If you’re planning to rent a car overseas, the International Driving Permit (IDP) is the document that trips up more first-time renters than almost anything else. It’s not a licence itself, it’s a translation of your existing Australian licence, and depending on where you’re going, you may need one before a rental company will even hand you the keys.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is a translated version of your existing driver’s licence, recognised under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. It’s printed in multiple languages so that police and rental staff overseas can read your licence details even if they don’t read English.
Importantly, an IDP is not a replacement for your Australian licence, it’s a companion document. You need to carry both together. An IDP on its own, without your actual licence, isn’t valid anywhere.
Do You Actually Need One?
This depends entirely on your destination. Some countries accept a standard Australian licence for short-term visitors without any issue. Others explicitly require an IDP by law, and plenty of rental companies will require one at the counter even in countries where it isn’t strictly a legal requirement, simply as their own internal policy.
Because the rules vary by country and can change, always check the specific requirement for where you’re headed before you travel, rather than assuming your Australian licence alone will be accepted.
How to Get an International Driving Permit in Australia
In Australia, IDPs aren’t issued by the government, they’re issued through your state or territory’s motoring club:
- NRMA (NSW)
- RACV (Victoria)
- RACQ (Queensland)
- RAA (South Australia)
- RAC WA (Western Australia)
- RACT (Tasmania)
- AANT (Northern Territory)
- AAA (ACT)
You don’t need to be an existing member of these clubs to apply, IDPs are generally available to any Australian licence holder through them. You’ll typically need your current, valid Australian driver’s licence, a passport photo, and a modest application fee.
How Long Does It Take, and How Long Is It Valid?
Processing is often same-day if you apply in person at a motoring club branch, though some clubs also offer mail or online applications that take longer. An IDP is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue, so it’s worth timing your application close to your trip rather than well in advance if you travel overseas more than once a year.
What Else Catches First-Time Overseas Renters Out
- Minimum driving age vs minimum rental age. Being legally allowed to drive somewhere doesn’t mean a rental company will rent to you, most set their own minimum rental age, often 21 or 25, sometimes with a young driver surcharge below that.
- Licence held for a minimum period. Some countries or rental companies require you to have held a full licence for a minimum length of time, not just to currently hold one.
- Credit card requirements. Many overseas rental counters require the lead driver’s own credit card, in their name, for the security deposit, a debit card often isn’t accepted.
- Which side of the road. If you’re renting somewhere that drives on the opposite side to Australia, budget extra time to adjust, particularly for your first hour on the road.
Car Rental Guides
New to renting overseas, or just want to avoid the excess traps? Start here. For general buying advice, like how rental excess actually works or when a one-way rental makes sense, see our full car rental guides section, or browse every current car rental discount code in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive overseas with just my Australian licence?
In some countries, yes, for short visits. In others, an International Driving Permit is legally required, or required by the rental company even if not legally mandatory. Always check your specific destination’s requirements before you travel.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit in Australia?
Through your state or territory motoring club, NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC WA, RACT or AANT depending on where you live. You don’t need to be a member to apply.
Does an International Driving Permit replace my Australian licence?
No. It’s a translation document you carry alongside your actual Australian licence, not a substitute for it. You need both together.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
Costs vary slightly between motoring clubs, check directly with your relevant state club for their current fee before applying.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid for?
Generally 12 months from the date of issue, though it’s worth confirming with the issuing club since terms can vary.
Michael is a contributor to The Champagne Mile – Deals. No fancy credentials – just a genuine obsession with finding ways to travel better for less, and sharing those finds with anyone who’ll listen. Michael figures there are plenty of other Australians who’d rather spend five seconds clicking a link than five hours searching for a working code. When he’s not buried in promo codes, Michael is probably planning his next trip overseas or dirtbike adventure.
