An international driving permit, or IDP, lets you drive abroad using your South African licence. It is an official translation of your licence into several languages, recognised in more than 150 countries, and it is carried together with your licence, not instead of it. In South Africa the Automobile Association (AA) is the only authorised issuer. An IDP costs about R350, is valid for one year, and you must apply while you are still in the country, because you cannot get one once you have left.
Be careful of the many websites that offer to sell you an “international licence” online. Most are not official, and only the AA can issue a genuine South African IDP.
Quick facts: the IDP
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it is | A multilingual translation of your SA licence |
| Only official issuer | The Automobile Association (AA) |
| Cost | About R350 |
| Validity | One year |
| Recognised in | Over 150 countries |
| Requirement | A valid South African driving licence |
| Where | AA online, or an AA or VFS branch in person |
What an IDP is
An IDP is a booklet that translates the details of your driving licence into several languages, so that traffic officials and car rental agencies abroad can read your credentials. It exists under United Nations road traffic conventions and is accepted in over 150 countries.
It is important to understand what it is not. An IDP is not a licence on its own, and it does not replace your South African licence. It only works when carried alongside your valid licence, so you must have both with you when you drive abroad.
Who needs one
You need an IDP if you plan to drive in a foreign country, especially one where your licence would not be understood, or where car rental companies require it. Many rental agencies overseas will not release a vehicle to a driver whose licence is not in English unless an IDP accompanies it. Even where a country might accept your South African licence on its own, the rental company may still insist on the permit, so it is worth getting one before any trip where you intend to drive.
The AA is the only official issuer
This is the point most worth knowing. In South Africa, only the Automobile Association is authorised to issue an IDP. A permit can only be obtained in the country that issued your driving licence, so a South African IDP must come from the AA.
A search for an IDP brings up a long list of websites promising an instant digital “international licence” for travellers. These are not the official South African permit, and buying one can leave you with a document that authorities abroad do not recognise. Go through the AA and you avoid the problem entirely.
How to apply
You have two routes. You can apply online through the AA website by uploading your valid South African licence, your ID or passport, and a passport-sized photograph, then choosing a branch to collect from. Or you can apply in person at an AA branch, or at a VFS Global centre in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg or Pretoria, which process applications on behalf of the AA. Applying in person with the right documents is usually done on the spot in about 10 to 30 minutes.
What it costs and how long it lasts
An IDP costs about R350, though the exact amount can vary by branch and by the type of permit. It is valid for one year from the date of issue, so if you travel often you renew it annually. The fee is not refundable.
What you need
To apply you need a valid South African driving licence, your ID document or a valid passport, and a passport-sized photograph. Your licence must be current, because an IDP is based on it. If your South African licence expires, your IDP is no longer valid either.
Important things to remember
Carry both documents together whenever you drive abroad, because the IDP only works alongside your licence. Apply before you leave South Africa, since you cannot obtain a South African IDP from outside the country. And remember that an IDP is only for driving outside South Africa. At home you simply use your ordinary South African licence.
How we worked this out
The information on this page reflects the international driving permit as issued in South Africa by the Automobile Association, the country’s authorised issuer under the United Nations road traffic conventions, including the requirement to hold a valid South African licence, the multilingual translation, the one-year validity, and the application routes through the AA and VFS Global. Cost is the current typical fee and can vary by branch and permit type. This page is general information, and you should confirm the current fee and requirements with the AA before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get an international driving permit in South Africa? From the Automobile Association (AA), the only authorised issuer, either online through the AA website or in person at an AA branch or a VFS Global centre.
How much does an IDP cost? About R350, though it can vary slightly by branch and permit type. It is valid for one year and the fee is not refundable.
Can I get an IDP online? You can apply through the official AA website. Be wary of other sites selling an “international licence” online, as they are not the official South African permit.
Do I still need my South African licence when I have an IDP? Yes. An IDP is only a translation and works alongside your licence. You must carry both when driving abroad.
Can I get an IDP after I have already left South Africa? No. A South African IDP can only be issued in South Africa, so you must apply before you travel.
