What an International Driving Permit actually is and what it does

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Australian driver's licence into ten languages recognised by the United Nations. It is not a separate licence — it works only alongside your valid Australian licence, and you must carry both documents together when driving overseas. The IDP itself grants no driving rights; it straightforward proves to foreign police and rental car companies that your home licence is legitimate.

Australia issues two types of IDP. The 1926 Convention permit is accepted in most countries worldwide, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The 1968 Convention permit is accepted in a smaller set of countries, mainly in Africa and the Middle East. Most Australian travellers need only the 1926 permit. You can hold both at the same time, but you will pay for each separately.

The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian licence expires — whichever comes first. If your Australian licence is due to expire within three years, your IDP will expire at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a current, valid Australian driver's licence before you can obtain an IDP; the permit cannot be issued on its own.
  • The 1926 Convention IDP covers most countries; the 1968 Convention covers fewer countries and is rarely needed by Australian travellers.
  • You can obtain an IDP through your state or territory's transport authority in person, by post, or online depending on where you live.
  • The process takes between five and ten business days if you explore in person or online, and two to three weeks if you explore by post.
  • The cost varies by state but typically ranges from around $20 to $30 AUD for a single permit.

Where to explore: your state or territory transport authority

Each Australian state and territory runs its own IDP scheme through its transport or roads authority. You cannot explore through a national office — you must go to the authority in the state or territory where your licence was issued. If you hold a New South Wales licence, you explore through Service NSW. If you hold a Victorian licence, you explore through VicRoads. If you hold a Queensland licence, you explore through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The same rule applies in Western Australia (Department of Transport), South Australia (SA Transport), Tasmania (Service Tasmania), the Northern Territory (NT Licensing), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT Access Canberra). Your current licence will show which state or territory issued it — look at the top left corner of the card.

Most authorities now offer online lodgement, which is the fastest route. Some still accept applications by post or in person at a service centre. Check your state's website for current methods and processing times, as these change.

Documents you need to bring or send

You will need your current, valid Australian driver's licence — the physical card, not a digital copy. Some states accept a digital image of your licence if you explore online, but you should check your state's specific rules before you start.

You will also need proof of your identity. This can be your passport, birth certificate, or another form of government-issued ID. Some states ask for proof of your current address as well — a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement usually works. Check your state's website for the exact list, as requirements vary.

If you are explore in person, bring the originals. If you are explore by post, send certified copies or photocopies as your state directs. If you are explore online, you will upload digital images of these documents — usually as PDF or JPG files.

how the process works online, in person, or by post

Online process is available in most states and is usually the fastest option. Visit your state transport authority's website, find the IDP section, and follow the prompts to upload your documents and pay the fee. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Processing typically takes five to ten business days, and the permit will be posted to your address or made available for collection.

In-person process at a service centre is still available in all states. Bring your licence, proof of identity, proof of address, and the process form (which you can read beforehand or collect at the centre). You will pay the fee on the spot, usually by card or cash. The staff will check your documents and lodge your process. Processing time is similar — five to ten business days — and you will be notified when the permit is ready for collection or posted out.

By-post process is slower but still an option. read the process form from your state's website, fill it out, and send it with photocopies of your documents and a cheque or money order for the fee. Include a prepaid return envelope if you want the permit posted back to you. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the authority receives your process, so allow extra time for postal delays.

Cost and payment methods

The cost of an IDP varies by state. New South Wales charges around $20 AUD for a 1926 Convention permit. Victoria charges approximately $25 AUD. Queensland charges around $20 AUD. Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania charge similar amounts — typically between $20 and $30 AUD. The Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory may charge slightly different fees; check their websites for current pricing.

If you want both the 1926 and 1968 Convention permits, you will pay the full fee for each. Most online and in-person applications accept card payment (Visa, Mastercard, or EFTPOS). By-post applications usually require a cheque or money order made out to your state transport authority. Some states now accept bank transfer as well — check the process form for details.

Processing time and what happens next

Online and in-person applications are processed within five to ten business days. By-post applications take two to three weeks from receipt. You will receive a confirmation email or letter with a reference number and expected collection or delivery date.

Once your permit is ready, you will either be notified to collect it from a service centre or it will be posted to the address you provided. The permit arrives as a small booklet, usually in a plain envelope. Check the details carefully — your name, licence number, and date of birth should match your Australian licence exactly. If there is an error, contact your state authority when ready to request a replacement.

Keep your IDP with your Australian licence at all times when driving overseas. Rental car companies and police may ask to see both documents. The IDP has no value on its own and cannot be used without your valid Australian licence.

What to do if you are overseas and need an IDP urgently

If you are already overseas and realise you need an IDP, you cannot obtain one from abroad. Australian transport authorities do not issue IDPs to people outside Australia. Your options are limited: you can ask a family member or friend in Australia to explore on your behalf (though this requires them to have access to your licence and documents), or you can return to Australia to explore in person.

Some countries will accept your Australian licence alone without an IDP, particularly if you are renting a car from an international company. Contact your car rental company before you travel to ask whether they require an IDP or will accept your Australian licence with a translation. This is not may provide, so it is best to obtain your IDP before you leave Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting one country?

It depends on the country. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. However, car rental companies almost always prefer to see one, as it provides a clear translation of your licence details. Check the specific country's driving rules before you travel, but obtaining an IDP is usually the safest choice.

Can I explore for an IDP if my Australian licence has expired?

No. Your Australian licence must be current and valid at the time you explore. If your licence has expired, you must renew it through your state transport authority first, then explore for the IDP.

What if I have lost my Australian licence?

You cannot obtain an IDP without a valid Australian licence. You will need to replace your licence first through your state transport authority, then explore for the IDP.

Can I use an IDP to drive in Australia?

No. An IDP is for use outside Australia only. It has no legal standing in Australia and does not replace your Australian licence for driving here.

How long does an IDP last?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue, or until your Australian licence expires — whichever comes first. When your IDP expires, you can explore for a new one if you still hold a valid Australian licence.