1. Travel
  2. Travel Insurance and Permits

International Drivers Licence

international drivers licence

Now you can get
your permit within
3 to 5 working days

Apply online

COVID-19 may have impacted your travel plans. We advise anyone planning to travel to check smarttraveller.gov.au for the latest advice and updates, or to contact the travel tour provider. We also advise those applying to be aware of postage restrictions and delays. The latest on delays and postal information can be found on the Australia Post website.


If you're planning to drive while you're overseas, we recommend you get an International Driving Permit. For information on what an IDP is used for, check out the video below.

An International Driving Licence is a United Nations-sanctioned document translated in 9 different languages.

If you are leaving in less than 5 days you can pick up an IDP at selected Service NSW locations.

What you'll need to apply

  • An IDP costs $42 (AUD)
  • You'll need to be over 18
  • You'll need a valid Australian driver's licence
  • You'll need a recent passport-sized photo - less than 3.5cm x 4.5cm (pre-cut to single photo size when presenting instore)

More information on IDPs can be found in our frequently asked questions below.

Watch out

Only motoring organisations such as the NRMA are authorised to issue IDPs. Other, non-sanctioned IDPs are counterfeit and considered illegal to use.

Apply online
“

It was really quick and easy to get mine (IDP) from the NRMA, and it came in handy more than once as I drove around Europe.

Sam N, Stanmore

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re planning on driving overseas an International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official United Nations and Australian Government document advising local authorities and car rental companies that you are licenced to drive in Australia. Local authorities and car rental companies may require you hold an IDP in order to drive or rent a vehicle. We recommend having an IDP however the requirement to have one is subject to change by local authorities and car rental companies.

International Driving Permits are recognised in over 150 countries around the world. View the IDP directory to find out if the country you are visiting requires an IDP, which side of the road to drive on and the recommended automotive club in case of emergencies. To use the directory, select the first letter of the country you are visiting.

No, there's actually no such licence. An International Drivers Permit is a United Nations sanctioned document and will always have "Convention on International Road Traffic of 19 September, 1949" on its cover. Counterfeit IDP's or licences usually don't show this anywhere. IDPs are only available from State and Territory Motoring clubs such as the NRMA.

For an IDP sent to an Australian address please allow between 3 to 5 working days from the time it is submitted (depending on the postal service selected). For IDP’s that are to be sent to an overseas address please allow 10 or more working days (depending on postal service selected and destination).

Your IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry of your Australian licence (whichever comes first).

If you are leaving in less than 5 days you can pick up an IDP from your local participating NRMA branch or at selected Service NSW’s locations. Please note that the NRMA Travel Centre Wynyard is no longer open and you are unable to pick up an IDP from every Service NSW Service Centre, so check applicable locations. Also remember to have your physical licence with you, as digital versions are not accepted.

An IDP is not a stand-alone document or a substitute for a valid driving licence. You must carry your Australian state/territory licence with your IDP at all times.

Unfortunately not. The IDP can only be issued to Provisional or full drivers licence holders, aged 18 years and older.

Yes, through our online application process. Please allow up to 10 business days for us to process and send it to your specified address and then adequate time for the overseas postal service. If you've lived overseas for more than 12 months you may need to apply for a local licence. Speak to the your local authorities who can advise you.

If you need to enquire about the progress of your IDP application or have a question, please contact us on 1300 053 052 or email to permits@mynrma.com.au.

Should you not wish to provide your details online, you can submit a postal application by completing an IDP application form.

1. Right click here, select "Save link as..." and save the file to your desktop
2. On your desktop, right click on the IDP photo canvas file and select "Open with" then Microsoft "Paint"
3. Paste your photo onto the white space, resizing it to cover the black cross
4. Save the file on your desktop as a .png, .jpg or .jpeg file extension
5. Upload the file to the IDP portal