Can I drive in Spain with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive a vehicle, you'll need both: … a valid international driving permit (IDP).” (Smartraveller advice for Spain, 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 Spain: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:
- a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
- a valid international driving permit (IDP). Contact the Australia Automobile Association for further information.
If you drive without an IDP, you may be fined and your car impounded.
Source: Smartraveller: Spain, page updated 11 September 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 Spain
IDP needed in Spain: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Spain? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Hiring a car in Spain? How to pay tolls in Spain with a rental car
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Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Barcelona · Madrid
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Spain: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in Spain
| Licence | In Spain | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Spain
- British passport: Spain entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Spain
- Australian passport: Spain
- Italian citizens: Spagna
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Spain with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “To drive a vehicle, you'll need both: … a valid international driving permit (IDP).” (Smartraveller advice for Spain, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Spain with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive a vehicle, you'll need both: … a valid international driving permit (IDP).”
Which international driving permit do I need for Spain?
The Smartraveller advice for Spain 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.