How to Transfer a New Zealand Driver Licence to an Australian Licence (NSW): Documents, Fees and Process
In Australia, driving laws and regulations vary between states and territories.
Since I recently moved from New Zealand to Sydney, Australia, I followed the rules in New South Wales (NSW) to transfer my New Zealand driver licence to an Australian one.
In this article, I'll share my experience of transferring my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW driver licence, including the required documents, application fees and the process at Service NSW.
If you're planning to get or transfer a driver licence in Australia, make sure to check the official requirements for your state or territory!
Documents Required to Transfer a New Zealand Driver Licence to NSW
When I transferred my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW driver licence, I prepared the following documents:
Proof of identity (passport)
New Zealand driver licence
Bank debit card with my name and signature
Completed Licence Application form
You can get the application form from the Service NSW website or at a Service NSW Centre.
Licence Application
These are the documents I personally brought with me. Requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, so please check the official website before visiting.
Important Information When Transferring a Overseas Driver Licence to an Australian Licence
Since I was transferring my New Zealand driver licence, which was already written in English, I didn't need to provide a translation.
However, if your overseas driver licence is written in a language other than English, you'll need to provide an English translation.
In NSW, the translation must come from a provider accepted by Transport for NSW, so make sure to check the translation requirements on the official Service NSW website.
Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea – for driver licences issued in the Republic of Korea
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office – for driver licences issued in Taiwan.
Note: You must provide the original translation document. Photocopies are not accepted.
For more information, please see:
In NSW, you can also apply for document translation services through Service NSW.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Driver Licence in NSW?
The fee I paid to transfer my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW driver licence was:
A$434
I transferred my New Zealand full driver licence and applied for a NSW driver licence valid for 10 years.
Licence fees vary depending on the licence type and validity period. The Japanese yen equivalent also changes with exchange rates.
Where Can You Transfer an Overseas Driver Licence in NSW?
If you want to apply for a NSW driver licence or transfer an overseas driver licence, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre.
There are Service NSW Centres across New South Wales, so you can find one close to your home or somewhere that's easy for you to access.
In my case, I didn't need to make an appointment in advance.
My Experience at Service NSW: Step-by-Step Process
1. Check In at the Reception Counter
I explained that I wanted to transfer my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW driver licence.
The staff checked whether I had all the required documents.
Once everything was confirmed, I received a receipt with a queue number and waited for my number to be called.
I visited at around 11 am on a weekday, and the waiting time was approximately 20 minutes.
2. Submit Your Identification and Application Documents
When my number was called, I went to the designated counter.
I explained again that I wanted to transfer my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW licence and handed over two forms of identification.
I brought my passport and bank debit card.
After checking my identification, the staff member asked for my New Zealand driver licence and completed application form.
3. Complete a Simple Eyesight Test
After entering my information into the system, the staff member conducted a quick eyesight test at the counter.
There was a monitor above the counter displaying about three rows of letters.
In my case, I was only asked to read the first row, which had the largest letters.
After confirming that my eyesight test was fine, the staff member asked whether I also wanted to apply for a NSW Photo Card, a separate form of photo identification.
Since a driver licence is generally sufficient as photo identification for my needs, I decided to apply for the driver licence only
4. Pay the Driver Licence Application Fee
Next, it was time to pay the application fee.
The cost depends on the type of licence and how long it's valid for.
I was transferring my New Zealand full driver licence and chose the 10-year NSW driver licence, so I paid A$434. I have to admit, it felt pretty expensive!
However, I thought the fees might increase in the coming years, so I decided to go for the 10-year option.
5. Have Your Photo Taken and Receive a Temporary Licence Receipt
Finally, I had my photo taken at the counter, and the application process was complete!
I received a paper receipt that serves as temporary evidence of my driving entitlement while waiting for the physical licence card. Make sure you don't forget to collect it.
The physical NSW driver licence is mailed to your nominated address and usually arrives in around one week.
Until then, keep the temporary receipt safe, as you'll need it while waiting for your licence card.
Can You Get a NSW Driver Licence Without Australian Permanent Residency or Citizenship?
In my case, I was able to transfer my driver licence even though I didn't have Australian permanent residency or citizenship.
I was initially a little worried because the Service NSW website listed "proof of Australian permanent residency" as one of the required documents.
Since I didn't have permanent residency, I wasn't sure whether I would be eligible to apply.
However, when I visited Service NSW and asked the staff directly, they confirmed that I could still apply without permanent residency.
Of course, this may depend on your visa type, the country that issued your licence and your individual circumstances, so please check the requirements for your own situation.
Can You Drive in Australia with a New Zealand Driver Licence?
If you hold a New Zealand driver licence, you can generally drive in NSW using that licence for three months after moving to NSW.
Service NSW states:
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or if you hold a New Zealand driver licence, you can drive in NSW on an overseas licence for 3 months. Within this 3-month period however, you'll need to visit a Service NSW Centre and transfer your overseas licence to a NSW Driver Licence.
As explained above, if you're moving to NSW and plan to continue driving, don't forget to transfer your New Zealand driver licence within the three-month period.
Do You Need to Take a Driving Test When Transferring an Overseas Licence to NSW?
When I transferred my New Zealand driver licence to a NSW driver licence, I didn't need to take either a knowledge test or a practical driving test.
The NSW Government provides a list of countries and jurisdictions eligible for exemptions from knowledge and driving tests when transferring an overseas licence.
As of October 2026, both Japan and New Zealand are included on this list.
This means that people transferring an eligible Japanese driver licence, such as a Class C car licence, may also be exempt from the knowledge and practical driving tests.
However, exemptions depend on factors such as the licence class, validity and individual circumstances, so it's important to check the official requirements.
Transferring My New Zealand Driver Licence to NSW Was Easier Than Expected!
That's my experience of transferring a New Zealand driver licence to an Australian driver licence in New South Wales.
Since I was also exempt from the knowledge and practical driving tests, the whole process was much easier than I expected!
However, driving licence rules vary between Australian states and territories. Requirements may also differ depending on your visa type and the country that issued your licence.
If you're planning to transfer a New Zealand or Japanese driver licence to an Australian licence, I recommend checking the official requirements and preparing your documents well in advance.
I hope this article is helpful for anyone moving from New Zealand to Sydney or planning to transfer an overseas driver licence in NSW!
*This article is based on my personal experience in October 2026. Licence requirements and fees may change, so please refer to the latest official information before applying.
