An International Driving Permit (IDP) is one of the most practical travel documents an Australian driver can carry. Recognised in over 150 countries, it acts as an official translation of your Australian driver's licence into multiple languages, confirming the vehicle classes you are authorised to operate. If you are planning to rent a car in Europe, hire a scooter in Bali, or take a road trip through Southeast Asia, an IDP is the document that keeps you legal, insured, and on the right side of local traffic police.

For Australians, applying is straightforward and affordable. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the sole authorised body to issue IDPs in Australia, and it operates through its state and territory motoring clubs. Whether you apply through the NRMA in New South Wales, RACQ in Queensland, RACV in Victoria, or your relevant state club, the process and cost are the same across the country. The cost is AUD $55, and the permit is valid for 12 months.

Ready to plan your trip? Search flights to your destination and lock in your travel dates before sorting your documents.

An IDP is not a replacement for your Australian driver's licence — it is a certified companion document. It translates your licence details into several languages, including French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, so foreign authorities and rental agencies can verify your credentials without needing to read English. You must always carry both your IDP and your original Australian licence together; presenting one without the other is not sufficient.

The permit specifies the categories of vehicle you are licensed to drive at home. If your Australian licence covers only passenger cars, your IDP will reflect that. This means you cannot use it to legally ride a motorcycle or scooter in a destination that requires a separate motorcycle endorsement. Always check your licence class before travelling if you plan to hire two-wheeled transport.

To qualify for an Australian IDP, you must be at least 18 years of age, hold a current open or provisional Australian driver's licence, and have no court-imposed restrictions on your licence. Learner licence holders are not eligible. Your licence details must be current, legible, and not expired at the time of application. There is no requirement to have a confirmed booking or departure date when you apply.

Most state motoring clubs now offer fully online applications, available around the clock. You upload a digital passport-style photo and scans or photos of both sides of your driver's licence, complete the application form, and pay the fee. The process takes only a few minutes. Your IDP is then either posted to you or made available for collection at selected locations.

If you prefer to apply in person, visit your nearest authorised motoring club office. Staff will guide you through a kiosk-based application, and in many cases your IDP can be issued over the counter the same day. This is the fastest option if your trip is imminent. Selected car hire and foreign currency exchange locations in major cities also act as collection points for online applicants.

If you have applied online and need your IDP urgently, same-day collection is available at the NRMA Head Office at Sydney Olympic Park (9 Murray Rose Avenue), open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. For metro postal delivery, allow three business days for dispatch plus three to five business days for delivery. Regional areas should allow additional time, and overseas delivery can take ten or more business days.

An Australian IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, or until your Australian driver's licence expires, whichever comes first. There are two types of IDP issued under international conventions. The 1949 Convention IDP is the most widely accepted format worldwide and is valid for up to one year — this is the standard type issued in Australia and the one most commonly recognised in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. The 1968 Convention IDP can be valid for up to three years but cannot exceed the remaining validity of your domestic licence.

Bali is one of the most popular destinations for Australians, and many visitors want to explore the island independently by scooter or hire car. Understanding the local requirements before you arrive means you can focus on the experience, not the paperwork. Browse activities across Bali to plan your itinerary — from temple ceremonies in Ubud to surf lessons in Canggu — and factor in transport when deciding where to base yourself.

Hiring a scooter is one of the most popular ways to get around Bali, but it comes with an important caveat: your IDP must explicitly include motorcycle or scooter endorsement, equivalent to the Indonesian SIM C category. If your Australian licence only covers passenger cars, your IDP will not legally authorise you to ride a two-wheeled vehicle. Before your trip, confirm your Australian licence class and check whether a motorcycle endorsement is included.

Helmets are mandatory for both the rider and any passenger at all times. Indonesia drives on the left, which will feel familiar to Australians, though local traffic flow tends to be informal. Vehicles frequently enter from side roads, and scooters often filter through gaps in traffic. A short horn signal is standard practice in Bali to indicate your presence — it is simply how drivers communicate, not aggression.

Renting a car in Bali is a practical alternative, especially when travelling with family or larger groups. Standard car rental in Bali often comes with a driver included, but self-drive hire is widely available. For self-drive, you need your IDP alongside your Australian licence, and the rental agency will request both documents at the time of collection. Book your car rental ahead of travel to lock in your preferred vehicle type and avoid last-minute availability issues.

