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INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS

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Driver Age 26-69

Additional fees may apply for drivers under 26 and over 69 years at the time of rental. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further details.

International Driving Permits

IDP 2

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid drivers licence in your home country, at the date of issue of the IDP. It is not a licence in its own right, so you must also carry your New Zealand drivers licence with you when driving as it is a very useful travel document. It is required or recommended for many countries when renting a vehicle. For the current list of countries which require an International Driving Permit, visit the AA Motoring website.

Even if you do not intend to drive whilst travelling overseas, an IDP can also be helpful for tourists who may need to identified or assisted. For non-English drivers licence holders, an international drivers licence is required for all countries worldwide. Please note you can get fined by the local police if you do not have an international driving permit. For more information, visit the New Zealand Transport Agency or AA Motoring websites.

Please also note the main driver must always present a physical driver's licence at time of collection. Digital licences are not accepted for any rentals. If you require an international driver’s licence for your rental, this too must be a physical licence. Digital international licences are not accepted.

IDPs are issued through AA motoring in New Zealand, and it will need to be organised before you travel overseas. There are three ways to apply:

Online
At your nearest AA Centre or AA Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agent
By post

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, visit our full list of Frequently Asked Questions or call us!

Can I get an IDP if I’m on a Learner or Restricted licence?

No. An IDP can only be issued to a full licence holder who is over 18 years of age.

How long is an IDP valid for?

Your IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or the expiry of your New Zealand drivers licence (whichever comes first).

Is there a difference between an international driver’s licence and international driver’s permit?

No, there's actually no such licence. An International Drivers Permit is a United Nations sanctioned document and will always have "Convention on International Road Traffic of 19 September, 1949" on its cover. Counterfeit IDPs or licences usually don't show this anywhere*. IDPs are only available from AA Motoring Centres as shown above.

Do I still need to take my New Zealand drivers licence when I go overseas?

An IDP is not a stand-alone document or a substitute for a valid driving licence. You MUST carry your valid, physical New Zealand License as well as your IDP at ALL times.

Contact your nearest AA Motoring Centre:

The New Zealand Automobile Association Inc.

Vie the locations here

If you have questions about IDPs, please visit the website or call the licensing helpline.

Please note: Tonga, China and Samoa do not accept IDPs or current New Zealand driving licences. However a Visitor's Driving Licence can be obtained after arrival. You will be required to provide a current New Zealand driving licence to the authorities and pay a Visitor's Driving Licence fee.

Want more driving information?

Click on the locations below for driving information and tips on some of our top destinations.