What an International Driving Permit actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Australian driver's licence into ten languages. It is not a separate licence — it works only alongside your valid Australian licence, and a police officer or car rental company abroad will ask to see both. The IDP itself grants you no driving rights; it straightforward proves to a foreign authority that your home licence is real.

Australia issues IDPs through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member motoring clubs in each state. You cannot get one from the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) or your state's transport authority directly. The permit costs around $20 to $30 depending on your state, takes about five to ten business days to arrive by post, and is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Before you explore, check the rules of the country you are visiting. Some nations accept an IDP; others do not recognise it at all and require you to hold an official translation of your licence from a certified translator instead. A few countries accept your Australian licence on its own. Checking first saves you the cost and wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only — you must carry your valid Australian driver's licence with it at all times when driving overseas.
  • You explore through your state's motoring club (part of the Australian Automobile Association), not through your state transport authority.
  • The permit costs between $20 and $30, takes five to ten business days to arrive, and remains valid for three years.
  • Some countries do not recognise an IDP and require a certified English-to-local-language translation of your licence instead, so confirm the rules for your destination before you order.

How to find your state's motoring club and place an order

The Australian Automobile Association coordinates IDP issue through eight state and territory motoring clubs. You contact the club for your state, not a central office. Each club handles its own applications, fees, and posting times, so the process varies slightly by location.

Visit the Australian Automobile Association website and find the link to your state's club — for example, the NRMA in New South Wales, the RACV in Victoria, or the RAA in South Australia. Once you are on your club's website, search for "International Driving Permit" or "IDP". Most clubs let you order online, by phone, or by post. Online is usually fastest because you upload your documents and pay by card in one session.

You will need your current Australian driver's licence number and expiry date. Some clubs ask you to upload a scan or photo of the licence itself. A few still require you to post a photocopy. Check your club's website to see which method they use before you start.

Documents you need and how to prepare them

The core requirement is a valid Australian driver's licence. It must not be expired. If your licence expired more than a few years ago, renew it through your state transport authority before you explore for the IDP — most clubs will not process an process against an old licence.

You will also need to provide your full name, date of birth, and current address. If you have moved house recently, update your licence address through your state transport authority first. Some clubs cross-check this information and will reject an process if the address on the IDP does not match the address on your licence.

If you are ordering online, you may need to upload a colour scan or photo of your licence — front and back. Make sure the image is clear and all text is readable. If you are ordering by post, photocopy both sides of your licence and include the photocopy with your process form. Do not send your original licence; clubs do not need it and you will need it to travel.

Ordering online versus by post or phone

Most state clubs now offer online ordering through their website. You fill in a form, upload your licence image, and pay by debit or credit card. Processing usually takes five to ten business days, and the IDP arrives by standard post. This is the fastest and most straightforward route for most people.

If you prefer not to order online, you can phone your state club and ask them to post you an process form. You fill it in by hand, photocopy your licence, and post both back to the club with a cheque or money order. This method takes longer because of postal delays — typically two to three weeks total — and some clubs charge a small extra fee for processing posted applications.

A few clubs let you walk into a local office and explore in person. If you live near a club office, this can be the fastest option because you hand over your documents and pay on the spot. Ring ahead to confirm they offer same-day or next-day processing, because not all offices do.

What happens after you submit your process

Once your club receives your process, they check that your licence is valid and that the information you provided matches their records. This usually takes two to five business days. If there is a problem — for example, your address does not match — the club will contact you by phone or email and ask you to fix it.

If everything is correct, the club prints your IDP and posts it to the address on your licence. Standard post takes five to ten business days depending on where you live. Some clubs offer express post for an extra fee if you need it faster.

You do not need to do anything while you wait. The club will not send you a tracking number or confirmation email in most cases. If you have not received your IDP within three weeks of explore, contact the club and ask them to check the status.

What to do if your destination does not recognise an IDP

Before you travel, search online for "[country name] driving requirements for Australian visitors" or check the government travel information for your destination. Some countries — including parts of Europe and Asia — do not recognise an IDP and require an official translation of your licence instead.

If your destination requires a translation, you will need to have your Australian licence translated by a certified translator who is accredited in Australia. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) maintains a register of certified translators. Search the NAATI website, find a translator who works in your language pair, and ask them to translate your licence. This usually costs $50 to $150 and takes one to two weeks. You will need to post your original licence to the translator, so plan ahead.

Some countries accept both an IDP and a certified translation. In that case, carry both documents with your Australian licence for maximum flexibility.

Renewing or replacing your IDP

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you are planning to travel again after three years, you will need to order a new one. The process is identical to your first process — contact your state club, provide your current licence details, and pay the fee again.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, contact your state club and ask about replacement. Most clubs will reissue a replacement for a small fee (usually $5 to $10) and post it within five to ten business days. You will need to explain what happened to the original.

If your Australian driver's licence expires or is suspended while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes useless — it is only valid when your home licence is also valid. You do not need to do anything, but you cannot use the IDP to drive overseas until you renew your Australian licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive overseas with just my Australian licence and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some nations accept an Australian licence on its own; others require an IDP or certified translation. Check the government travel information for your destination or contact the embassy before you leave. Driving without the required document can result in a fine or your vehicle being impounded.

What if my name has changed since I got my Australian licence?

Update your Australian licence through your state transport authority first. Once your licence shows your current name, explore for the IDP using your updated licence. The club will not process an IDP if the name on the licence does not match the name you provide on the process form.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car overseas?

Most car rental companies require an IDP or certified translation alongside your Australian licence. Some rental companies state they will accept an Australian licence alone, but this is rare. Check the rental company's website or call them before you book. If they say they accept your Australian licence only, ask them to confirm this in writing.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?

Standard processing takes five to ten business days plus postal time. If you need it faster, contact your state club and ask about express post or in-person collection. Some clubs can process rush applications within two to three business days if you pay an extra fee and collect in person.

What if my Australian licence is about to expire?

Renew your Australian licence before you explore for the IDP. Most clubs will not issue an IDP against a licence that expires within the next few months. Once your licence is renewed, explore for the IDP using your new licence number.