Transfer an overseas driver licence

Convert your overseas licence to a NSW Driver Licence if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a New Zealand driver licence.

Introduction

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or if you hold a New Zealand driver licence, you can drive in NSW on an overseas licence for 3 months. Within this 3-month period however, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre and transfer your overseas licence to a NSW Driver Licence.

You may need to pass a knowledge or driving test, depending on where your overseas licence was issued.

Drivers 75 years or older are required to undergo a medical review and may need to take a practical driving test.

If you're a temporary visa holder or you cannot provide proof of permanent residency, you can apply for a NSW licence as a temporary overseas visitor.

Note: Holders of licences from certain countries may be required to obtain a validation letter from the relevant consulate or licensing authority. For information regarding validation requirements, please call 13 77 88 or visit a service centre.

What you need

• the PDF form – 'Licence Application'
• your proof of identity
• your overseas licence – if your licence is:
  • not in English, a Transport for NSW-approved translation
  • not available, an authorisation letter (in English) from the issuing country
  • a knowledge test
  • a driving test
  • a 'fitness to drive' medical
  • your contact lenses or glasses.

  Acceptable translations

  Transport for NSW only accepts English translations of overseas documents from:

  • Multicultural NSW
  • Department of Home Affairs
  • Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea – for driver licences issued in the Republic of Korea
  • Taipei Economic and Cultural Office – for driver licences issued in the Republic of China (Taiwan).

  You must provide the original translated document or a copy certified by a Justice of the Peace.

  If you are unable to provide a translation of your driver licence, you must get an authorisation letter from the relevant:

  • embassy, consulate or diplomatic office in Australia, or
  • government department in the country your licence was issued.

  How to transfer

  1. Select the 'Download a PDF form' button.
  2. Complete the form and gather your supporting documents.
  3. Visit a service centre and provide the information in person.

  Payment methods

  You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

  More information

  • Renewal notices are mailed generally within 6 weeks of the card's expiry date. This means you have plenty of time to plan ahead and renew early.
  • For driver licence renewals or applications, a receipt is provided that allows you to drive until the card arrives in the post. The receipt is valid for 2 months.