International Driving Permit for Singaporeans driving overseas
Planning a self-drive holiday overseas? One document you can't afford to forget is your international driving permit (IDP). It takes less than an hour to get it in Singapore, costs just S$20, and can save you from fines, rejected car rentals, and insurance headaches abroad.
Here's everything you need to know, from eligibility and required documents to exactly where to apply.
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What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is an official United Nations-sanctioned document that translates your Singapore driving licence into multiple languages. It's legally recognised in over 150 countries and serves as proof to overseas authorities, car rental companies, and insurers that you're licensed to drive.
It is not a standalone licence. You must carry your IDP together with your valid Singapore driving licence at all times when driving overseas.
International Driving Permit Singapore: Quick Summary
Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
Cost | S$20 (walk-in) · S$20 + S$7 courier fee (online) |
Validity | 1 year from date of issue, non-renewable |
Where to apply | Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) only |
Walk-in processing | Same day, typically within 1 hour |
Online processing | ~10 working days (includes delivery) |
Eligibility | Singapore residents aged 18+ with a valid driving licence |
Not valid in | China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam |
Who Can Apply for an International Driving Permit in Singapore?
You are eligible if you:
- Hold a valid Singapore driving licence (Class 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3C, or 3CA)
- Are 18 years or older
- Are not a provisional driving licence (PDL) holder
- Have a licence that is not expired, suspended, or revoked
Foreigners holding a valid Singapore driving licence (with a valid pass such as an Employment Pass or FIN card) can also apply under the same conditions.
If you hold only a foreign licence, you cannot apply for an IDP in Singapore. You'll need to apply through the issuing authority in your home country before travelling.
What Documents Do You Need For IDP in Singapore?
- Valid Singapore driving licence (original)
- NRIC or FIN card (for Singaporeans, PRs, and foreigners with a Singapore licence)
- One recent passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months
Photo specifications:
- Size: 35 × 45 mm
- Background: White or light grey
- Format: JPEG or PNG, under 1MB
- No headgear (unless for religious or medical reasons)
- No heavy filters or retouching
For online applications, upload clear scanned copies of your documents. For walk-in applications, bring originals.
How to Apply for an International Driving Permit in Singapore
The AAS (Automobile Association of Singapore) is the sole issuer of the International Driving Permit in Singapore. There are two ways to apply.
Option 1: Walk-In Application (Recommended for Urgent Travel)
Visit any AAS outlet. With your documents in order, you'll typically receive your IDP within an hour. You can take your passport photo on the spot at the kiosk, or bring one from home.
Outlet | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
AA Centre | 2 Kung Chong Road, #04-01, S159140 | Mon–Fri 9am–6:45pm; Sat–Sun 9am–5:45pm |
AA @ GB Point | 535 Kallang Bahru, #01-08, S339351 | Daily 11am–7:30pm |
AA @ Broadway Plaza | 4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #03-03, S569841 | Daily 11am–7:30pm |
All three outlets are open on weekends. GB Point and Broadway Plaza have the latest hours, handy if you're going after work.
Cost: S$20
Option 2: Online Application
Apply via the AAS website. You'll need to upload your documents and pay by credit or debit card. The IDP will be couriered to your registered address.
Cost: S$20 + S$7 courier fee
Processing time: ~10 working days
⚠️ Only apply through the official AAS website. Avoid third-party websites claiming to issue IDPs: they are not legitimate.
How Long Is the IDP Valid?
Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be extended or renewed. If it expires before your next trip, you'll need to submit a fresh application.
Apply close to your travel date (but not so close that you're cutting it fine, so allow buffer time, especially for online applications).
Which Countries Require an International Driving Permit?
As a general rule: if your destination country doesn't primarily use English and isn't part of the ASEAN network of reciprocal licence recognition, you'll likely need an IDP.
Countries where an IDP is required (or strongly recommended) for Singapore licence holders:
Destination | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
Japan 🇯🇵 | ✅ Yes (required for car rentals and legal driving) |
South Korea 🇰🇷 | ✅ Yes |
Taiwan 🇹🇼 | ✅ Yes |
United States 🇺🇸 | ✅ Varies by state; most rental companies require it |
France, Italy, Spain & most EU 🇪🇺 | ✅ Yes |
Switzerland, Germany, Austria 🇨🇭🇩🇪🇦🇹 | ✅ Yes |
New Zealand 🇳🇿 | ✅ Yes |
Australia 🇦🇺 | ✅ Yes (all states and territories) |
Countries where your Singapore driving licence is accepted without an IDP:
Singapore's driving licence is in English and is accepted directly in several countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. However, even in these destinations, some car rental companies may still ask for an IDP as standard practice. It's worth getting one anyway: at S$20, it's cheap insurance.
Countries where an IDP is NOT recognised:
Do not rely on your IDP to drive legally in China, Cambodia, Myanmar, or Vietnam. These countries do not recognise the International Driving Permit. If you're driving in these countries, check with local authorities on the required licences or permits before you go.
The full list of IDP-recognised countries is available on the AAS website
Once your IDP is sorted, you're ready to hit the road. Book your rental through Klook for access to trusted providers like Hertz, Europcar, and Avis, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Alternatively, if driving overseas is too much of a hassle, you can just opt for a private car charter! Car charters provide flexibility to travel at your own pace, as well as fuss-free convenience, especially if you are travelling with kids. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the driver take you to where you wanna go!
FAQs: International Driving Permit Singapore
Do I need an international driving permit for Japan?
Yes. Singapore licence holders must carry a valid IDP to drive legally in Japan. Most car rental companies in Japan will not issue a vehicle without one.
How long does it take to get an IDP in Singapore?
Walk-in applications at any AAS outlet are typically done within an hour. Online applications take approximately 10 working days, including delivery.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost in Singapore?
S$20 for a walk-in application. Online applications include a courier fee of S$7, bringing the total to S$27.
Can I drive overseas with just my Singapore driving licence?
In some countries (mainly within ASEAN), yes. But most countries require an IDP in addition to your local licence. Even where it's not legally mandatory, rental companies often request one, so it's best to have it.
Can foreigners apply for an IDP in Singapore?
Yes, if you hold a valid Singapore driving licence and a valid pass (such as an Employment Pass or FIN card). You cannot apply for a Singapore IDP if you only hold a foreign licence.
Is an IDP a replacement for my Singapore driving licence?
No. An IDP is a translation document only. It is invalid unless carried together with your valid Singapore driving licence at all times.
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