Planning to drive overseas? You’ll need more than just your Singapore driving license.
Most countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) — also called the international driving license Singapore — to drive legally abroad.
Issued exclusively by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA Singapore), the IDP is affordable, quick to get, and recognised in over 150 countries. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: price, validity, requirements, how to apply, eligible countries, and FAQs.
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📚 Table of Contents:
- ⚡ TL;DR
- What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- Who Needs an International Driving License Singapore?
- Who is Eligible for an IDP in Singapore?
- International Driving License Singapore Requirements
- International Driving License Singapore Price and Validity
- How to Get an International Driving Permit in Singapore
- Which Countries Recognise a Singapore Driving License?
- FAQs
⚡️ TL;DR
- Price: S$20 + 9% GST
- Validity: 1 year (no extensions; reapply after expiry)
- Requirements: Valid Singapore driving license, NRIC/FIN, passport photo
- Where to get it: Only from AA Singapore (in-person, online, or mail)
- Processing Time: In-person: ~10 minutes; Online: a few business days
- Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+ with a valid driving license
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a multilingual translation of your Singapore driving license. It is not a standalone license, so you must carry both your Singapore license and IDP when driving abroad.
The IDP is recognised in over 150 countries, including Australia, Japan, the UK, the U.S., and most European nations. Without it, you risk fines, insurance issues, or rental car denial.
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Who Needs an International Driving License Singapore?
You’ll need an international driving license (IDP) if you plan to drive in countries where English isn’t widely spoken or where an IDP is legally required, including many destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
An IDP is particularly useful for:
- Tourists renting a car for sightseeing
- Students studying abroad who plan to drive
- Professionals on short- or long-term work assignments overseas
- Expats holding a Singapore driving license who want to drive in their country of residence
Even in countries where it’s optional, an IDP can prevent fines, legal issues, and car rental complications.
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Who is Eligible for an IDP in Singapore?
To apply for an international driving permit in Singapore, you must:
- Be a Singapore resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold a valid Singapore driving license (not provisional, expired, or revoked)
⚠️ Provisional Driving License (PDL) holders and suspended/expired license holders are not eligible.
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International Driving License Singapore Requirements
To complete your IDP application, prepare:
- Valid Singapore driving licence (not expired, suspended, or provisional)
- Completed application form (from AA Singapore website or branch)
- NRIC or passport for verification
- One recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
Photo Specifications
- Size: 35 × 45 mm
- Background: White or light grey
- Format: JPEG or PNG, under 1MB
- Restrictions: No headgear unless for religious/medical reasons; no filters or heavy retouching
⚠️ Photos that don’t meet specifications may cause delays or rejection.
📍 In-person applications: Bring originals (license, NRIC/FIN, photo)
📍 Online/mail applications: Upload or send clear scanned copies
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International Driving License Singapore Price and Validity
- Price: S$20 + 9% GST (applies to members and non-members)
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issue
- Expiry: Cannot be extended; reapply for a new IDP after expiry
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How to Get an International Driving Permit in Singapore
AA Singapore is the sole issuer of the AA International Driving License Singapore.
| Feature | Online Application | In-person Application |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | www.aas.com.sg | AA Centre or selected AA outlets |
| Cost | S$20 | S$20 |
| Processing Time | 10 working days (delivery included) | Same-day (if documents are complete) |
| Delivery | Delivered to your home | Immediate collection (if approved) |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of issue | 1 year from the date of issue |
Application Methods
- In-Person: Fastest method; get IDP within ~10 minutes
- Online: Upload documents; IDP mailed in a few working days
- Mail: Complete form + documents + payment; longest processing time
⚠️ Only AA Singapore IDPs are legitimate. Avoid unofficial websites or services.
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Which Countries Recognise a Singapore Driving License?
Some countries allow driving with just a Singapore license (e.g., Malaysia, some U.S. states). Most destinations, especially those under the 1949 Geneva Convention, require an IDP.
Common countries accepting a Singapore-issued IDP:
- Australia 🇦🇺
- New Zealand 🇳🇿
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- European Union 🇪🇺
- United States 🇺🇸
- Japan 🇯🇵
- South Korea 🇰🇷
- Thailand 🇹🇭
Check out the full list of countries in which the driving permit is recognised here
✅ Always verify local rules before travelling.
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FAQs: International Driving License Singapore
Q: How fast can I get an IDP in Singapore?
- In-person: ~10 minutes
- Online/mail: a few business days
Q: Who is eligible for an IDP in Singapore?
Singapore residents aged 18+ with a valid driving license. PDL or suspended/expired licenses are not eligible.
Q: What is the validity of an international driving license in Singapore?
1 year from the date of issue; cannot be extended
Q: How much does an IDP cost?
S$20 + 9% GST
Q: How do I get an international driver’s license in Singapore?
Apply through AA Singapore (in-person, online, or by mail)
Q: Which countries recognise a Singapore driving license without an IDP?
Malaysia and some U.S. states; most countries require an IDP
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Ready for Your Road Trip?

The International Driving Permit Singapore (aka international driving license Singapore) is cheap, fast, and essential for driving abroad legally. Whether you’re a tourist, student, professional, or expat, getting an IDP from AA Singapore ensures a hassle-free experience overseas.
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Happy travels!
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