Can I drive in Turkey with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. Smartraveller says: “You can drive for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).” “You must get a Turkish driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarised Turkish translation of your Australian licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival.” (Smartraveller advice for Turkey, 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 Turkey: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You can drive for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).
You must get a Turkish driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarised Turkish translation of your Australian licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival. Authorities conduct random checks regularly.
Source: Smartraveller: Türkiye, page updated 2 October 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 Turkey
Hiring a car in Turkey? 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.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in Turkey
| Licence | In Turkey | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Turkey
- British passport: Turkey entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Turkey
- Australian passport: Turkey
- Italian citizens: Turchia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Turkey with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay and on whether you carry a translation of your licence instead of an IDP. Smartraveller says: “You can drive for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).” “You must get a Turkish driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarised Turkish translation of your Australian licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival.” (Smartraveller advice for Turkey, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Turkey with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can drive for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).” “You must get a Turkish driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a notarised Turkish translation of your Australian licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Turkey?
The Smartraveller advice for Turkey 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.