I apply for an IDP? | Online or in person at an authorised sales agent's office. |
| What documents do I need to apply for an IDP? | A valid Australian driver's licence and a passport-sized photo not older than 12 months. |
| How much does an IDP cost? | AUD 51.00 |
| How long is an IDP valid for? | 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry of your Australian licence, whichever comes first. |
| Can I drive in another country with my Australian driver's licence? | It is recommended to get an IDP before driving in another country, as some countries may require it. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to apply
International Driving Permits (IDPs) are only available through the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in Western Australia. In Queensland, the RACQ is the authorised IDP sales agent. In South Australia, you can apply for an IDP online or in person at an RAA office, but only if you are a South Australian licence holder. If you are a South Australian licence holder located overseas, you will need to apply for a photo-kit by writing to: Service SA Licence Services, GPO Box 1533, Adelaide, SA 5001.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to sell IDPs in Australia. The NRMA is an authorised sales agent of the AAA. You can apply online or at all Service NSW branches. From 1 February 2025, only select NRMA Insurance branches will issue IDPs, and from 1 April 2025, NRMA Insurance will no longer issue IDPs.
If you are in Melbourne or Brisbane, you can visit the local RACV or RACQ branch. If you are leaving in less than seven days, you can pick up an IDP from your local Service NSW location, but not all centres offer this service, so check and make an appointment before attending.
The cost of an IDP is AUD 51.00.
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Application requirements
International Driving Permits (IDPs) are available to Australian citizens through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), which is the only authorised body to sell IDPs in Australia. The cost of an IDP is AUD 51.00.
IDPs are available online or in person. To apply, you need:
- A valid Australian driver’s licence.
- A passport-sized photo, no older than 12 months, with a white background.
- If you are submitting an online application, you will need to upload clear scans or photos of the front and back of your Australian driver's licence.
- If you are applying in person, you will need to supply a printed passport photo.
IDPs are a translation of your valid Australian driver's licence, carrying your identification details in nine languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish and French. They are useful in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities, and some rental car companies will require you to have an IDP before allowing you to hire a vehicle.
IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry of your Australian licence (whichever comes first). It is recommended that you also check the local road rules, etiquette, and laws in the country you are planning to visit.
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Application methods
International Driving Permits (IDPs) are available to Australian citizens through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the only authorised body to sell IDPs in Australia. The AAA has several member clubs that are authorised to distribute IDPs, including the NRMA, RACQ, and RAA.
IDPs can be obtained through the following methods:
- Online Application: The NRMA, RACQ, and RAA all offer online application services for IDPs. Applicants will need to submit a clear scan or photo of their Australian driver's licence, as well as a passport-sized photo with a white background that meets Australian passport photo guidelines.
- In-Person Application: Applicants can visit their nearest authorised sales agent, such as the NRMA, RACQ, or RAA, to apply in person. For in-store applications, a printed passport photo is required. Applicants must also ensure their Australian driver's licence is up to date and legible.
- Mail Application: In Western Australia, applicants can mail an application form with a cheque or money order to the RAC.
It is important to note that IDPs are not available to overseas licence holders in Australia. They must be obtained in the country where the original licence was issued. Additionally, IDPs are not a substitute for a valid driver's licence and must be accompanied by the physical Australian driver's licence when driving overseas.
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What to do if you're an overseas licence holder
If you're an overseas licence holder visiting Australia, you should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before travelling. IDPs are not issued to overseas licence holders in Australia. An IDP is a translation of your driver's licence, available in nine languages, and is useful if you need to communicate with Australian authorities. It is also required by some car rental companies.
If you are an overseas licence holder living in Australia, you may need to obtain an Australian driver's licence. The process may vary depending on which state or territory you are in, and how long you have resided in Australia. For example, in South Australia, if you are visiting another state or territory for less than three months, you can drive using your South Australian driver's licence.
If you are an Australian citizen returning home after living overseas, you may be able to use your overseas licence for a short period of time. However, you should check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory to confirm the specific requirements.
To obtain an Australian driver's licence, you may need to pass a driving test and/or provide documentation such as proof of identity, residency, and your driving record from your previous country of residence. This may include a driver licence report, which provides information on your current licence status, issue date, classes, demerit points, offences, and any licence enforcements.
It is important to note that the requirements and processes for obtaining an Australian driver's licence may vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it is recommended to check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory for detailed information.
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How long it's valid for
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months, unless your Australian driver's licence expires first. IDPs are issued by the motoring association or embassy of the country that you are licensed to drive in. In Australia, they are only available through the RAC.
If you are visiting Australia from overseas and intend to drive, you can use your overseas licence for up to three months in some states, such as NSW. In other states, like South Australia, you can drive using your overseas licence for up to six months. After this period, you must obtain a local driver's licence.
If your overseas licence is not written in English, you must carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit. This can be obtained from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the only authorised distributor for IDPs in Australia. State and territory motoring clubs process them on behalf of the AAA.
It is important to note that IDPs are not a replacement for a valid driver's licence. You must always carry your valid driver's licence with your IDP when driving or riding overseas.
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Frequently asked questions
International Driving Permits (IDPs) are available through the RAC, which can be applied for online or in person at any RAC Member Service Centre or Travel and Cruise Branch. You can also apply for an IDP online or in person at an RAA office, or at an NRMA Service NSW branch.
You will need a valid Australian driver’s licence, a passport-sized photo (not older than 12 months), and the application fee of AUD 51.00.
An international driving licence in Australia is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until your Australian licence expires, whichever comes first.
