Does Thrifty require an IDP in Australia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Australia: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
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 Thrifty 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.
Thrifty runs a 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 Thrifty 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 Thrifty 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.
Thrifty's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Thrifty's published minimum rental age is 20 at most U.S. and Canada locations (18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec); drivers aged 20-24 (or 18-24 in those exception states/province) are charged an Underage Drivers fee that varies by location, typically around $29/day and higher (roughly $35-$52) in New York and Michigan.
A valid credit/debit card in the renter's own name is required and a hold is placed for estimated charges plus roughly $200 extra for credit cards or $500 for debit (about $350 CAD in Canada); Visa/Mastercard/Discover debit cards are accepted only on Compact through Fullsize classes (not Premium and above) and a physical card must be presented as digital-wallet cards are not accepted.
Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirement and hold a valid licence, and an additional-driver fee applies per day; it is waived for Blue Chip Rewards members, government renters on official orders, corporate-rate customers, and the companion/driver of a physically impaired customer. Thrifty's general policy requires a valid driver's licence covering the entire rental period but does not publish a fixed minimum tenure; in practice under-25 renters are typically expected to have held a full licence for at least one year.
Driving is generally restricted to the continental United States and Canada, and a Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S.-owned vehicle into Canada; one-way rentals are offered within the U.S. and within Canada subject to location/availability with a one-way drop fee.
Foreign renters must present a driver's licence issued in their country of residence together with a valid passport; if the licence is not in English, Thrifty requires both the foreign licence and a current International Driver's Permit to be presented.
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 →