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Following Austroads' recognition of additional overseas jurisdictions, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) will administratively apply the recognised country transfer arrangements for newly recognised countries in Western Australia (WA) from 31 October 2026.
The newly recognised jurisdictions are:
Applications made before 31 October 2026 to transfer a car or motorcycle driver's licence issued by one of these jurisdictions will be processed under the arrangements for licences issued by non-recognised countries. Applicants will be required to pass a theory test and a practical driving assessment before a WA driver's licence can be issued.
From 31 October 2026, holders of car and motorcycle licences issued by these jurisdictions may transfer their licence to an equivalent WA driver's licence without completing a theory test or practical driving assessment. This arrangement applies only to new licence transfer applications made on or after 31 October 2026.
Applicants must still meet all other WA driver licensing requirements, including identity, residency, medical and other eligibility criteria.
Please refer to the FAQs below for more information about these changes.
If you move to WA and want to transfer your overseas licence, you will be asked to prove your identity.
You need to provide original documentation, and your name must match across all documents.
All documentation must be translated to English.
Make sure you bring physical records (originals and not copies) and any supporting documents (e.g. marriage certificate).
Read more about proof of identity requirements.
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have a current and valid overseas driver’s licence, you can drive in Western Australia for up to 3 months using your overseas licence.
Within this 3-month period, you will need to apply to transfer your overseas driver’s licence to a WA driver’s licence.
After this 3-month period you cannot legally drive on your overseas licence, even if it is current and valid.
The steps you need to follow to transfer your overseas licence depend on whether your driver’s licence is from:
An overseas driver’s licence document submitted to DTMI must be written entirely in English. If it is not, the driver's licence may have to be accompanied by an English translation from an approved translator. Whether a translation is required depends on whether the issuing country is recognised or non-recognised.
Use the overseas licence check below to find out what type of country or region your licence is from.
No country selected.
is a recognised country or region with no extra conditions required for conversion to a WA driver's licence.
is not a recognised country or region. Some conditions apply for conversion to a WA driver's licence.
is an experienced driver recognised country or region. Some conditions apply for conversion to a WA driver's licence.
If your driver’s licence has expired for more than 12 months or cannot be validated, you will need to follow the steps for getting your first driver’s licence in WA.
If you are a visitor to WA, such as a tourist or someone studying or working temporarily in WA, you do not need to transfer your overseas licence to a WA driver's licence.
You can drive on your current overseas driver's licence if it is current and not expired.
Find out more about driving in WA when visiting from overseas.
If you have lost or are unable to provide your physical driver’s licence, you may be able provide a letter of verification that contains full details of your driver's licence from your home country’s issuing authority, consulate or diplomatic office.
Contact us for more information.
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