Does InterRent require an IDP in Australia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in Australia: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Roman-alphabet licences across its European locations. Europcar's value brand for leisure travellers in Europe.
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 InterRent 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.
InterRent runs a europe 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 InterRent 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 InterRent 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.
InterRent's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
InterRent's minimum rental age is typically 19-21 depending on country (19 in Spain, 21 in the UK and France), and drivers aged roughly 21-24 (24 and under in some markets) pay a young-driver surcharge that varies by location, for example around 8.50 EUR/day (max ~93 EUR) in Spain, 12.95 EUR/day (max ~181 EUR) in France, and about 35 GBP/day (max ~350 GBP) in the UK; some vehicle categories require drivers to be over 25.
A refundable security deposit is pre-authorised (held, not debited) on the main driver's credit card at pick-up; the card (Visa or Mastercard, sometimes Amex) must be in the main driver's name with an expiry date after the return date, and debit cards are not accepted because their rules do not fit InterRent's deposit policy.
Additional drivers must present their own valid driving licence at the counter and sign the rental agreement at pick-up; InterRent charges an extra-driver fee per day that varies by location, though it is frequently included in promotional/package rates. The main driver must have held a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of 12 months (one year) prior to picking up the vehicle.
Cross-border travel and one-way rentals are restricted and must be authorised in advance; cross-border fees and one-way drop-off charges apply and vary by route, with certain countries (typically higher-risk or non-EU destinations) excluded entirely under the rental conditions.
InterRent requires a full, valid driving licence held for at least 12 months; for licences not written in the Latin/Roman alphabet (or otherwise not understandable to the rental agent), an International Driving Permit (IDP) must be presented alongside the original national licence, as the IDP is a translation and never replaces the physical licence.
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 →