Do you need an international driver's permit to rent a car in Australia?

Hi everyone, I have to leave for Perth, Australia in a week, for 7 days, and I couldn’t get my international driver’s permit due to processing and delivery delays.

The information I’ve found about whether an international permit is required is contradictory. Some sources say you need one, others say you don’t.

Could anyone let me know if an international driver’s permit is necessary to rent a car in Australia (Perth), or if a French license is enough for a 7-day rental?

Thanks in advance for your advice

Hi there,

The official information on this topic and many others from our consular services is HERE:

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/information-par-pays/australie/conseils-aux-voyageurs-informations-utiles

Be sure to read it carefully. Cheers,

Puma

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Hi there,

The wait time for getting an international driver's permit in France is often several months. All that's left is to get an official translation done really quickly. When I picked up my car in Sydney, they didn’t even ask for my French license.

Hi, contact a sworn translator quickly—they’ll do it for a few dozen euros. I had to show my international permit twice in Australia to pick up my vehicle.

En fait c'est écrit dans votre contrat de location, par ex. chez Budget Australia:

If your drivers licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation such as an International Driving Permit, issued in accordance with the United Nations Convention on road traffic. An International Driving Permit is not a stand-alone document and must be carried with your valid domestic drivers licence.

In Western Australia, a valid French driver’s license is sufficient for renting a car and driving during a 7-day tourist stay, since the French license includes English translations (especially for vehicle categories). An international driver’s permit isn’t strictly required by law. However, it’s highly recommended to check directly with your car rental company in advance, as some providers may require it as part of their internal policy when handing over the keys.

hi, it depends on your license; mine (the pink paper one with 3 sections) is only in French.