Does Europcar require an IDP in Australia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Australia: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
You may drive on a valid foreign licence; an IDP (with translation) is recommended if your licence is not in English.
In Australia specifically, australia lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Requested for non-English licences at all major chains.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Australia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Australia drives on the left, uses the AUD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Australia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the AUD deposit; Australia drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Australia Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Strict random breath testing; 0.05% limit.
- Speed cameras and mobile-phone cameras widespread.
- Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in Australia
Tolling is 100% electronic with no cash booths anywhere; rental cars usually have an e-tag or a number-plate account, so confirm at the desk or you'll be charged the toll plus video-matching admin fees of roughly AUD 0.30 to several dollars per trip.
City and beach parking is metered (pay by machine or apps like EasyPark/PayStay) with colour-signed clearway and resident-permit zones; ignoring signs risks fines and towing, while regional towns are often free.
Speeding fines run from about AUD 136 to over AUD 2,500, and illegal mobile-phone use is around AUD 423 in NSW and AUD 627 in Victoria, detected by automated cameras; rental firms forward camera fines to you and add an admin fee of roughly AUD 44-82.
Call 000 for any injury; you must stop and exchange details, and report to police if anyone is hurt, property is damaged and the owner isn't present, or a vehicle must be towed - do not leave the scene.
Full driving guide for Australia →