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Renewing an expired Australian driver's license

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I have an expired Australian driver's license, it's been over 5 years since expired, I am going back to Australia to try and renew.
Has anyone renewed an expired Australian license?

My current valid Thai driver's license has an issue date 2010, written on the front, dated before my Australian licence expired.

Will this help in trying to reactivate my expired Australian license?
 

I don't think there is a problem driving in Australia with a current valid Thai driving licence

12 hours ago, Cricky said:

I have an expired Australian driver's license, it's been over 5 years since expired, I am going back to Australia to try and renew.
Has anyone renewed an expired Australian license?

My current valid Thai driver's license has an issue date 2010, written on the front, dated before my Australian licence expired.

Will this help in trying to reactivate my expired Australian license?
 

Which state? In NSW you have to do knowledge and driving tests if the licence expired for more than 5 years.

More information please.

 

- your expired license was issued in which state/territory (renewal policies/procedures vary from region to region)?

 

- are you planning a short or long trip to Australia (maybe an international driving permit could be used) or a permanent return?

11 hours ago, gearbox said:

Which state? In NSW you have to do knowledge and driving tests if the licence expired for more than 5 years.

Correct.

 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/renewing-or-replacing-your-licence/early-or-late-renewal

 

Licence expired more than 5 years

If your licence has expired by more than 5 years, you'll need to pass eyesightknowledge and driving tests for the class of licence you previously held.

 

However.

"If you've held an overseas licence within the last 5 years, you may also be exempt from some tests, depending on the country."

 

On 12/23/2025 at 6:28 PM, Cricky said:

I have an expired Australian driver's license, it's been over 5 years since expired, I am going back to Australia to try and renew.
Has anyone renewed an expired Australian license?

My current valid Thai driver's license has an issue date 2010, written on the front, dated before my Australian licence expired.

Will this help in trying to reactivate my expired Australian license?
 

If you are visiting Australia for less than 3 months, all you need is the valid Thai licence, and a valid International Driving Permit (IDP).  You can get an IDP at your local Thai Province Land Transport Office - https://www.dlt.go.th/en/international-driving-licence 

Best to call and ask them first what is required - Thai wife/GF/friend?

 

If you are moving back to Australia, then it is OK to use the Thai licence and IDP as above, but before the 3 months is up, you need to get a new Licence - Tests, Eyesight, Q&A etc etc (no renewal is available in any State after 5 years). Because your licence is Thailand you may be exempted from some tests (both drive on same side of the road etc.).  You will need to prove 'residency' in whatever State you apply for the new licence - that means a valid address in your name - not a hotel (a rental contract will suffice usually) - best to call the State's Road and Transport Office and ask in advance what is needed to get a new one. 

 

A little off topic, but for those Aussie expats who have not returned to Australia for a long time, gathering up 100 points of ID may be a challenge, should you need to in the future.

 

I believe expired drivers licenses, Medicare cards etc can not be used, because they are expired. Last I heard, the Aussie passport was not 100 points of ID by itself.  

 

Your Aussie passport and Aussie birth certificate may get you over the line, but some places demand two forms of photo ID.  

 

Just something to consider.  

3 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

A little off topic, but for those Aussie expats who have not returned to Australia for a long time, gathering up 100 points of ID may be a challenge, should you need to in the future.

 

I believe expired drivers licenses, Medicare cards etc can not be used, because they are expired. Last I heard, the Aussie passport was not 100 points of ID by itself.  

 

Your Aussie passport and Aussie birth certificate may get you over the line, but some places demand two forms of photo ID.  

 

Just something to consider.  

Not sure what the other states require, but WA only requires 1 photo ID for 75 points.

16 hours ago, Will27 said:

Not sure what the other states require, but WA only requires 1 photo ID for 75 points.

Don't you need 100 points in WA?  You would for Federal Government applications.  

 

Just wondering what the OP will use for 100 points of ID to get a new license, if he's from NSW.  Chances are, everything else he has is expired as well.  Eg.  Medicare card.  

 

Here's NSW.

 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/proof-of-identity/proving-your-identity#toc-primary-identification-documents---list-1

 

 

"What you need to provide

To prove who you are, you need to provide:

  • a NSW driver/rider licence or NSW Photo Card that is current, or has expired within the last 2 years – sometimes called a 'stand-alone' proof of identity

OR

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Don't you need 100 points in WA?  You would for Federal Government applications.  

 

Just wondering what the OP will use for 100 points of ID to get a new license, if he's from NSW.  Chances are, everything else he has is expired as well.  Eg.  Medicare card.  

 

Here's NSW.

 

https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/proof-of-identity/proving-your-identity#toc-primary-identification-documents---list-1

 

 

"What you need to provide

To prove who you are, you need to provide:

  • a NSW driver/rider licence or NSW Photo Card that is current, or has expired within the last 2 years – sometimes called a 'stand-alone' proof of identity

OR

You said some placed demand two photo's, WA only need 1.

Still need a 100 points but only 1 photo.

 

Passport, credit card and Thai D/L should do it.

4 hours ago, Will27 said:

You said some placed demand two photo's, WA only need 1.

Still need a 100 points but only 1 photo.

 

Passport, credit card and Thai D/L should do it.

That's WA.  Where's the OP from????

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