Can I drive in Ireland with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “You can use your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider whether you need an International Driving Permit.” (Smartraveller advice for Ireland, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Ireland: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You can use your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months. After this, you'll need to get an Irish licence.
Ireland and Australia have a driver's licence exchange for car and motorcycle licences, meaning that if you have an Australian licence, you can apply for an Irish licence without sitting any tests. You must apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number before exchanging your licence.
When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider whether you need an International Driving Permit. The electronic version of your driver's licence won't be accepted.
Source: Smartraveller: Ireland, page updated 19 February 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Ireland
Hiring a car in Ireland? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in Ireland? How to pay tolls in Ireland with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Dublin
Other licences in Ireland
| Licence | In Ireland | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Ireland
- British passport: Ireland entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Ireland
- Australian passport: Ireland
- Italian citizens: Irlanda
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Ireland with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “You can use your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider whether you need an International Driving Permit.” (Smartraveller advice for Ireland, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Ireland with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can use your Australian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider whether you need an International Driving Permit.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Ireland?
The Smartraveller advice for Ireland does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.