Guide to Obtain an International Driving License for Malaysian
International Driving License for Malaysian

The same applies to those who work overseas for a short period. Those going to neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore should have no fear of driving there.
As long as the licenses are valid, meaning it has been renewed (not expired) and the vehicle driven be it cars or motorcycles have the required insurance coverage, there should exist no problem at all.
Readers should bear in mind that the above amenities are made possible where most countries of the present world have agreed to extend this important service to its citizens, thus making it much easier for them to travel around.
Nevertheless, it should be remembered that there are a few countries which still do not have bi-lateral relations, thus not enabling their citizens this privilege.
One can apply to the International Driving License from Road Transport Office (J.P.J) all over the country. The rules and regulations are as follows, including the necessary documents required:
a) Domestic license which is still valid for at least a year and its photostat copy.
b) Identity card (original) and 1 copy photostat
c) 2 copies coloured photo, passport size
d) Application form JPJL1
e) International Driving License fee for 1 year (RM150)
To my knowledge, you have to surrender your Domestic Malaysian License in place of your International Driving License. As no one is permitted to posses 2 driving licenses in Malaysia.
If in the later stages, you no longer require usage of this said license (which is rather costly anyway) you could then surrender it for your C.D.L (Competent Driver’s License) domestic license later.
Other than J.P.J offices, this license is attainable from the Automobile Association Of Malaysia (A.A.M) office also.
Now that you know how to obtain the International Driving License, what are you waiting for. Apply for it now and Happy Driving.




I used to have a Malaysian License which was allowed to expire by my relative while I went to live in the UK in the early 70s .Shortly after that I aquired a British License and have held it since 1975.
Can I get my Malaysian license back ?I plan to stay longer periods in Malaysia now that I am retired, perhaps up to a period of 6-7 months at a time.
Dear Ethic Malaysian,
1) Your former Malaysian license is null and void.
2) As you now own a British license, it can be converted into a Malaysian “P” license.
3) The conversion steps are:
a) Get your license certified by the issuing authority.
b) Go to bigger J.P.J. office i.e Putrajaya to get the above done.
Best of luck! Happy and save driving.
‘Cikgu Yap
I have a malaysian driving license. I’ll be going to germany by next year and will be staying there up to 5 years. Can i use the international license up to 5 years in germany? Or does it valid for a year? If i have to sit the driving class there, it will cost me lots. Is there any good solution for me?
Dear Alia,
Since you’ll be staying 5 years in Germany, you’re advised to take out an International Driving License.
The above license has to be renewed yearly back in Malaysia.
‘Cikgu Yap
What do you think? Hieee,
so im just an international student here in malaysia…so im not malaysia resident or anything of a sort.i have had some driving lessons but never really finished because then i had to come here and study.so im asking where can i go for driving lessons? and will i be given an international driving license,?..and what are usually the range of costs so as to tale the lessons,tests everything included…because im just here for 3yrs.Thankin u in advance.
Dear Eunice Joseph,
Yes, you can get a driving license in Malaysia. You will be given a Malaysian license.
You can later change it into your country driving license.
The range of costs differ from place to place.
‘Cikgu Yap
I am Malaysian Resident working in Canada. I wish to take Canadian’s driving license but I have to show my Malaysian driving license. However, they do not understand Malay. Where do you think I can get the translation? Does JPJ provide this service?
Thank you.
Dear Wai Leong,
Your Malaysian Driving license should be acceptable for use in Canada, which is a Commonwealth country.
As such, I see no necessity for you to get a Canadian license at all.
As a Malaysian, you can translate your license yourself.
Why not try the Malaysian Consulate at Ottawa of Toronto?
‘Cikgu Yap
Dear Cikgu Yap,
What do you mean by saying we can translate the license ourselves? Wouldn’t the commonwealth country require a legal document with an official stamp as such to verify that the license have been officially translated? I’m asking because I want to get my license translated to be used in New Zealand. Thank you in advance, Cikgu Yap.
If you wish legal document with regards to your translation, you can affix a RM10 stamp and have it stamped at any stamp office.
Hi. I am Malaysian citizen but went to New Zealand when I was young. Now I have a full New Zealand driver licence and plan to convert that licence to Malaysia full driver licence. Is that possible?
Thanks.
Dear Steve,
New Zealand license can be converted to Malaysian license. First, get the New Zealand license certified by the issuing authorities. Next, go to J.P.J. office preferable in Putrajaya for conversion.
