An international driving permit (IDP) is an internationally recognised translation of your current driver licence. It isn't a licence in its own right, so you must also carry your New Zealand driver licence with you when driving.
Follow the process on the AA website to get an IDP(external link)
All countries have limits on how long you can use your New Zealand driver licence or IDP before you must get a local driver licence. In most countries, you’ll need to get a local licence if you're staying for over 12 months.
Contact the appropriate country’s driver licensing authority for details.
If your licence is due to expire while you’re overseas, it's a good idea to renew it before you leave New Zealand. Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your licence as it can take up to 10 days for your new licence card to arrive in the mail.
You'll need a RealMe verified identity to apply for a replacement licence online. You can have the licence card sent to your overseas address.
Apply for a replacement driver licence card online using RealMe(external link)
Once you've stayed in a country longer than the time limit, or you're moving to a country permanently, you may be able to convert your New Zealand driver licence to an overseas driver licence.
Contact the appropriate country’s driver licensing authority for details. If you haven’t left New Zealand yet, you could try contacting the country’s embassy for more information.
Find the embassy of the country you will be travelling to(external link)
You may need a certificate of particulars when converting to an overseas driver licence. This certificate isn't a driver licence but will confirm:
You can apply for a certificate over the phone on 0800 822 422, or +64 6 953 6270 if you're calling from overseas.
We'll email the certificate of particulars straight away.
If your New Zealand driver licence is expired (either booklet, paper or photo licence) you can’t use it to drive in New Zealand.
However, if you also hold a current and valid overseas driver licence you can drive on your overseas driver licence for up to 12 months (with a car licence) or 18 months (for a motorcycle or truck licence) from your last date of entry.
If your licence expired more than 5 years ago, you may have to pass theory and practical tests to requalify your licence. However, if you can produce evidence you’ve been licensed to drive during the past 5 years (for example with an overseas driver licence) you may not need to sit the tests.