At police checkpoints in Bali — which are common in tourist-heavy areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta — officers typically ask to see your Australian driver's licence, your IDP, a photocopy of your passport, the vehicle's registration document (known as the STNK), and proof of insurance. Missing any one of these documents can result in a fine of between IDR 300,000 and IDR 1,000,000 per infraction. More critically, driving without a valid IDP can void your travel insurance entirely, leaving you personally liable for medical costs and vehicle damage.

Seatbelts are compulsory in cars and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Traffic in Bali's tourist corridors can be heavily congested during peak hours, particularly around Kuta, Legian, and the road to Uluwatu. Rain is common during the wet season and makes roads noticeably slippery, so check conditions before heading out on a long ride. Anticipate frequent stops, vehicles entering without warning, and narrow lanes in village areas outside the main tourist zones.

Booking an airport transfer for your arrival and departure takes the stress out of navigating unfamiliar roads when you are jet-lagged or loaded with luggage. It is a practical first and last step for any Bali trip.

Bali's accommodation ranges from boutique villas in Seminyak to jungle retreats in Ubud and beachfront resorts in Nusa Dua. Find and compare hotels across the island with real-time rates across every price point.

An Australian IDP is recognised in over 150 countries worldwide. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines all accept IDPs for foreign visitors driving on a tourist visa. In Europe, all European Union member states recognise the IDP, making it valuable for road trips through France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and beyond. The United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and much of the Middle East and Africa are also on the accepted list.

Some countries recognise IDPs only for the duration of a tourist visa, after which a locally issued licence may be required. If you are planning an extended stay rather than a short holiday, check the regulations for your destination country separately, as they differ from standard tourist rules. The AAA maintains a country-by-country directory on its website where you can confirm requirements for any specific destination.

An IDP is a translation document valid for short-term visits. It does not grant the same rights as a locally issued licence, and in most countries tourists can drive legally on an IDP and their home licence for the duration of their permitted stay. Long-term residents or those on working visas may be required to convert to a local licence after a set period, which varies by country. If you are relocating rather than visiting, research the residency-based driving requirements of your destination country as a separate step.

The IDP must always be issued in the same country as your primary domestic driving licence. If your Australian licence is your primary licence, you need an Australian-issued IDP. A permit issued in another country does not validate your Australian licence, regardless of where you obtained it.

Yes. Since an IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, it makes sense to apply as soon as you know you will be travelling overseas within the year. There is no requirement to have a confirmed booking or departure date at the time of application, and applying early means the permit is ready whenever your plans are confirmed.

An IDP cannot be renewed overseas. It must be applied for through an Australian state motoring club from within Australia. If you are on an extended trip and your IDP is approaching expiry, factor this into your planning and apply for a new one before you leave home. Check the expiry date against your full planned travel period before departure.

Report the loss to local police and obtain a police report for insurance purposes. Contact the nearest Australian consulate or embassy for guidance. A replacement IDP can only be issued in Australia, so keep a digital copy of both your IDP and Australian licence stored securely in the cloud. This makes it easier to demonstrate your credentials to local authorities while awaiting your return.

No. Your IDP only covers the vehicle categories already endorsed on your Australian driver's licence. If you hold a standard car licence without a motorcycle endorsement, your IDP will not authorise motorcycle or scooter use abroad. If you plan to ride a scooter in Bali or a motorbike in Thailand, confirm that your Australian licence includes the relevant class before applying for your IDP.

Once your IDP is in order, the real planning can begin. Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users, and is the go-to app for Australians booking Bali and broader Southeast Asia travel. From flights into Denpasar to accommodation across Bali's most sought-after areas, you can compare and book flights and hotels in one place without switching between multiple sites.

For Australians heading to Bali, Traveloka offers an extensive selection of hotels to suit every budget and travel style, from beachfront resorts in Nusa Dua to hillside villas in Ubud. Keep an eye on Traveloka promotions for exclusive deals on Bali flights and stays. Download the Traveloka app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and plan your entire Bali adventure from your phone — flights, hotels, and local experiences, all in one place.

Bali has no shortage of extraordinary things to see and do. Here are some of the best-rated experiences on the island to inspire your itinerary.