Digital Drivers Licence - Car Rental

[NorthernTraveller]

Hey Folks,

I hope someone can help. I am travelling back to the UK on an urgent trip. After booking my car yesterday, I noticed the rental contract requests a physical drivers licence, but I only have a digital one.

Does anyone know of any rental companies that can help with just the digital licence?

Cheers!

 

[Scarlett]

If you have any time tomorrow morning go into your state/territory motor vehicle registration authority and see if they can make you one up. I don’t know which places can print them on the spot.

NSW (via Service NSW) only give you a temporary paper license then the card comes in the mail a week or so later.

I wonder if the paper temporary license would do when used alongside the digital version?

 

[NorthernTraveller]

If you have any time tomorrow morning go into your state/territory motor vehicle registration authority and see if they can make you one up. I don’t know which places can print them on the spot.

NSW (via Service NSW) only give you a temporary paper license then the card comes in the mail a week or so later.

I wonder if the paper temporary license would do when used alongside the digital version?

Thank you for replying, Scarlett.

I have spoken with Indigo Car Hire. They said there are so many people from Australia with the same issue. The only stipulation is that I have to upload my licence before I travel (my next challenge ).

The agent I spoke to said its best to speak to them instead of booking through their website.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hey Folks,

I hope someone can help. I am travelling back to the UK on an urgent trip. After booking my car yesterday, I noticed the rental contract requests a physical drivers licence, but I only have a digital one.

Does anyone know of any rental companies that can help with just the digital licence?

Cheers!

None of the majors in the UK will accept a digital license. May need to go to off airport cheaper options.

 

[markis10]

The car rental industry struggles with anything digital, most don’t accept credit cards on your phone for instance, given they only just said goodbye to dot matrix printers for your contract I suppose we should not be surprised.

 

[VPS]

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic Australian drivers licence photo card in nine (9) languages that assists a user to drive in a foreign country. The AAA is the only authorised distributor of IDPs in Australia for Australian drivers licence holders. Permits...

www.internationaldrivingpermitsonline.com.au

I'm not sure how you actually get the hard copy though

 

[SYD]

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic Australian drivers licence photo card in nine (9) languages that assists a user to drive in a foreign country. The AAA is the only authorised distributor of IDPs in Australia for Australian drivers licence holders. Permits...

www.internationaldrivingpermitsonline.com.au

I'm not sure how you actually get the hard copy though

Of an IDP? For NSW, you can get them on the day from Services NSW (need a PP photo and valid licence).

But I don’t think that’ll help the OP anyway (in the UK).

I’m perplexed why they weren’t issued a hardcopy DLs? I’m in the US at the moment and many places will card you regardless of age and they don’t accept virtual cards. Nor do some places in Oz.

In NSW, I also get the Blue ID card as well as my normal DL. The former I use when travelling for ID. If I lose it or it’s stolen, no big deal. Still have real DL and virtual.

 

[moa999]

The digital cards have limited used outside the state of issuance, let alone overseas.

 

[VPS]

Of an IDP? For NSW, you can get them on the day from Services NSW (need a PP photo and valid licence).

But I don’t think that’ll help the OP anyway (in the UK).

I’m perplexed why they weren’t issued a hardcopy DLs? I’m in the US at the moment and many places will card you regardless of age and they don’t accept virtual cards. Nor do some places in Oz.

In NSW, I also get the Blue ID card as well as my normal DL. The former I use when travelling for ID. If I lose it or it’s stolen, no big deal. Still have real DL and virtual.

Post in thread 'Bali, Britain, Spain & Safari'

Sep 20, 2025

Pretty long queue in immigration at least in part due to all the Brits not able to access the EU queue due to Brexit

Malaga continues with the car hire woes (clickrent via economycarbookings). Half the pax took a taxi. The rest waited about 40 mins amd on reaching desk, we were told we needed an International Drivers licence (have hired multiple times in Spain with no issues) Both mrsandye and I apply for the exxy Fast track service which eventually comes through 15 minutes later.

Have a 10-seater minibus which seemed like a good option to cart everyone around (was keen on trip to...

• andye

• 

It was this thread that they couldn't rent without an IDP and I understood they got the electronic one

 

[SYD]

Post in thread 'Bali, Britain, Spain & Safari'

Sep 20, 2025

Pretty long queue in immigration at least in part due to all the Brits not able to access the EU queue due to Brexit

Malaga continues with the car hire woes (clickrent via economycarbookings). Half the pax took a taxi. The rest waited about 40 mins amd on reaching desk, we were told we needed an International Drivers licence (have hired multiple times in Spain with no issues) Both mrsandye and I apply for the exxy Fast track service which eventually comes through 15 minutes later.

Have a 10-seater minibus which seemed like a good option to cart everyone around (was keen on trip to...

• andye

• 

It was this thread that they couldn't rent without an IDP and I understood they got the electronic one

OP is concerned about only having a digital Oz licence for rental in the UK.

You do not require an IDP in the UK if you have an Australian DL.

No idea what the digital IDP would have been because they’re supposed to be a physical photo ID also .

Personally, I would strongly encourage regular OS travellers to ensure they have a physical ID (regardless of whether they’re renting a car or not), just to enter some bars and clubs around the world requires ID and carrying your PP is a PITA.

I’m curious which state(s) aren’t issuing physical DLs automatically now?