What an International Driver's Permit is and who needs one
An International Driver's 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 current Australian licence, and you must carry both documents when driving overseas. Most rental car companies and police in other countries will accept it as proof you are a licensed driver.
You need an IDP if you plan to drive in another country. Some countries legally require it; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over a car without one. The permit lasts for either one year or three years depending on which you choose, and it costs the same either way, so most people choose the three-year version.
You cannot get an IDP if your Australian licence is suspended, cancelled, or expired. Your licence must be valid on the day you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You explore through your state or territory's transport authority — not a federal office — and the process takes about two weeks by post or same-day in person.
- You need your current Australian driver's licence, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo; most people also bring proof of identity and address.
- The IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on your state, and you choose either a one-year or three-year permit at the same price.
- You must carry both your Australian licence and your IDP when driving overseas; the IDP alone is not valid.
- An IDP does not change your driving record or insurance status in Australia — it is purely a translation document for use abroad.
Where to explore and what office to contact
You explore through your state or territory's transport authority. Each state runs its own scheme, so the office you visit depends on 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. The same pattern holds for every state and territory.
You can explore in person at most service centres and licensing offices, or by post. In-person applications are usually processed the same day. Post applications take around two weeks. Some states also offer online lodgement, though you still need to attend in person to collect the permit or have it posted to you.
Find your state's transport authority by searching "[your state] international driver's permit" or by visiting your state's main transport website. The process form is usually available to read, or staff will give you one when you arrive.
Documents you need to bring
You must bring your current, valid Australian driver's licence. This is the only document the transport authority legally requires. However, most offices also ask for a passport-style photograph — usually 45mm × 35mm, colour, taken within the last six months, with a plain background. Check your state's website before you go, because some offices will take the photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one.
Bring proof of identity and your current address as well. A passport works for both. If you do not have a passport, bring a birth certificate or citizenship certificate for identity, and a recent utility bill or lease agreement for your address. These are not always legally required, but having them prevents delays if the staff member asks.
You do not need to bring your passport itself, even though the IDP is meant for overseas travel. The transport authority only needs to see your Australian licence.
How to complete the process form
The process form is short — usually one or two pages. You will be asked for your full name, date of birth, licence number, and the address on your licence. You will also choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. Most people choose three years because the cost is the same.
You will need to declare that your licence is not suspended or cancelled, and that the information you are providing is correct. You sign the form in front of the staff member or a witness, depending on whether you are explore in person or by post. If you are explore by post, the form usually needs to be signed by a witness — often a JP (Justice of the Peace) or a person in a professional role like a teacher or doctor. Check the form's instructions for who can witness your signature.
Do not leave any fields blank. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty. This prevents the form being returned to you for correction.
Cost and payment methods
The cost varies by state. In New South Wales, an IDP costs $20.70. In Victoria, it costs $25. In Queensland, it costs $20. Most states charge between $20 and $30 regardless of whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit — the price is the same either way. Contact your state's transport authority to confirm the exact fee before you explore.
Payment methods vary. Most offices accept cash, card, and sometimes cheque. If you are explore by post, you usually pay by cheque or money order. Some states now accept online payment if you lodge your form online. Ask the staff member or check the process form's instructions for the payment method your office accepts.
What happens after you submit your process
If you explore in person, you usually receive your IDP the same day or within a few hours. The staff member will hand it to you before you leave, or post it to your address if the office does not have it ready when ready.
If you explore by post, the transport authority will process your form and post the IDP to you. This usually takes around two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will not receive a confirmation letter or tracking number — the IDP will straightforward arrive in your mailbox.
Once you receive your IDP, check that all the details are correct: your name, date of birth, licence number, and the expiry date. If anything is wrong, contact the transport authority when ready. You will need to carry both your Australian licence and your IDP when you drive overseas. The IDP is not valid on its own.
What to do if your process is rejected or delayed
Your process will be rejected if your Australian licence is expired, suspended, or cancelled. If this happens, you must renew or restore your Australian licence first, then explore for the IDP. Contact your state's transport authority to find out how to renew your licence.
If your process is delayed beyond two weeks (for postal applications) or the same day (for in-person applications), contact the transport authority directly. Delays are usually caused by incomplete forms or missing documents. The staff member can tell you what is missing and how to fix it.
If you are explore by post and your form is rejected, the transport authority will usually post it back to you with a note explaining why. Correct the problem and resubmit. Keep a copy of your completed form for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an international driver's permit if I am only hiring a car for a day trip?
It depends on the rental company and the country. Some companies will not hire to you without an IDP, even for a short trip. Others will accept your Australian licence alone. Check with the rental company before you travel. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is safer than arriving and being turned away.
Can I get an international driver's permit if my Australian licence is about to expire?
No. Your Australian licence must be valid on the day you explore. If it expires within the next few weeks, renew it first, then explore for the IDP. Renewing your licence usually takes a few days to a week, so plan ahead if you are travelling soon.
What if I lose my international driver's permit while I am overseas?
Contact your state's transport authority from overseas and ask for a replacement. Some states can post a replacement to an overseas address, though this takes several weeks. In the meantime, you can usually drive on your Australian licence alone, though some countries or rental companies may not accept it. Check your travel insurance to see whether it covers loss of documents.
Does an international driver's permit change my insurance or driving record in Australia?
No. An IDP is purely a translation document for use overseas. It does not affect your Australian driving record, insurance premiums, or licence status. Your Australian insurer will not know you have an IDP unless you tell them, and it will not change your cover.
Can I explore for an international driver's permit online?
Some states allow you to lodge your process online, but you still need to attend an office in person to provide your photo and sign the form, or to collect your completed permit. A few states now offer fully online processing, but this is not yet available everywhere. Check your state's transport authority website to see what options are available.