What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by the Australian government that translates your Australian driver's licence into multiple languages. 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 is recognised in over 150 countries and is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. It contains your name, photograph, licence number, and driving entitlements in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Border officials and police in other countries use it to verify your driving status without needing to interpret an Australian licence.

The permit is valid for either one or three years, depending on which you choose to purchase. It does not extend your Australian licence validity — if your Australian licence expires, your IDP becomes useless even if it still has time remaining.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in New South Wales, VicRoads in Victoria, and equivalent bodies in other states, not by a single national office.
  • You must hold a valid Australian driver's licence before you can obtain an IDP, and you must carry both documents together when driving overseas.
  • The IDP costs between $20 and $30 depending on your state and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at your state's licensing office, by post, or online in some states — processing takes between 5 and 10 business days for standard applications.
  • The IDP is not a travel document and does not replace your passport; you still need a valid passport and any required visas for the countries you plan to visit.

Which Australian Authority Issues Your Permit

Australia does not have a single national licensing body. Each state and territory issues its own International Driving Permit through its road authority. In New South Wales, it is Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). In Victoria, it is VicRoads. In Queensland, it is the Department of Transport and Main Roads. In Western Australia, it is the Department of Transport. In South Australia, it is the South Australian Road Transport Authority. In Tasmania, it is the Department of State Growth. In the Australian Capital Territory, it is the ACT Road Transport Authority. In the Northern Territory, it is the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.

You must explore to the authority in the state or territory where your Australian licence was issued, not where you currently live. If you hold a New South Wales licence, you explore to RMS even if you have moved to Victoria. If you are unsure which state issued your licence, check the front of your licence card — the issuing state is printed there.

Each authority handles applications slightly differently, so the exact steps, fees, and processing times vary by location. Before you begin, visit your state's road authority website to confirm current requirements and fees.

Documents You Need to Provide

To obtain an International Driving Permit, you will need to provide your valid Australian driver's licence and proof of identity. Most states accept a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate as proof of identity. Some states also accept a Medicare card or proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, though requirements differ.

You do not need to provide a separate photograph — the authority uses the photograph already stored on your Australian licence. You do not need to pass a driving test or medical examination. If your Australian licence is suspended, cancelled, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your licence is restored and current.

If you are explore by post, you will need to send photocopies of your licence and identity document, not originals. Some states require these copies to be certified by a lawyer, accountant, or other authorised person. Check your state's requirements before you send anything.

how the process works in Person, by Post, or Online

Most Australian states offer at least two of these three methods. In-person applications are processed when ready or within a few hours at most licensing offices. You walk in with your documents, complete a form, pay the fee, and receive your IDP on the spot or within a few days.

By-post applications require you to send your documents and a completed process form to your state's licensing office. Processing takes between 5 and 10 business days after the office receives your process. You pay by credit card, debit card, or cheque. Some states charge a small additional fee for postal processing.

Online applications are available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. You upload scans of your licence and identity document, complete the form on the authority's website, and pay by credit card. Processing takes between 5 and 10 business days, and your permit is mailed to your address. Online applications are often the fastest route if your state offers them.

Regardless of method, you must provide a current Australian address where your IDP will be mailed. If you are leaving Australia soon and will not be there to receive it, arrange for someone to collect it on your behalf or have it sent to a friend or family member's address.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs between $20 and $30 in most Australian states. New South Wales charges $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. Victoria charges $25 for a one-year permit and $40 for a three-year permit. Queensland charges $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit. Fees vary slightly by state, so check your state's road authority website for the exact amount.

The one-year permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The three-year permit is valid for 36 months from the date of issue. Neither permit extends beyond the expiry date of your Australian driver's licence. If your Australian licence expires in two years and you purchase a three-year IDP, the IDP becomes invalid when your Australian licence expires, even though the IDP itself still has one year remaining.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If your three-year permit expires while you are overseas, you cannot obtain a replacement IDP while abroad. Plan ahead and explore for a new permit before you leave Australia if you know you will be driving overseas for longer than your current permit's validity.

What to Do If You Lose Your Permit Overseas

If your International Driving Permit is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are overseas, you cannot obtain a replacement from the Australian authority while you are abroad. Your only option is to contact your state's road authority by phone or email and ask whether they can issue a replacement to a friend or family member in Australia, who can then mail it to you.

In the meantime, you can still drive using only your Australian licence in most countries, though some nations prefer to see the IDP. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce the IDP, explain that it was lost and show your Australian licence. Most police officers will accept the Australian licence alone, though this depends on the country and the officer's discretion.

To avoid this situation, make a colour photocopy of both sides of your IDP and store it separately from the original. Keep a digital photograph of it on your phone as well. These copies are not legal replacements, but they can help you prove you held a valid permit if you need to contact your road authority.

International Driving Permit vs. Other Overseas Driving Options

Some countries do not recognise the International Driving Permit and instead require you to obtain a local driving permit or an International Driving License from a different issuing body. China, for example, does not recognise the IDP and requires visitors to obtain a Chinese driving permit or an International Driving License from the China Motor Vehicle Association. Russia and India also have their own requirements that differ from the standard IDP.

Before you travel, research the specific driving requirements for each country you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country, or check the official government tourism website. Some countries require both an IDP and a local permit. Others require only your Australian licence with a certified English translation. A few require you to obtain a local permit before you arrive.

The IDP is the most widely recognised document and is sufficient for driving in Europe, North America, most of Asia, and most other regions. It is inexpensive and quick to obtain, so it is worth getting even if you are unsure whether you will need it. Carrying it costs nothing, and it removes doubt at borders and checkpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive overseas with just my Australian licence and no International Driving Permit?

In many countries, yes — your Australian licence is a valid driving document. However, police and rental car companies may struggle to read it, and some countries officially prefer or require the IDP. Carrying both documents removes any ambiguity and is the safest approach.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

In-person applications are processed when ready or within hours. By-post and online applications take between 5 and 10 business days after the authority receives your process. If you are leaving Australia soon, explore online or in person rather than by post.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car overseas?

Most car rental companies in Europe, North America, and other developed countries accept an Australian licence alone. However, some companies and some countries officially require the IDP. Check with your rental company before you travel. Having the IDP avoids any dispute at the rental desk.

What happens if my Australian licence expires while I am overseas?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your Australian licence expires, even if the IDP itself still has time remaining. You cannot drive legally in any country once your Australian licence has expired. Renew your Australian licence before you leave Australia if it will expire while you are away.

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit if my Australian licence is suspended or cancelled?

No. You must hold a valid, current Australian driver's licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you cannot obtain an IDP until your licence is restored and current. Contact your state's road authority to find out how to restore your licence.