Can you rent a car with a digital driver’s licence in Australia?
Last updated: 6 Aug 2025
Dreaming of a wallet-free road trip? With boarding passes, bank cards, and loyalty apps all stored on your smart phone, it’s only natural to wonder if your driver’s licence can go digital too. In Australia, Digital Driver’s Licences (DDLs) are increasingly available — but when it comes to renting a hire car, things aren’t quite so simple.
Because each Australian state manages its own driver licensing system, DDLs aren’t available nor accepted everywhere. And even in states where they are offered, many car rental companies have been slow to update their policies. This VroomVroomVroom guide explains where DDLs are available, which rental providers accept them, and what both domestic and international drivers need to know before hitting the road.
In shortUntil rental providers and tech systems fully catch up, always bring your physical driving licence when renting a car in Australia.
Which Australian states offer a Digital Driver’s Licence?
DDLs are being rolled out state by state, creating a patchwork of different apps and rules. Currently, all eastern mainland states offer digital licences, though each advises drivers to carry the physical version as a backup.
| State/Territory | Digital Licence Status |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Available in the Service NSW app. The state government advises you to carry your physical licence, especially when driving a rental car interstate. |
| South Australia | Available in the mySAGOV app |
| Queensland | Available in the Queensland Digital Licence app. The Queensland government continues to issue physical licences alongside DDLs, and states you can use the DDLs at car rental providers, but rental car provider acceptance remains inconsistent. |
| Victoria | Available in the myVicRoads app. Importantly, the Victorian government warns that as their DDL requires an internet connection to work, they recommend carrying your physical licence in case of poor reception or a flat phone battery. |
Which Australian states don’t offer a Digital Driver’s Licence (yet)?
Two jurisdictions — the Northern Territory and Western Australia — are currently working on their DDL systems, while the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania currently have no plans for DDLs.
| Northern Territory | The Northern Territory is planning to launch a pilot program in late 2025. NT.GOV.AU |
| Western Australia | Western Australia aims to launch a nationally consistent mobile licence in 2025–2026. Transport WA |
| Australian Capital Territory | Not available Access Canberra |
| Tasmania | Not available Service Tasmania |
Will the car rental company accept my digital licence?
State governments may allow DDLs, but it’s the rental providers who decide what they accept at the counter. The result is a mix of early adopters and companies still requiring a traditional physical card. Here’s how major car hire providers in Australia currently handle DDLs:
| Company | Accepts Australian DDL? | Accepts International DDL? |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo | Yes | No |
| Alpha Car Hire | Yes | No |
| Andy’s Auto Rentals | Yes | No |
| Avis | Yes (conditional) | Yes (conditional) |
| Bargain Car Rental | Yes | No |
| Budget | Yes (conditional) | Yes (conditional) |
| Dollar | Yes | No |
| East Coast Car Rentals | Yes | No |
| Enterprise | Yes | No |
| Europcar | Yes | Yes (conditional) |
| Hertz | Yes | No |
| National Car Rental | Yes | No |
| NoBirds | Yes | No |
| Sixt | Yes | No |
| Thrifty | Yes | No |
TipEven with a company that accepts DDLs, some branches may still ask for the physical version. Best to check in advance — and always have your physical licence as a backup.
Advice for international drivers
For international visitors, the rules are even more restrictive: digital licences are rarely accepted, and even when they are, acceptance is conditional, making a physical licence essential.
Also, as a reminder, if your licence is not in English, many rental car providers in Australia require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation booklet that must be shown alongside your original, physical driver’s licence.
To rent a car in Australia as an international visitor, bring:
Your valid, physical driver’s licence from your home country
An IDP if your licence is not in English
Your passport
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name.
What’s next for digital licences in Australia?
While current adoption is uneven, change is coming. A national project led by Austroads is developing a unified digital licence framework across all Australian states and territories, designed to meet both domestic and international standards. This project is expected to be rolled out in 2025–2026, and will likely improve consistency and confidence in DDL use — especially for services like car rentals.
The verdict: is a wallet-free road trip possible?
Australia is on the road to widespread digital licence use, but it’s not there yet. Four states offer DDLs, but many rental companies remain cautious. Acceptance of international DDLs is even more limited.
For now, your physical driver’s licence remains essential for car hire across Australia, so don’t leave your wallet — or your licence — behind.