Queensland
Driving in Queensland on an overseas licence
For visitors picking up a hire car in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast or in Cairns, and for anyone whose licence is not written in English. We translate your licence into English and deliver it by email, with a NAATI certification option. Based in Brisbane? See translation services in Brisbane.
Published 5 September 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026 · Official Translation
Driving in Queensland on an overseas licence?
Answer a few quick questions and get your answer in 1 second.
Where it is asked for
What the Queensland Government says
Three lines from the official page, quoted word for word.
Visitors can drive on their own licence
“If you’re visiting Queensland, you can drive if you have a valid interstate or overseas licence.” Your own licence is the document that lets you drive. Keep it with you whenever you are behind the wheel. A translation travels with it, never in place of it.
Source: Queensland Government, driving on an overseas licence (last updated 19 February 2024)
Carry a recognised English translation
“If your licence isn’t in English, you should carry a recognised English translation of it when you’re driving. Show this translation to police when you have to show your driver licence.” The translation sits beside your licence, ready to hand over at a roadside stop.
Source: Queensland Government, driving on an overseas licence (last updated 19 February 2024)
Where NAATI comes in
“The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) has a list of approved translators.” Queensland does not define the word recognised. Instead it points readers to NAATI’s list, which is the only pointer the page gives about who should prepare the translation.
Source: Queensland Government, driving on an overseas licence (last updated 19 February 2024)
The Queensland page does not mention International Driving Permits at all. It names a translation and points to NAATI, so for Queensland we steer you to the NAATI certification option. It is the option that lines up with what the page says. Weighing a permit against a translation for the rest of your trip? See International Driving Permit or translation.
What each state fines, on the spot and in court, when a licence that is not in English has no translation with it: driving without a licence translation: the fine in each state.
What a careful job includes
A licence translation ready for a police stop or a hire desk
Both sides of the card, in full
Name, date of birth, licence number, categories or classes, conditions and restrictions, issue and expiry dates, issuing authority, and every stamp or code. Nothing is summarised or left out, so an officer can match each line to your card.
Names spelt as in your passport
Names are romanised to match the spelling in your passport. That way the booking, the licence and the translation all show the same spelling.
NAATI certification option
Prepared by a NAATI-certified translator and carrying a digital stamp with a scannable QR code. Delivery is by email; the order page shows the delivery options.
Hire companies apply their own terms on top of the state rules. Europcar’s Terms and Conditions of Rental (effective 1 May 2024) accept either a valid International Driving Permit issued in the same country as the licence, or an English translation issued by NAATI that fully explains any licence conditions and the vehicle category. For what the other major desks say, read renting a car in Australia on an overseas licence before you book.
Pricing
The full price on screen before you order
Translation is $39.99 per page into English, delivered digitally. Add NAATI certification for $59.99 per page, prepared by a NAATI-certified translator with a digital stamp carrying a scannable QR code.
Ready to start? Go to licence translation for Queensland. Bringing other documents with you, such as a birth or marriage certificate for a visa or a job? Our services page covers every official document we translate.