International drivers licence | RAC WA Perth Australia - driving overseas - driving permit - idp

International driving licence

International driving permit

Why do I need an International Driving Permit?

  • An IDP allows you to drive overseas without further tests or applications, provided your Australian driving licence is still valid. It is also a requirement for renting a car in most countries.
  • It can be used as an additional form of identification if your passport is locked away in a safe place.
  • In most cases, your current Australian driving licence is not enough alone when driving in a foreign country. It must be complimented with an International Driving Permit.

How long does it last and can I renew it overseas?

  • Your IDP is valid for 12 months or expires at the same time as your Australian driving licence, whichever comes first.
  • Yes, you can renew your IDP from overseas. Simply follow the instructions on the application form and return it to RAC.

How do I get an International Driving Permit?

Only RAC and associated members of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) are authorized to issue IDPs in Australia.

  • You can get an IDP at RAC Member Service Centres (Excluding Auto Service Centres). See below for branch locations.
  • You can download and complete an IDP application form and post it back to RAC.
  • RAC West Perth is the only Member Service Centre that has the ability to photograph you for an IDP so please bring a passport-sized photo to our other centres if applying in person.
  • If applying by post, please include the return address and contact number with a clear photocopy of your driving licence (both sides) and an original passport photograph.
  • Full details are printed on the IDP application form and we suggest printing and completing the form even if you're applying in person. It will help speed up the process for you.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I apply by post?

  • IDPs are processed on the day they are received or the next day.
  • Delivery of your IDP depends upon the postal options you choose but in most cases you will receive your IDP in 3-7 days.
RAC Member Centre locations
RAC Albany
110 Albany Highway
Tel: 9892 9580
RAC Kalgoorlie
51-53 Hannan Street
Tel: 9051 5680
RAC Bunbury
Unit 1, 33 Carey Street
Tel: 9779 9280
RAC Mandurah
Shop 112, Centro Mandurah Shopping Centre
330 Pinjarra Road
Tel: 9512 8280
RAC Cannington
Shop 1098, Westfield Carousel
1382 Albany Highway
Tel: 9365 4780
RAC Morley
Shop 1, Morley Market Shopping Centre
Bishop Street
Tel: 6466 2380
RAC Geraldton
Shop 29 Centro Northgate Shopping Centre
Chapman Road, Geraldton
Tel: 9950 0580
RAC Head Office
832 Wellington Street
West Perth
Tel: 9436 4840
RAC Travel Joondalup
Boas Avenue, Joondalup (at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre)
Tel: 9308 16000

Prices

  • An IDP costs A$33.50.
  • If an IDP is required via post the following postage rates apply:
  • Within Australia: Standard post $1, Registered post $4.
  • International: Standard air mail $4, Registered $15.
  • Photograph (West Perth only) $8.80 for RAC members, $11 for non-members.

Details

  • IDPs may not be issued to persons under 18 years of age regardless of whether they hold a national driving licence.
  • The holder of an IDP should be advised to carry their current domestic driving licence while overseas.
  • 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.

Booklets

AAA Motorists Handbook (PDF)
International road signs and country by country information. 

AAA International Motoring Brochure (PDF)
Taking your car overseas, Camping Card International, IDPs.