International Driver's Permit (IDP)

• International Driving Permits (IDPs), also known as international driving licences, entitle the holder to drive in all counteracting countries without further examination. Check the International Driving Permit requirements of your destination before you travel.
• It is a requirement for renting a car in many countries. Failure to do so may constitute a criminal or civil offence and may have more serious consequences.
• It can trigger an exclusion under your travel insurance policy if claiming for loss caused while driving a motor vehicle overseas.
• It provides an additional form of photo ID if your passport is locked away in a safe place.
• In most cases, your current Australian driving licence is not enough alone when driving in a foreign country. It must be complemented with an International Driving Permit.
• A valid IDP permits you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.

• Your IDP carries your identification details in nine languages (English, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, German, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, French) in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities.
• It is valid for 12 months from the date of issue unless the holder's domestic driving licence expires or is revoked in the meantime. IDPs cannot be post-dated under any circumstances.
• It is not a stand-alone document or substitute for a valid driving licence - it must be carried with your current domestic driving licence at all times.
• It in no way diminishes the obligation of the holder to conform strictly to the laws and regulations of the countries you visit.
• An International Driving Permit can only be issued to people over 18 years of age with a valid Australian licence (includes P-plate).
• It cannot be issued to learner driver permit holders.

Only Operational Excellence Insurance and constituent members of the AAA (Australian Automobile Association) are authorised to issue International Driving Permits. To obtain an IDP you can apply online or in person at the Operational Excellence Insurance Shop.

Apply in person (for urgent applications):

• Visit the Operational Excellence Insurance Shop in the Smith St Mall
• Bring your current Australian Drivers Licence
• Provide a recent passport size and style photo*
• Click here to download the application

• you are also required to provide proof that you are not a resident in the country from which you are making the application (e.g. copy of Australian passport)
• proof of travel plans to other countries (e.g. travel agent itinerary), and
• the date of your return to Australia (e.g. Visa).

*NOTE: Passport photos must be on photographic quality paper. Standard copy paper will not be accepted. Head shot cut outs from 'other' photos will not be accepted. IDP photos are available for purchase at Operational Excellence Insurance shop.

An IDP costs $49 each. This does not include the added cost of postage if applicable.

Digital drivers licences are only valid in your state or territory and will not be accepted when traveling overseas.  You will need to take a physical copy (plastic photo card) of your drivers licence together with your IDP.

Once you've completed your online application, please allow up to 10 business days for processing and postage. If you need an IDP in a hurry, you may be able to obtain an IDP by visiting the Operational Excellence Insurance shop.

For further information relating to international licences, visit www.aaa.asn.au/international-motoring/driving-overseas, call 13 13 29 or from overseas +61 8 8925 5901, or visit your Operational Excellence Insurance Shop.

When a foreigner arrives in Sri Lanka, with an IDP you must obtain a recognition permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in order to drive/ride in Sri Lanka with your foreign licence and IDP.  This document is mandatory to hiring any vehicles in Sri Lanka.  Please note that this recognition permit is only applicable in Sri Lanka.
 
Furthermore, in a case of an accident, the insurance claim may be rejected in the absence of the recognition permit, please check with your insurance broker.
 
The cost of the recognition permit is AU$35 (subject to change).

AAA is still getting a lot of queries in regards to an IDP for Vietnam.  An Australian IDP is not recognised in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, Vietnam accepts IDPs issued by countries who are members of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968, of which Australia is not a member. Australia is under the 1949 Convention.

You are required to have a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive in Vietnam for all vehicles, including motorcycles of 50cc or more. Non-Vietnamese citizens are only permitted to drive in Vietnam if they hold a temporary Vietnamese drivers licence. Fines for driving without a valid driver’s licence vary.

For a temporary Vietnamese driver's licence, the applicant must hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit of at least three (3) months validity.

In Hanoi, applications for temporary driver's licences should be directed to the Hanoi Urban Transport Management and Operation Centre, 16 Cao Ba Quat Street, telephone (04) 3747 0029, fax (04) 3747 0024. In Ho Chi Minh City, applications should be directed here.