Australia licence Laos

Driving in Laos with a Australia license

Short answer: you cannot drive in Laos on a Australia license or an International Driving Permit alone — Laos requires a local or temporary licence.

Not accepted

An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Laos. Laos does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.

Convention basisLaos relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

At the rental deskVientiane desks request an IDP; carry passport and home licence too.

CarryCarry BOTH your Australia national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Convention: Local rules

Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Laos

Drive on the right.
Helmets mandatory for motorbikes.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Livestock and pedestrians on rural roads.

Common questions

Can I drive in Laos with a Australia license?

you cannot drive in Laos on a Australia license or an International Driving Permit alone — Laos requires a local or temporary licence. Laos relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

Is my Australia driver's license valid in Laos?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Laos?

Can I rent a car in Laos with a Australia license?

Vientiane desks request an IDP; carry passport and home licence too.

What IDP format does Laos accept?

Laos relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Laos?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Australia license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the Local rules format Laos uses — carried alongside your Australia license.

Do I still carry my Australia license?

Carry BOTH your Australia national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.