Country by country
The rule that matters on a multi-country trip is the strictest one on the route: you carry a permit for the whole journey or you do not. Here the strictest is New Zealand (recommended).
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Australia Not required
An IDP is only needed if your license is not written in English, which a US license is. Licensing is set per state - NSW and Victoria allow visitors 6 months on an overseas license, the Northern Territory 3 - so check the limit if your stay is long.
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New Zealand Recommended
US license accepted for up to 12 months from arrival. An IDP or translation is only required if your license is not in English, so US drivers do not need one.
| Destination | IDP | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Not required | An IDP is only needed if your license is not written in English, which a US license is. Licensing is set per state - NSW and Victoria allow visitors 6 months on an overseas license, the Northern Territory 3 - so check the limit if your stay is long. |
| New Zealand | Recommended | US license accepted for up to 12 months from arrival. An IDP or translation is only required if your license is not in English, so US drivers do not need one. |
Driving on a licence from somewhere else?
Every answer above assumes a US licence. Open this trip in the checker to switch the issuing country, add or remove destinations, and see the verdicts change.
Other trips
Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the destination's embassy or your automobile association before you drive.