What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries and is helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance.
An IDP provides inexpensive additional security. Even if you don't intend to drive when you travel overseas you should always carry an International Driving Permit.
- IDPs are officially sanctioned by the United Nations and accepted worldwide (in over 150 countries) as a recognisable form of identification.
- Your IDP carries your identification details in nine languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish and French) in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities.
- In some countries you may be asked to surrender your passport under certain circumstances. An IDP provides an extra photo ID in nine languages which you can always carry with you.
- IDPs are a special permit for tourists, authorised by a United Nations Treaty for the purpose of allowing motorists to drive internationally without further tests or applications provided their domestic drivers licence is valid.
- An IDP is proof that you hold a valid drivers licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic drivers licence.
- A valid IDP permits you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.
Where to apply
The Australian Automobile Association as the only authority to issue permits. As a member of the AAA, the RAC issues IDPs at RAC branches throughout Western Australia.
All you need to do is take a copy of your current drivers licence into your local office with a passport size photograph and fill out an application form. Passport photographs are available from RAC Perth office only.
Overseas applications
For applications by Australian residents who are out of Australia at the time of application please complete the application form and provide an accompanying letter that includes the following details:
- Proof that you are not resident in the country in which you are making the application.
- Evidence of travel plans to other countries (eg travel agent itinerary).
- Date of return to Australia.
For more information contact any one of the RAC branches or call 13 17 03.
Download the application form (PDF).
Costs
An IDP costs $30. If an IDP is required via post the following rates apply (within Australia standard post $1, registered post $3.50. International standard air mail $3.30 registered $15). Please include the return address and contact number with a clear photocopy of your driver's licence and an original passport photograph.
Validity
An IDP is valid for twelve months from the date of issue unless the holder's domestic driving licence expires or is revoked in the meantime.
More information
- Holding an IDP in no way diminishes the obligation of the holder to conform strictly to the laws and regulations relating to residence or the exercise of a profession which are in force in each country visited.
- A person may apply for a further permit. Such applications must be accompanied by the applicant's current Australian driving licence or photocopy of, and a passport size photograph colour or black and white (photocopy/facsimile not acceptable) and the fee applicable at the time.
- The holder of an IDP should be advised to carry their current domestic driving licence while overseas.
- IDPs may not be issued to persons under eighteen years of age regardless of whether they hold a national driving licence.
- IDPs cannot be issued to holders of learner permit status licences or other limited/restricted use licences, issued under the directive of a State Court of Law.
- There is no upper age limit for the use of IDPs.