Download an International Driving Permit application form.
You will need an official passport photo, scanned photo or digital photo (printed on proper photographic paper) no more than 12 months old to accompany the application.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)? 
- 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 driver's licence is valid.
- It provides 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.
An 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.
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.
Even if you don't intend to drive when you travel overseas you should always carry an International Driving Permit, in addition to simplifying identification requirements abroad, an IDP provides inexpensive additional security.
Australia is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949. Under this convention contracting countries have agreed to recognise the International Driving Permit (IDP), which entitles the holder to drive motor vehicles specified in the Permit and in all contracting countries without further examination.
Where can I apply for an IDP?
In Australia, the Government appointed 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.
For more information contact any one of the RAC branches or call 13 17 03.
Applying for an IDP when abroad
For applicants currently overseas, you should provide an accompanying letter providing:
- 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.
Who needs an IDP?
To find out which countries require an IDP and other information about the country, see below.
Country guide A to H
Country guide I to P
Country guide R to Z
How much does it cost?
An IDP costs $30.00 each and to obtain one all you need is a current driver's licence and a passport photograph. If an IDP is required through mail the following rates apply (within Australia standard $1.00, registered $3.50. International standard air mail $3.30 registered $15.00). Please include the return address and contact number with a clear photocopy of your driver's licence and an original passport photograph.
How long is it valid?
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.
What else do I need to know?
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.
Special note
IDPs may not be issued to persons under eighteen years of age regardless of whether they hold a national driving licence. In addition, IDPs cannot be issued to holders of Learner Permits 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.