An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic Australian driver licence photo card in nine languages.
These permits are recognised in 98% of countries around the world, and driving without an IDP is illegal in many countries (unless you have a local licence).
The AAA and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian driver licence holders. Beware of fraudulent competitors.
Driving without an International Driving Permit may be illegal in many countries.
An International Driving Permit is an inexpensive way to reduce the risk of problems with law enforcement, vehicle hire and insurance claims.
It contains a translation of your current domestic driver’s licence photo card into most major languages and assists to interpret the categories of your driver’s license for international law enforcement, customs, and hire car companies.
The Australian Government selected the following nine (9) languages – English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Greek, German and Japanese.
Most car rentals require a Permit before you can collect your rental car as proof of a valid licence to drive the vehicle. In some cases your rental may be refused without a permit.
In the event of an accident it is important to carry your Permit and drivers licence photo card to establish your validity to drive. Some insurers may not honour the claim without a permit.
Some insurance companies may not honour your travel insurance policy if you did not have an IDP while driving in a country that required it.
Use the application form provided in the link below.
“Having a car for Fuji was the best decision we made”
“With a rental vehicle, we were able to get from place to place with ease (there were not as many train lines in this area as in Tokyo).
“Having a car allowed us to drive from lake to lake and see Mt Fuji from various different angles.”
Family tours Rockies in an RV
“I took my family of four to Canada. An IDP was required, and we presented it when hiring a car in Calgary.
“We had no issues with hiring the car, and used it to gain familiarity with driving ‘on the wrong side of the road’, before touring the Rockies in a great big RV.
“Having the freedom to drive was supremely convenient, especially as public transport isn't fantastic.”
Fun on the streets of Tokyo
“The absolute most fun you can have with an International License is racing Mario Karts through the busy streets of Tokyo, weaving in and out of everyday city traffic on tours of this fascinating city.
“You will not stop smiling the whole time, and pedestrians get as much joy as you do, watching you zoom past and waving as you fly by.
“The experience is absolutely amazing and there's only one rule – you need an International Driving Permit to participate.”
Driving a Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to drive a 911 Porsche, let alone on the Autobahn in Germany.
“The Porsche drive website said I must have an international driving permit.
“The Porsche 911 Targa was an absolute dream to drive. The sports mode really kicked off more power when driving. It was an amazing three-hour drive and a lifelong dream unlocked.”
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your current Australian Drivers licence in nine languages (English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Greek, German and Japanese).
Its proof that you hold a current domestic driver’s licence and it is only valid if you carry your domestic drivers licence photo card (note: digital drivers licences are not valid overseas) with your permit.
The permit format is stipulated by the United Nations 1949 Convention on International Road Traffic. It is a physical book – there is no digital format.
A Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until the expiry date of your Australian driver’s licence photo card, which ever comes first.
If your licence expires during the Permit period simply renew your licence and the Permit remains valid.
You can obtain a permit online. The permit will be delivered within 3-5 business days. If you are travelling overseas within this period you can obtain your permit from your local state/territory motoring clubs.
The intended travel date is used to determine if we can post the IDP to you in time.
If you’re travelling within the next five business days, we won’t have time to post your permit to you.
In that case, it’s best to apply in person at your nearest retail branch so a permit can be issued immediately.
Contact your state or territory motoring club to find a retail branch.
Your intended travel date is not the date of issue of the IDP.
The Australian Automobile Association is the only authority duly authorised to sell Permits in Australia on behalf of the Australian Government to Australian Drivers Licence holders.
A Permit from the AAA must have the AAA logo and official stamp. Any other permit issued by another entity is not an authorised permit and is fraudulent.
You can use your Australian digital licences to apply for an IDP, but you may not be able to use it overseas. Some Australian digital licences are not recognised overseas and for your IDP to be valid you must hold a current Australian Drivers licence. It is highly recommended to have your Australian Drivers Licence photocard (physical drivers’ licence) with your IDP when travelling overseas.
Yes. Apply online and use international express post or direct courier to your overseas address.
You must obtain a new permit, either online or through your nearest Australian state/territory motoring club.
Scammers offer an “International Driving Licence” or “International Driver’s Licence”. These are not legitimate documents.
The correct document is an International Driving Permit.
“International Driving Licence” and “International Driver’s Licence” are fraudulent documents. They are illegal and can get the holder into trouble with overseas traffic authorities.
These fraudulent permits will offer you a digital permit (licence) and the validity of 3 years. Under the 1949 United Nations Convention on International Road Traffic the permit is not a digitalised document and cannot be issued for more than 12 months.
In Australia, the AAA is the only duly authorised issuer of the International Driving Permit.
No. You must hold a current Australians drivers licence before you can apply for an IDP.
No. For a list of Australian license classes and restrictions and how they correspond to permit classes, click here
No, you must have your physical ‘photocard’ drivers licence. Interim receipts are not valid with the IDP.
You can enter the address manually by clicking the “Reset” link and then clicking the “Enter one manually” link.
If you have any issues with this process, please email international@aaa.asn.au
No. Only Australian driver’s licence holders can apply for an IDP in Australia.
If you hold an overseas drivers licence you must apply for a permit in the country that issued your licence.
When locating a branch, be aware that some branches may require an appointment for IDP services.
Please check the club website or contact the branch for more information. For customers in NSW, Services NSW is an authorised agent for IDPs.