Drive around the world in your own vehicle

If you are travelling overseas with a car, motorbike, campervan or trailer registered in Australia, you will likely need a Carnet de Passages en Douane, or CPD Carnet.

A CPD Carnet like a passport for your car. It is an international customs document that allows your car to cross international borders without paying customs duties and taxes.

A Carnet is for touring purposes only. Your car must remain registered in Australia for the duration of your trip to ensure the Carnet can continue to be used in crossing borders.

The AAA is a member of the AIT/FIA network, which manages CPD Carnets internationally. The AAA works with customs authorities to facilitate Carnet holders’ travels throughout the world.

Do you need a CPD Carnet?

It is important to check the border procedures and custom formalities when you are planning to take your vehicle overseas.

Certain countries may accept CPD Carnet seven though they fall outside the AIT/FIA customs documents network.

Use the tool below to check where a CPD Carnet may be required or to generate a trip plan using the online CPD Carnet trip planner.

The following documents are required for a CPD application:

  • Vehicle registration papers
  • Driver licence
  • Passport
  • Proof of asset value

To travel overseas in your own car, motorcycle, campervan or trailer, use the application form provided in the link below.

Happy travels!

CPD Carnet application form

Shipped my rally car to Japan for an international event

"I had to ship my rally car to Japan to compete in an international event. The process of applying for a CPD Carnet was quick and simple to understand, even for someone like me who has limited expertise in freight and customs.

"The AAA were very responsive to my emails and easy to deal with, and were able to put my mind at ease when I was querying the process of using the CPD Carnet on the cars arrival in Japan."

Taking motorbikes and 4WD overseas

At Compass Expeditions we often require CPD carnets for our motorcycle and four-wheel drive tour vehicles that head overseas.

Having a carnet ensures smoother overseas border and customs procedures, and also facilitates the reimportation into Australia.

With the ease of obtaining a CPD carnet and the AAA team's support and service, I can highly recommend AAA for your CPD carnet and overseas motoring needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a member of a motoring club to apply for a CPD Carnet?

No, you do not need to be a financial member of your state-based motoring club. But the AAA recommends that you have membership as this offers you reciprocal services while overseas.

Who can get a CPD Carnet?

Anyone over the age of 18 travelling with a vehicle that carries a current Australian registration (for the duration of the trip) is eligible to apply for a CPD Carnet.

How long is a CPD Carnet valid for?

A CPD Carnet is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. This approved period may be extended on application.

Must my vehicle be registered while travelling overseas?

Yes. It must be registered in the state or territory of Australia where you reside, or in which you would normally register your vehicle.

How long does it take to obtain a CPD Carnet?

The usual processing time is 10 business days. If you require a carnet in a shorter period, the AAA will do its best to meet your timeline, but additional fees will apply.

How do I manage insurance with a Carnet?

Indemnity insurance is provided through Miller Insurance.

This enables the CPD Carnet holder to take the vehicle out of Australia without having to provide a deposit of importation, duties and taxes in each country they visit.

What do I need to obtain a CPD Carnet?

You must complete and sign a CPD Carnet application. Download the application here.

You must also provide:
– A photocopy of the vehicle’s registration certificate. This document must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine number, make, model and weight of vehicle
– A current evaluation of the vehicle on letterhead from a reputable dealer (must include a valuation estimate and a statement from the dealer that the vehicle is considered roadworthy)
– A colour photocopy of your current driver’s licence
– A colour photocopy of your valid passport
– A brief itinerary of the proposed journey
– Details of two (2) next of kin contacts in Australia who are not travelling with you
– A list of spare parts/tools you intend to travel with and their value.

The AAA also recommends you provide a photocopy of your current state/territory motoring club membership (if applicable).

To apply, complete the application and scan all documents detailed above. Attach all documents to an email and send it to international@aaa.asn.au

How do I discharge a Carnet and reclaim the bond?

In bringing your vehicle back to Australia, ensure that your CPD Carnet shows a discharge customs stamp from the last overseas port of call. This will enable Australian Border Force to endorse upon entry back into Australia.

It’s crucial you always have the CPD Carnet completed when you enter a country and leave a country. This allows AAA to discharge the CPD Carnet and return the refundable bond to you. The carnet holder must ensure that Australian Customs has completed the Certificate of Location at the back of the CPD Carnet.

Once completed, please return the CPD Carnet back to AAA GPO Box 1555, Canberra ACT 2601.

Can I extend a valid CPD carnet?

In some circumstances, you may wish to extend a CPD Carnet beyond the printed date of expiry.

The AAA can help facilitate the extension for both CPD carnets issued in Australia, and CPD Carnets issued overseas and used in Australia.

The process is as follows:
– the CPD Carnet holder contacts AAA or the motoring club in the country that they are requesting from and requests an extension 1-2 months before expiry of the carnet.
– the CPD Carnet holder then provides AAA with the CPD Carnet No; Copy of the Carnet; CPD Carnet holder details; where the carnet holder is currently located; and
the reason for the extension.

The AAA will seek additional security from the CPD carnet holder.

After receiving this security, the AAA will contact the Overseas Club where the CPD Carnet holder is situated and provides a ‘No Objection’ letter to the extension.

The overseas motoring club will seek extension approval from the local Customs authority. If accepted, the Overseas Club provides a ‘No Objection’ letter to AAA.

The CPD Carnet holder must go to the overseas club and get the extension processed by getting the CPD Carnet stamped with an extension stamp on the inside front cover where it states, ‘Extension of Validity’. The Overseas Club will then endorse it with the club stamp.

The CPD Carnet holder must then take the carnet to the Local Customs Authority and have the final endorsement.

The CPD Carnet holder should send a copy of the extension endorsed by the Local Customs Authority back to AAA.

Generate a trip plan using the online CPD Carnet trip planner

INTERNATIONAL MOTORING