Moving your interstate licence to NSW
If you hold a current interstate licence, NSW will match the expiry date on an equivalent licence for up to 10 years at no charge.
Step 1 Check which licence you qualify for
If you have a current overseas driver or rider licence, it will be converted in line with the NSW licensing scheme. See which NSW licence matches your current overseas qualification and experience.
You must be at least:
- 16 years for a learner driver licence
- 16 years and 9 months for a learner rider licence
- 17 years for a provisional driver or rider licence.
NSW equivalents for interstate driver and rider licences
| Interstate licence | NSW equivalent and requirements |
|---|---|
| Driver, current learner |
Learner driver licence. You may be eligible to take a Hazard Perception Test and driving test without being issued a NSW learner licence. Call us on 13 22 13 or visit a service centre to discuss your situation. |
| Driver, held for less than 12 months | Provisional P1 driver licence |
| Driver, held for more than 12 months but less than 3 years | Provisional P2 driver licence |
| Driver, held for more than 3 years | Unrestricted driver licence |
| Rider, current learner |
Learner rider licence. You do not need to do a pre-learner rider course. You may be eligible to take a riding test without being issued a NSW learner rider licence. Call us on 13 22 13 or visit a service centre to discuss your situation. |
| Rider, held for less than 12 months | Provisional P1 rider licence |
| Rider, held for more than 12 months but less than 3 years if you are under 25 years | Provisional P2 rider licence |
| Rider, held for more than 12 months but less than 3 years and you are 25 or older with a current Australian unrestricted driver licence | Unrestricted rider licence |
| Rider, held for more than 3 years | Unrestricted rider licence |
If you have an expired interstate licence
If you have an expired licence of no more than 5 years, you can be issued a NSW equivalent. Fees may apply.
If your licence has expired more than 5 years, licence tests are required and fees may apply.
Step 2 Prepare your application
- Complete a Licence Application form.
- Check you have the right proof of identity.
- Check that your interstate licence shows the first issue date. If it doesn't show this date, NSW service centres can obtain this information for you, but it may take several days to receive this from the interstate authority.
Alternatively, you can contact the interstate authority that issued your licence and get an official letter from them confirming your licence details.
Step 3 Visit a service centre
Find your nearest service centre. Bring your interstate licence, application form and proof of identity with you.
If your interstate licence is expired, you will also need to pay the relevant licence fee.
When you visit the service centre, you'll need to pass an eyesight test and have your photo taken.
Your new licence will be posted to you. Our staff will give you a temporary paper licence to drive or ride with until your new card arrives.
What happens to your old licence
As you cannot hold more than one Australian licence at a time, we will invalidate your interstate licence and provide you with a receipt for it. We will also notify the issuing state or territory to cancel the licence in their system.
Step 4 Get started on NSW roads
Got your NSW road licence? Congratulations!
The road rules are slightly different in every Australian state. Make sure you get to know the rules for NSW with our Road User Handbook or Motorcycle Riders’ Handbook.
Stay safe and enjoy your journey.