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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⚡️ TL;DR
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Price | S$20 (walk-in) · S$20 + S$7 courier = S$27 (online) |
| Validity | 1 year (not renewable; reapply after expiry) |
| Requirements | Valid Singapore driving license, NRIC/FIN or pass, passport photo |
| Where to get it | Only from AA Singapore (AAS), walk-in or online |
| Processing Time | Walk-in: same day, often within an hour · Online: about 10 working days |
| Eligibility | Singapore residents aged 18+ with a valid driving license |
📚 Table of Contents:
- 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
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
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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)
Foreigners can apply too, with a valid pass (Employment Pass or FIN card). Check the minimum remaining validity required on the AAS application form before you go.
⚠️ Provisional Driving License (PDL) holders and suspended/expired license holders are not eligible. If you only hold a foreign licence, you can’t get a Singapore-issued IDP, you’d apply for one in the country that issued your licence.
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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
- Walk-in Price: S$20 (applies to members and non-members).
- Online Price: S$27 (S$7 courier fee)
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issue
- Expiry: Cannot be extended or renewed; reapply for a new IDP after expiry
Fees are set by AAS and can change. Confirm the current rate at aas.com.sg before applying.
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How to Get an International Driving Permit in Singapore
AA Singapore (AAS) is the sole issuer of the International Driving Permit in Singapore. You’ve got two ways to get one, and the right choice comes down to how soon you’re flying.
| Feature | Online Application | In-person Application |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | www.aas.com.sg | AA Centre or AA outlets |
| Cost | S$20 + S$7 courier (S$27) | S$20 |
| Processing Time | About 10 working days (delivery included) | Same day, often within an hour |
| Delivery | Couriered to your home | Collect on the spot |
| Validity | 1 year from the date of issue | 1 year from the date of issue |
Application Methods
- In-Person: Fastest method; you’ll usually walk out with your IDP the same visit
- Online: Upload your documents and the IDP is couriered over in about 10 working days
⚠️ Only AA Singapore IDPs are legitimate. Avoid unofficial websites or services promising a faster or cheaper “international licence”.
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Where to Apply: AAS Branches, Hours & Walk-In
AAS has three outlets, and all three do same-day walk-in IDPs. Here’s where to go and when they’re open:
| Outlet | Address | Opening Hours | Nearest MRT |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA Centre | 2 Kung Chong Road, AA Centre, S159140 (IDP counter, Level 4) | Mon–Fri 9 AM–6:45 PM; Sat–Sun 9 AM–5:45 PM; Closed PH | Near Redhill |
| AA @ GB Point | 535 Kallang Bahru, #01-08, S339351 | Daily 11 AM–7:30 PM | Opp Geylang Bahru |
| AA @ Broadway Plaza | 4190 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #03-03, S569841 | Daily 11 AM–7:30 PM | Near Ang Mo Kio |
A few handy notes:
- All three open on weekends, so a Saturday or Sunday run works if weekdays are packed.
- GB Point and Broadway Plaza keep the latest hours (till 7:30 PM), handy for an after-work visit.
- Bring your original documents, and you’ll typically be done in well under an hour.
Opening hours can change on public holidays. Check aas.com.sg before heading down.
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Which Countries Recognise a Singapore Driving License?
Some countries allow driving with just a Singapore license (e.g., within ASEAN, and 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 🇹🇭
Heading to Japan? You’ll need your IDP to rent a car, and even to drive a street kart in Tokyo.
✅ Always verify local rules (and your car-hire booking) before travelling. AAS publishes the full list of recognised countries on its website here.
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FAQs: International Driving License Singapore
In-person: same day, usually within an hour
Online: about 10 working days, including delivery
Singapore residents aged 18+ with a valid driving license. Foreigners can apply with a valid pass. PDL or suspended/expired licenses are not eligible.
1 year from the date of issue; it cannot be extended or renewed, so you reapply for a new one after it expires.
S$20 for a walk-in. Online applications add a S$7 courier fee, so S$27 in total.
At any AAS outlet: AA Centre (near Redhill MRT), AA @ GB Point (opposite Geylang Bahru MRT), or AA @ Broadway Plaza (Ang Mo Kio). All three offer same-day walk-in applications.
Apply through AA Singapore, in-person for a same-day permit or online for home delivery.
ASEAN member states generally accept a valid Singapore licence on its own; most other countries require an IDP.
Yes, for up to 12 months, paired with an IDP from your home country or an official English translation (ASEAN licences don’t need the IDP). Beyond 12 months, or once you become a citizen or PR, you must convert to a Singapore licence by passing the Basic Theory Test.
Bonus Travel Tips for Your Road Trip Adventure
Here are some handy pointers to make your road trip even smoother:
- Use a multi-currency card: Tap your YouTrip card for rental deposits, petrol and tolls. It charges in the local currency at great rates with zero foreign transaction fees, so you skip the bank’s FX markup and dynamic currency conversion at the pump.
- Need cash for a small-town fuel station or roadside car park? Withdraw local currency from an overseas ATM with YouTrip, the first S$400 each calendar month is free. No more queuing at money changers; just lock in your currencies before you fly.
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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