Australia

International Driving Permit for Australia license holders

In short

Australia drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences. It is a translation of your Australia licence, carried together with it. Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad.

Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the official UN-convention format and carried alongside your national licence.

Get my IDP View pricing

Last reviewed June 2026

Popular destinations

Driving abroad on a Australia license

Tap a country for the exact verdict for Australia drivers — required or recommended, the convention basis, and what to carry.

Australia drivers — common questions

01

Do Australia license holders need an International Driving Permit?

Australia drivers need an IDP in any country that requires one for foreign licences. It is a translation of your Australia licence, carried together with it. Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad.

02

Is Australia part of the driving conventions?

Australia is party to 1949 Geneva Convention on road traffic, which govern which IDP format applies abroad.

03

How fast can a Australia driver get an IDP?

As fast as 8 minutes — enter your details and licence, pay, and your digital permit is emailed to you.