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🌏 International Driving Permit (IDP) — Malaysia

Apply at JPJ or AAM to drive legally abroad. RM150 fee, valid 1 year, accepted in 150+ countries.

Fee

RM150

Validity

1 year

Processing

Same day

Issuers

JPJ or AAM

What is an IDP? An International Driving Permit is a booklet that translates your Malaysian driving licence details into 9 languages, allowing foreign traffic authorities to understand your licence. It must always be carried alongside your original Malaysian driving licence — it is a supplement, not a replacement.

Do You Need an IDP?

Requirements vary by country. Check before you travel:

Destination	IDP Required?	Notes
Singapore	Not required	Malaysian licence accepted; recommended for car rentals
Thailand	Strongly recommended	Required for car rentals; avoids police complications
Japan	Required	1949 Geneva Convention IDP (not 1968 Vienna) — Malaysia issues the right type
Australia	Required (visitors)	Must carry with your Malaysian licence
UK / Europe	Recommended	Some EU countries require IDP for non-EU licence holders
USA	Recommended	Required by most US car rental companies
New Zealand	Required	Must carry with original licence
South Korea	Required	Both IDP and original licence required

Always verify with the destination country's official source. Requirements change. Some countries only recognise the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP — Malaysia issues this type. A few countries require their own local translation, which the IDP does not satisfy.

Documents Checklist

Valid Malaysian driving licence (full licence) — P licence holders are not eligible. You must hold a full (non-probationary) licence.
MyKad (IC) — original, bring a photocopy too
Valid Malaysian passport — some counters require this to verify you are travelling abroad; bring it just in case
1 passport-sized photo — white background, recent, size 35mm × 45mm
RM150 cash or card

How to Apply — Step by Step

Prepare your documents and photo
Get a passport-sized photo (white background) printed — most photo shops and convenience stores offer this. Bring your full Malaysian driving licence, MyKad, and passport.
Visit a JPJ branch or AAM office
JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) is the most accessible option with branches in all states. AAM (Automobile Association of Malaysia) also issues IDPs — useful if their office is closer to you. You do not need an appointment at either.
Request an IDP application form at the counter
Tell the officer you want to apply for an International Driving Permit (Permit Memandu Antarabangsa). They will give you a form to fill in your travel destination and dates.
Submit the completed form with documents and photo
Attach your passport-sized photo and copies of your documents. The officer will verify your driving licence is valid and not expired.
Pay RM150
The IDP fee is RM150. Cash is accepted at all locations; card payment availability varies by branch.
Collect your IDP — same day
Your IDP is a blue booklet with your details, photo, and licence information translated into multiple languages. Double-check the details are correct before leaving. Valid for 1 year from issue date or until your Malaysian licence expires, whichever is sooner.

JPJ vs AAM — Where to Apply

Issuing Body	Availability	Fee	Notes
JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan)	All states — many branches	RM150	Most accessible; visit jpj.gov.my for branch list
AAM (Automobile Association of Malaysia)	KL, Penang, Johor, select cities	RM150	Also provides roadside assistance membership; good if AAM is near you

Important Rules

Always carry both IDP and your original Malaysian licence — the IDP alone is not a valid driving licence. If you only show the IDP without your original licence, you may be fined.
P licence holders cannot apply — you must have a full (non-probationary) Malaysian driving licence.
Apply in Malaysia only — not abroad — if you arrive in a foreign country without an IDP, you cannot get one there. You would need to use a different solution (e.g., local car hire rules or consulate assistance).
1 year validity — apply close to your travel date — apply 1–2 weeks before your trip. An IDP obtained 8 months ago that expires mid-trip is not useful. Apply fresh for each trip if validity is an issue.
The IDP is not an insurance document — you still need appropriate vehicle insurance (own or rental car) for each country you drive in.

Renting a Car Abroad with a Malaysian IDP

Most international car rental companies require an IDP alongside your original national licence. Tips for car rental abroad:

Book early and confirm IDP requirements with the rental company before arriving — different countries and companies have different requirements
Check age requirements — many rental companies charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25; some won't rent to under-21s at all
Get full insurance coverage — read the rental agreement carefully. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are usually optional but strongly recommended.
Take photos of the car before driving off — document any pre-existing damage to avoid being charged for it at return
Know the local traffic rules — driving on the right side (Japan, Australia, UK drive on the left like Malaysia; USA, Europe drive on the right)

Pro Tips

Apply at the JPJ headquarters or a large branch — smaller JPJ branches sometimes run out of IDP booklet stock. Calling ahead to confirm availability saves a wasted trip.
Apply 2 weeks before departure — same-day issuance is standard, but leave buffer time in case of any document issues.
Make a photocopy of your IDP — keep a digital copy on your phone and a paper copy separate from the original. If lost abroad, the digital copy helps with reporting.
Check if your destination is covered — not all countries accept the 1949 Geneva IDP. Countries like China, UAE, and some African nations have their own requirements. Do your research for each country.
Beware of fake online IDP services — there is no legitimate way to get a Malaysian IDP online. Any website claiming to issue a Malaysian IDP for a fee is a scam. Only JPJ and AAM are authorised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Thailand, Singapore, or Australia?

Singapore: Not required in most cases — your Malaysian licence is generally accepted. Thailand: An IDP is strongly recommended, particularly for car hire and dealing with traffic police. Australia: Required for visitors driving. Always verify with the destination country's road authority before travelling.

Can I apply for an IDP at JPJ or only at AAM?

Both JPJ and AAM issue IDPs in Malaysia. The IDP issued by either organisation is the same document and accepted in the same countries. JPJ has more branches nationwide; AAM offices are primarily in KL, Penang, Johor and a few other cities.

How long is the Malaysian IDP valid?

A Malaysian IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, or until your Malaysian driving licence expires — whichever comes first. You must always carry both your IDP and your original Malaysian driving licence when driving abroad.

Can I get an IDP online in Malaysia?

No. As of 2026, the IDP cannot be applied for online in Malaysia. You must appear in person at a JPJ branch or AAM office. Be wary of websites claiming to issue Malaysian IDPs — the only official issuers are JPJ and AAM.

My driving licence is about to expire. Should I renew it before applying for the IDP?

Yes. Your IDP is only valid as long as your Malaysian driving licence is valid. If your licence expires in 2 months, your IDP will also expire in 2 months — regardless of the 1-year issue date. Renew your driving licence first, then apply for the IDP.

Can P licence (probationary licence) holders apply for an IDP?

No. Only holders of a full (non-probationary) Malaysian driving licence are eligible for an IDP. If you hold a P licence, you must complete the 2-year probation period and convert to a full licence before applying.

Related Guides

⚠ Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. IDP requirements by country and Malaysian application procedures can change. Always verify with JPJ (jpj.gov.my), AAM, and the official road authority of your destination country before travelling. Last reviewed: March 2026.