Leslie Massey
If you're an Australian driver's licence holder and are planning to drive a vehicle during your travels outside of Australia, it's advisable to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of your valid Australian driver's licence, carrying your identification details in nine languages, and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You can apply for an IDP online or in person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Holders of a provisional (P1 or P2) or full (unrestricted) Australian driver's licence. Interim and learner licences are not acceptable. |
| Where to apply? | Online or in person at a service centre or mobile service centre. In Queensland, the authorised IDP sales agent is RACQ. In Victoria, it's RACV. In Western Australia, it's the RAC. |
| What to submit? | A current, physical Australian driver's licence, a passport-sized photo taken within the last 12 months, and payment. |
| How much does it cost? | AUD 51.00 |
| How long is it valid for? | 12 months from the date of issue, unless your driver's licence expires first. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to apply
If you hold an Australian driver's licence and plan to travel overseas, it is advisable to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in case you need to drive during your trip. An IDP is a translation of your valid Australian driver's licence, carrying your identification details in nine languages. It is a United Nations-sanctioned document that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised distributor of International Driving Permits in Australia for Australian Drivers Licence holders. State and territory motoring clubs process them on behalf of the AAA. In Queensland, the motoring club is the RACQ, and in Victoria, it is the RACV. In Western Australia, International Driving Permits are only available through the RAC.
You can apply for an IDP online or in person at a service centre. If you are in New South Wales, you can visit a service centre or mobile service centre, and a staff member will guide you through the process. You can also apply online through the NRMA website. If you are in Queensland, you can apply online or in person at your nearest RACQ store. In Victoria, you can apply online or in person through the RACV. In Western Australia, you can apply in person at any RAC Member Service Centre or Travel and Cruise Branch, by mail, or online with a Visa or Mastercard.
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Required documents
To apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A current, physical Australian driver's licence. Digital, interim, temporary, and some other licence types are not accepted.
- A passport-sized photo, taken no more than 12 months ago. This photo must adhere to Australian passport photo guidelines, including a white background, and be pre-cut to a single photo.
- Payment of AUD 51.00.
If you are applying online, 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 present your physical driver's licence card, your photo, and your payment at the counter.
It is important to note that learner drivers are not eligible for an IDP, and you must hold at least a provisional (P1 or P2) or full (unrestricted) Australian driver's licence.
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Online vs in-person
Applying for an international driver's licence in Australia, or an International Driving Permit (IDP), can be done either online or in person. Both methods are straightforward and have their own advantages.
When applying online, applicants are directed to the NRMA website, the motoring club that processes IDPs on behalf of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the only authorised distributor for IDPs in Australia. Applicants need to select their state and fill in the required details, including personal information and documentation, such as a current driver's licence card and a passport-sized photo taken within the last six months. The online process also requires payment, which can be made securely on the website. One of the benefits of applying online is the convenience of being able to complete the application from home at any time. The IDP is then posted to the applicant and should arrive within three days of approval.
On the other hand, applying in person provides the opportunity for a more personalised experience and immediate assistance. Applicants can visit a service centre or mobile service centre, where staff members are available to guide them through the process. This option may be preferable for those who feel more comfortable with face-to-face interactions or who have specific questions or concerns about their application. Similar to the online process, applicants need to present their driver's licence card, a passport-sized photo, and payment at the counter. The IDP can then be received immediately over the counter, which could be advantageous for those who require the permit urgently or who prefer not to wait for postal delivery.
Regardless of the application method, it is important to note that an IDP is only valid for 12 months, or until the applicant's driver's licence expires, whichever comes first. Additionally, only those with a provisional (P1 or P2) or full (unrestricted) Australian driver's licence are eligible for an IDP; interim licences are not acceptable, and learner drivers are ineligible.
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Cost
The cost of an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia is AUD 51.00. This price is standard across various authorised distributors, including the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), and the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA). IDPs are also available from state and territory motoring clubs that process them on behalf of the AAA. For example, in Queensland, the RACQ is the authorised sales agent, and in South Australia, it's the RAA.
The IDP allows you to drive in over 150 countries and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until your Australian licence expires, whichever comes first. It is important to note that the AUD 51.00 cost of the IDP does not include postage, which is an additional fee. If you require your IDP urgently, you can opt for international express post or a direct courier service to deliver your IDP to an overseas address, which will incur further charges.
When applying for an IDP, you must present your current, physical Australian driver's licence, a passport-sized photo, and payment. Digital, temporary, and some other licence types are not accepted, so be sure to check the requirements before submitting your application.
In addition to the cost of the IDP itself, it is worth considering the potential savings it can offer. For example, having an IDP can help you avoid the cost of applying for a local licence in the country you are visiting, as some countries require you to have an IDP to drive legally. Furthermore, rental car companies in some countries may require you to have an IDP before allowing you to hire a vehicle, so having an IDP can save you from potential issues or additional costs during your travels.
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Validity
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for one year from the date of issue, and it is only valid when accompanied by a valid Australian driver's licence. The You may want to see also An IDP is a translation of your valid Australian driver's licence, carrying your identification details in nine languages. It is useful when communicating with foreign authorities. An IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, as long as your Australian driver's licence is also valid. You can apply for an IDP online or in person. To apply, you need a valid Australian driver's licence and a passport-sized photo. An IDP costs AUD 51.00. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised distributor of IDPs in Australia. State and territory motoring clubs process them on behalf of the AAA.Applying for Hotel Jobs: Australia's Unique Process
Frequently asked questions
