International Driving Permit (IDP)

Even if you don't intend to drive when you travel overseas you should always carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as is helpful for tourists who find themselves in need of identification or assistance, plus is a requirement for renting a motor vehicle in many countries.

An IDP provides inexpensive additional security.

• 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.

IDP's are available to Australian citizens who are over the age of 18 years and hold a valid Australian drivers licence.  IDP's are valid for twelve months from the date of issue providing your licence is valid for that period.

IDPs are issued through State and Territory Motoring Clubs. All you need to do is take a copy of your current drivers licence into your local club with a passport size photo and fill out an application form.

For more information on your overseas travel needs contact the AANT on 08 8981 3837, visit 79-81 Smith Street Darwin NT or email holidays@aant.com.au. 

For information on international road service clubs and international road signage download the AAA Handbook for Motorists.

Internet IDP Warning
Counterfeit IDPs are being offered for sale on the Internet, usually at inflated prices. These forged IDPs are illegal and can get the holder into a great deal of difficulty with the traffic authorities in various countries. In Australia only the Australian Automobile Association, through the State and Territory Motoring Clubs, is authorised to issue IDPs.