How to Apply for an International Driving License in Malaysia: Eligibility, Process, and Prices
If you prefer to have the flexibility of using your own vehicle when you travel, you may need to get a Malaysian international driving license before you leave the country, to legally drive in your destination. Many countries require an international driving license to allow you to hire a car and get insured.
This guide on how to get an international driving license in Malaysia walks through all you need to know. We’ll look at who can get an international driving permit in Malaysia, the costs, and the process to follow.
What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Before we look at how to apply for an international driving license - let’s consider why you might want to get one in the first place.
An International Driving Permit (IDP), also commonly called an international driving license, is a document required to legally drive in many foreign countries. Many countries can’t accept your Malaysian driving license without having an IDP. As different countries have different looking domestic driving licenses, the IDP bridges the gap, and offers a consistent document that is accepted in many countries. It acts as a translation and an official proof that you hold the license needed to hire and drive a vehicle.
There are some variations in what documents are accepted as legal proof that you can drive, depending on the country you’re going to. It’s important to check the Malaysian international driving license country list and read the rules in your destination if you want to hire a vehicle. You can only apply for your IDP in Malaysia so you’ll need to get everything sorted out before you head off.
Planning on traveling to South Korea soon? One top tip for travel in Korea - you’ll need your IDP to legally drive there, so get everything set up before you head off.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit in Malaysia?
Malaysians traveling abroad may need an IDP depending on their destination. Some countries will accept your local Malaysian driving license alone, but in some cases it’s mandatory to have your IDP before you drive abroad. Malaysia has some agreements with local countries such as Singapore, which mean an IDP is not usually needed - but if you’re hiring a car somewhere further afield you may well need your Malaysian international license on you to do so.
Foreigners travelling in Malaysia who want to drive legally may also want to get an IDP before arriving in the country. This may be needed, depending on the country which issued your license in the first place. Bear in mind that if you’re residing in Malaysia for a longer period of time,you may need to convert your home license to a Malaysian one to remain legal. Check out all the details before you travel.
How Malaysians Can Apply for an International Driving Permit
So - if you want to get an international driving license in Malaysia what’s the process? Getting your IDP isn’t hugely complicated as long as you have your home license, and meet the eligibility criteria. However, it’s a process you’ll need to complete in Malaysia before you travel, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Here’s a summary of how to get an international driving license in Malaysia.
Eligibility Criteria
To get an international driving license in Malaysia you must meet the following requirements:
You must be 18 or older
You’ll need a valid Malaysian driving license (CDL) for Class B2 or D
Your license must be valid for more than 1 year
You must not be blacklisted
Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your application. We’ll look at the required documents next.
Required Documents
Here are the documents which are required to apply for your international driving license in Malaysia:
2 passport-sized photos
Your valid Malaysian driving license - copies of both sides are needed
Copy of passport or IC (both sides)
Completed application form JPJ L1
Don’t forget you’ll also need your valid passport before you can travel overseas. Learn more about how to renew your Malaysian passport here.
Application Process
You’re now ready to apply. If you’re wondering how to get an international driving license online in Malaysia, unfortunately we have bad news. Applications must be made in person at a JPJ Office or in an Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) office.
There are over 90 JPJ Office locations to choose from - to get your IDP you’ll need to take your documents along to the office closest to home, and then pay your application fee of 150 MYR. Your license may be issued immediately assuming you have everything you need, but it’s best to plan well in advance in case of complications.
How Foreigners Can Obtain an International Driving Permit in Malaysia
We’ve examined how to get an IDP as a Malaysian - but what about foreigners? Can you get an international driving license in Malaysia as a foreigner? Let’s take a look.
Can Foreigners Apply for a Malaysian IDP?
Yes. Foreigners can get an IDP from Malaysia, but only if they hold a Malaysian driving license in the first place.
You’ll often find that you need to switch your home driving license to a Malaysian license in a certain period of time if you move to Malaysia to live. The amount of time you get can vary depending on the country which issued your license in the first place. Some countries - particularly in the region - have bilateral agreements which mean that conversion isn’t needed.
If you have a Malaysian driving license you can then apply for an IDP in Malaysia. If not, you'll need to apply in the country which issued your original license.
Driving with a Foreign IDP in Malaysia
If you’re coming to Malaysia as a tourist and intend to hire a car, you may need an IDP, depending on the country which issued your driving license originally. Having an IDP can be a handy thing, as it’ll mean you know you’re able to drive legally in many countries without needing to get new documents.
If you’re moving to Malaysia, your IDP won’t usually be enough to drive legally long term. At most it’ll have a 12 month validity. So, while your IDP might cover you initially, you’ll need to check the rules based on the country which issued your underlying license. You may find that you’ll have to convert to a Malaysian license within a set time period in order to continue driving legally. If you miss the time window, you might have to resit your entire test to get a new license.
Costs and Validity of an International Driving Permit
The international driving license (Malaysia) price is 150 MYR, which is payable on application and renewal. Your IDP will last for 12 months and then must be renewed.
The renewal process is similar to the process you go through to get your IDP in the first place. Gather your paperwork and head to your local JPJ office to get everything sorted out.
Learn how you can keep down the costs of spending overseas with this guide to the best Malaysian cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Common Mistakes and Tips for a Smooth Application
Let’s look at some top tips to make sure your application for an IDP in Malaysia goes smoothly:
Not all countries require you to have an IDP to drive - check based on your destination
You can only apply for your IDP in Malaysia in person, and only if you have a Malaysian driving license
Ensure all of your documents are correct and valid before you head to the office to get your IDP
While applications may be processed quickly, you’ll want to apply well in advance to make sure you have ou document in good time, even in the case of delays
IDPs are valid for 12 months, and so you must renew your license annually
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Conclusion
Depending on your travel plans you may find you need an international driving permit from Malaysia before you drive overseas. The international driving permit application process must be completed in person before you leave the country - so you’ll have to plan ahead to make sure you have everything lined up in good time. This guide walks through all you need to know.