Gabon, Gambia (2), Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy
The AA is the only place in NZ that you can apply for an IDP licence online.
The AA is the only online option to apply for an IDP for a New Zealand driver licence. You can apply in person at an AA Centre or Agent.
$49.50 + delivery
$39.50 + passport photo charge, if needed
- About the IDP
- Applying online
- Applying in person
- FAQs
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is a document that allows you to drive overseas. It is recognised and recommended in many countries. However, it is not a driver licence in its own right. You must also carry your current NZ driver licence with you when you travel. Together, both documents allow you to drive legally in most countries.
An IDP can only be issued to a full licence holder over 18 years of age. It is not available for commercial use.
Which countries accept the IDP?
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain (1), Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan (2), Bolivia (1), Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei (2), Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia (4), Cameroon, Canada (1,2), Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo Dem Rep., Costa Rica (2), Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic
Denmark, Dijibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt (2), El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France & French Overseas Depts., French Polynesia
Jamaica (1), Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati (2), Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho (2), Liberia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Macao (2), Macedonia (FYROM), Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal (2), Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua (1,2), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman (2)
Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines (2), Poland, Portugal (inc Madeira & the Azores)(2), Qatar (2), Russia, Romania (2), Rwanda
San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia (3), South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Kitts & Nevis, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan (2), Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay
Vatican City, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Table notes
(1) For private vehicles only
(2) Certain conditions or time restrictions apply
(3) Only if country of residence does not issue 1968 IDPs
(4) Cambodia IDP use: If you are planning to travel to Cambodia be aware that an IDP should be enough as Cambodia is also one of the countries that signed the 1949 IDP Convention. However, it's only recently that Cambodian government has announced the official issue of IDP, so it has not been widely used within the country yet. Cambodia Automobile Association would recommend applying for a Cambodian license for foreigners if they are planning to drive or stay in Cambodia for a long period of time.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure to check with the local driver licence authority of your destination for the latest information about IDP requirements and restrictions before applying for an IDP.
Which countries do not accept the IDP?
Anguilla, Antigua, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, China, Cook Islands*, Myanmar, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Vietnam and Windward Islands.
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.
The Cook Islands: do not accept IDPs, however visitors from certain countries can use their local licence. Certain conditions or time restrictions apply.
Vietnam: Change to requirements for driving with a 1949 IDP in Vietnam – IDP 1949 is not recognized in Vietnam.
How do I apply for an IDP online?
We can help with that. You'll need:
- A current NZ driver licence - licence details must be legible for application.
- A recent photo of yourself - plain background in JPG format, clear with no shadows
- To pay the application fee by card ($49.50) and the cost of delivery
All driver licence details must be legible for the application to be successful, as all details need to be verified before we can process the application.
When will I receive my IDP after applying online?
For NZ addresses: You'll receive your IDP within 2-5 working days, please allow an additional day for rural deliveries.
For overseas addresses: Delivery times will vary depending on delivery method.
The AA accepts no liability for any correctly addressed document once it has been delivered to a postal or courier service for onward delivery. In the event that the document is lost, a new application and processing fee will be required.
You will need:
Your current plastic NZ driver licence - licence details must be legible for application.
A recent passport-sized photograph printed on a good quality photo paper (plain background, 35-45mm wide, 45-55mm high) or you can have a passport photo taken at an AA Centre - AA Members receive a discount on this additional cost.
- To pay the application fee ($39.50)
Your application will be processed at the counter and your IDP will be issued and given to you. The application form is available to download here or at AA Centres and AA Licensing Agents.
The AA is only authorised to issue IDPs for NZ driver licence holders. You must be 18 and hold a full licence class. If you hold an overseas licence and are looking to obtain an IDP, please check the FIA – International Driving Permit website to find out which authority issues the IDP for your licence.
Online applications to a domestic standard address will be delivered within 2-5 business days. Alternatively, if you require an IDP on the same day, please visit an AA site where they can issue one on the spot, provided you have all the required documents. A full location list can be found here.
A IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or until the expiry date of your NZ driver licence, whichever comes first. An IDP cannot be used permanently in another country.
No. The IDP is a legal document, much like a passport. We process applications and produce a physical document due to both contractual and security reasons. This document must be held on your person along with your NZ driver's license for it to be considered legal and valid.
No. An IDP is for travelling/holiday purposes only. If you start work abroad, you need to contact the local licensing authority about a driver licence.
The AA is only authorised to issue International Driving Permits for New Zealand driver licence holders. If you hold an overseas licence and are looking to obtain an IDP, please check the FIA – International Driving Permit website to find out which authority issues the IDP for your licence.
New Zealand is part of the 1949 Convention and only issues the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic International Driving Permit.
No. You must be 18 years old and hold a full New Zealand driver licence.
AA offers two methods to have your IDP sent to an overseas address: air mail or tracked courier for most countries.
Delivery time and fees differ and will be calculated during the online application when you select the delivery address.
AA recommends having your document sent via a tracked method to ensure safe delivery.
Please note that the AA accepts no liability for any correctly addressed document once it has been delivered to a postal or courier service for onward delivery. In the event that the document is lost, a new application and processing fee will be required.
No, you must reapply for a new IDP, either online or through your nearest AA Centre or AA Agent and they can issue one on the spot.
You must obtain a new IDP online or through your nearest AA Centre or AA Agent and they can issue one on the spot.
We recommend contacting the local driver licensing authority or rental company, as they have the most up-to-date information.
You can take a photo of yourself using a smartphone. Make sure the photo is clear, without shadows and a true likeness of yourself which includes your head/shoulders against a plain background. Please make sure you are front facing and looking at the camera.
Please note the image should not include the following:
- Head wear (you can have a head covering for religious, cultural or medical reasons)
- Glass glare
- Earphones
Although it is generally acceptable to ride a moped on a car licence in NZ, we recommend contacting the local rental company you are using, your insurance provider and / or the local driver licensing authority to see if the IDP, along with your New Zealand licence, is sufficient to ride a moped.
We recommend renewing your licence before you start your IDP application. When your NZ driver licence expires, your IDP will also expire too. It's a good idea to renew it before you leave New Zealand.
You cannot renew your NZ driver licence while abroad, so it's best to plan ahead and ensure your licence is up to date before you travel.
No. Only NZ driver licence holders can apply for an IDP in NZ. If you hold an overseas drivers licence you must apply for a permit in the country that issued your licence. FIA – International Driving Permit
All IDP issued by the AA have translations in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese and French.
As New Zealand is part of the 1949 Convention, AA is only authorised to issue the IDP following the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic International Driving Permit which is valid in over 150 countries.
Delivery info
- Domestic deliveries: Currently experiencing some delays, please refer to NZ Post for the latest information NZ Post Domestic Deliveries Updates
- Untracked international delivery (Airmail): Available for some countries, expect delays of up to 21 working days for all destinations. PLEASE NOTE: This is non tracked delivery.
- International Courier delivery service to Iran and Mali is currently suspended
- Severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond our control can occasionally disrupt services. If there is an active service disruption this can add further delays.
Enquiries
For any further enquiries regarding IDP please email us at: internationalmotoring@aa.co.nz
