Do you need an international driving permit in New Zealand?
You can drive in New Zealand on a current overseas licence for up to 12 months from the day you arrive. If your licence is not in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an accurate approved English translation with it. The IDP is the official translation of your national licence — you always carry both together, never the IDP alone. Remember New Zealand drives on the left.
How to get an IDP for New Zealand
You don't need to visit an office. Apply online with your valid national licence and a photo, and receive a digital IDP in minutes from $39.00 — with an optional printed booklet shipped to your address in New Zealand or worldwide, ready before you land.
- Enter your details and upload your licence + a photo.
- Get your digital IDP by email, ready before you fly.
- Optional: add a physical booklet for rental desks that ask for one.
Start your New Zealand IDP application →
Driving in New Zealand as a visitor
New Zealand drives on the left, the minimum age to drive is 18, and rental companies usually require drivers to be 21+. Distances between towns are long and roads can be winding, so plan your trips. For side-of-road, speed-limit and local rules, see our driving in New Zealand guide, or read the full New Zealand international driving licence guide.
Is a New Zealand licence valid abroad?
Holding a New Zealand licence and travelling? To drive in a non-English-speaking country you pair it with an IDP — recognised across the 150+ countries that follow the Geneva/Vienna conventions. Check any destination with our free IDP requirement checker, or browse international driving licence rules by country.
Why International DL
- Instant digital issuance — from $39.00, ready before you fly.
- Certified multi-language translation in UN-convention format.
- Optional worldwide + New Zealand shipping of the physical booklet.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in New Zealand?
If your overseas licence is not in English you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an accurate approved English translation alongside it. Visitors can then drive on their valid overseas licence for up to 12 months. Driving is on the left and the minimum age is 18.
Can I drive in New Zealand with a foreign licence?
Yes — you can drive on a current overseas licence for up to 12 months from arrival, provided it is in English or accompanied by an IDP / approved English translation. After 12 months you must convert to a New Zealand licence.
How do I get an IDP for New Zealand?
Apply online with your valid national driving licence and a photo — no office visit needed. A digital IDP is issued in minutes from $39.00, with an optional printed booklet shipped to New Zealand and worldwide.
Is a New Zealand driving licence valid internationally?
A New Zealand licence is a national licence. To drive abroad in a non-English-speaking country you carry an IDP alongside it — an official translation recognised in the 150+ Geneva/Vienna convention countries.
Can I get a New Zealand international driving licence online?
Yes. The digital IDP is issued online in minutes and emailed to you, starting at $39.00. A physical booklet can be shipped to your address in New Zealand.
Get your New Zealand International Driving Permit in minutes
Digital issuance plus optional worldwide shipping — ready before you fly.
Get my IDP →An IDP is a translation companion to your national licence, not a standalone government licence. Acceptance varies by country — confirm requirements with the official authority before you travel.