International Driving License
Even if you don't intend to drive when you travel overseas you should always carry an International Driving Permit.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) or International translation of drivers license is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries and is helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.
An IDP provides inexpensive additional security.
IDPs are officially sanctioned by the United Nations and accepted worldwide (in over 150 countries) as a recognisable form of identification;
Your IDP carries your identification details in nine languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish and French), in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities;
In some countries you may be asked to surrender your passport under certain circumstances. An IDP provides an extra photo ID in nine languages which you can always carry with you;
IDPs are a special permit for tourists, authorised by a United Nations Treaty for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive internationally without further tests or applications provided their domestic drivers licence is valid;
An IDP is proof that you hold a valid drivers licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic drivers licence;
A valid IDP permits you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.
IDPs are issued through State and Territory Motoring Clubs. All you need to do is take a copy of your current drivers licence into your local club with a passport size photo and fill out an application form.
You will need an official passport photo, scanned photo or digital photo (printed on proper photographic paper) no more than 12 months old to accompany the application.
You will need an official passport photo, scanned photo or digital photo (printed on proper photographic paper) no more than 12 months old to accompany the application.
Download an International Driving Permit application form: australian_application_int_driving_license.pdf (358.04 kb)