Do bring all documents such as MyKad, 1 piece colour photograph, your New Zealand licence etc.
I foresee you” not entail any problems.
Dear Cikgu Yap,
Do I need to go to the JPJ office personally or can I apply from New Zealand via mail?
Thanks
Steve
Dear Steve,
You’ve got to personally go to J.P.J. You can’t apply from N.Z.
Thanks for the reply.
Once the foreign driver licence being converted to Malaysia driver licence, how long the Malaysia driver licence valid for?
Steve
Dear Steve,
Malaysia license is renewable for 1 year to 5 years.
Thanks for the reply.
How long it normally take for this kind of conversion?
Thanks
Dear Steve,
Conversion to Malaysian licence can be proceed the very day itself.
Thanks for your advice
Thank you for the advice. I’ll come back to you if got any question. Thanks
I will be in Germany Berlin for 3 weeks, can i just drive with my malaysian driving license? or do need to apply international license at least?
Thanks,
Eric
Dear Eric,
You can use your Malaysian driving license in Germany. Ensure your license is Valid.
Oh I see, good then. Thanks for clarrifying.
Hi there,
im just an international student here in malaysia…so im not malaysian resident. im asking where can i go for driving lessons which provide international license instead of just malaysian? and what are usually the range of costs so as to tale the lessons,tests everything included…and how long will it take time to get international license if i apply for it now because i need to get international license asap b4 this summer.Thankin u in advance.
Dear Aika,
You can get Malaysian license. International licenses only for Malaysian. Sorry to disappoint you.
Hi Cikgu Yap,
I will be flying off to australia as a full time student. I will study there for around 2or 3 year. So i was wondering if it is better for me to apply for international licence before i leave? In case i want to drive over there. I know that our Malaysian licence is not acceptable over there..
Thanks for your help.
Dear Swee,
You need not get an international license. Just get a Malaysian license. You can use it in Australia.
Hi, I am currently studying in Japan. I would like to know if Malaysian Driving License is valid in Japan or do I need to have International Driving License?
Malaysian license is acceptable in Japan. Make sure it is valid.
Thanks for your reply. It may sounds rude but I would like to have a source that can prove Malaysian Driving License is valid in Japan because I heard from people that Malaysian Driving License cant drive in Japan without having International Driving License.
I feel you have not heard of the United Nations or its history. For your information, signatories of the Geneva Conference 1949 and 1968 have agreed that licenses from member countries can be used in each other’s country.
Sorry, I never heard before.Could you explain more or is there any website which have the agreement for my reading?
Please read the following article ==> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
If you are still uncertain, make a trip to the Japan Transport Authority for confirmation.
Ok, many thanks for the info
Dear cikgu Yap
i would b appreciate if you can clear my doubt . I have a few queries.
1. since Malaysian driving license is valid in Australia, when do we need to apply for international driving license?
2. if it happen that i want to use my domestic license at Australia, do i need any supportive document since it is in BM.
3. any insurance we need to pay?What are the procedure?
thank
Malaysian CDL can be used in Australia. It would be best if you could convert your CDL to International Driving License. If you are planning to use your domestic license, best if you can have it translated.
In regards to insurance, cars which are rented should have coverage for any driver possessing valid license. “P” license from Malaysia however, may not be allowed to drive in Australia. It all depends whether the Australian authorities accept our “P” license there.
I am Malaysian with a valid Malaysian Driving License. I would like to visit New Zealand as a tourist and to rent a car.
I read from the New Zealand tourist and car rental website, understand that those foreign driving license in foreign language (BM) should have their driving license to be translated in English by the foreign issuing office (means JPJ). I do not think I need to obtain the International Driving License for tourist purpose, how do I obtain this translation from JPJ? Please advise.
J.P.J. should, I presume have a standarised translation of a Malaysian license. Try approaching the above authorities.
Yes, you’re correct. You do no need an International Driver’s License. You can also translate your driving license, give all relevant particulars. Affix a RM10 stamp by going to the Stamp Office to have it stamped, making it a legal document.
I will be in Greece for tour. Thinking to rent a car there. Is Malaysian Licence acceptable in Greece?
Thanks!
Renting a car in Greece is a good idea. Yes, Malaysian license is acceptable in Greece.
My aunt is a Malaysian, she has been living in USA for many years. She has an international driver license but not Malaysian driver license. She enters Malaysia with Malaysia passport. So can she drive with the international driver license in Malaysia?
Thank you!
Your aunt from America can use her International Driving License in Malaysia.