TAIWAN DRIVER'S LICENSE TRANSLATION

Taiwan licence exchange by state

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Queensland (QLD) – from 31 October 2026

Taiwan is on Queensland's list of recognised countries. If you hold (or have held in the last 5 years) a provisional or open Taiwan car or motorcycle licence, you will not need to pass a road rules test or a practical driving test for a class C, RE or R licence. Heavy vehicle licences still require testing.

According to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, the scheme applies to Taiwanese nationals holding a valid Taiwan car or motorcycle licence (foreign nationals are not included).

Bring the originals of: your valid Taiwan licence (name, class and validity clearly shown), a NAATI English translation, your valid Taiwan passport, a bank card in your name, proof of your Queensland address (e.g. utility bill or lease), your visa, and the fee. Applicants aged 75 or over need a medical certificate.

If you hold a permanent visa, you must get a Queensland licence once you have lived in Queensland for 3 months.

Official info: www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/transfer

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Western Australia (WA) – from 31 October 2026

Applications for car and motorcycle licences made on or after 31 October 2026 are processed as a recognised jurisdiction – no theory test or practical driving assessment. Applications made before that date are treated as non-recognised.

A licence that is not in English must come with an English translation from an approved translator. NAATI certified translations are accepted. You will also need to pass an eyesight test.

Australian citizens and permanent residents can drive on a valid overseas licence for up to 3 months, and must transfer it within that time.

Official info: www.transport.wa.gov.au

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New South Wales (NSW) – expected from 1 January 2027

Taiwan is expected to join the NSW test-exemption list in January 2027.

Please note: for licence transfers, Transport for NSW only accepts translations from Multicultural NSW, the Department of Home Affairs, or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (for Taiwan licences). Our NAATI translation can be used to drive in NSW as a visitor, but not to transfer to an NSW licence.

Permanent residents can drive on an overseas licence for 3 months, and must transfer within that period.

Official info: www.service.nsw.gov.au

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South Australia (SA) – expected from 1 January 2027

Taiwan is expected to be recognised in South Australia from January 2027.

SA accepts translations by a NAATI-approved translator (stamped and signed, or with a NAATI digital stamp/QR code).

You must get a South Australian licence within 3 months of becoming a permanent resident.

Official info: www.sa.gov.au

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Northern Territory (NT) – from 1 January 2027

Taiwan licences will be recognised in the Northern Territory from 1 January 2027.

A licence that is not in English must come with an official English translation by an authorised translator.

You must transfer your overseas licence within 3 months of living in the NT.

Official info: nt.gov.au

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Tasmania (TAS) – expected from 1 February 2027

Taiwan is expected to be recognised under the new scheme in Tasmania from February 2027.

When you apply, bring your overseas licence together with an English translation (or an international driving permit).

Official info: www.transport.tas.gov.au

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Victoria (VIC) – date to be announced

Victoria has not announced its start date yet. Until then, the usual testing requirements apply.

VicRoads accepts translations by a NAATI translator.

If you live in Victoria for more than 6 months, you must convert to a Victorian licence. Waiting for the new scheme does not extend this period.

Official info: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

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Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – date to be announced

The ACT has not announced its start date yet.

For licence transfers, Access Canberra currently lists translations from an embassy or consulate, or from the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration). Please check with Access Canberra before ordering a translation for an ACT licence transfer.

New residents have 3 months to get an ACT licence.

Official info: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I exchange my Taiwan licence for an Australian licence without tests?

Yes – once the Recognised Overseas Licences Scheme for Taiwan starts in your state or territory. Holders of a valid Taiwan car or motorcycle licence can skip the knowledge (written) test and the practical driving test. You still need to meet local identity, residency, age, health and licence validity requirements.

Queensland and Western Australia start on 31 October 2026. See the state-by-state notes above for the other states and territories.

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Is your translation accepted for a Queensland licence?

Yes. Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requires an English translation by a NAATI translator for licences that are not in English. Our translations are NAATI certified, signed and stamped, and set out the translator's NAATI credentials.

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Do I need an original (paper) translation?

If you are using the translation to apply for an Australian licence, we highly recommend an original paper translation with a fresh stamp and signature. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane lists all documents for a Queensland licence as originals, and WA also asks you to bring physical originals. We can post the hard copy to you: regular post +$10 AUD, express post +$20 AUD.

If you only need to drive or rent a car as a visitor, the electronic copy is enough – it is valid, certified and carries the translator's stamp and signature.

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Can I use your translation to drive or rent a car in Australia?

Yes. Working holiday makers, students and visitors can drive in Australia on a valid Taiwan licence together with our NAATI-certified English translation, as long as they follow the conditions of their licence. Car rental companies may have their own requirements, so please check with them too.

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Is your translation accepted in NSW?

You can use it to drive in NSW as a visitor. However, to transfer to an NSW licence, Transport for NSW only accepts translations from Multicultural NSW, the Department of Home Affairs, or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (for Taiwan licences).

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My Taiwan licence has no expiry date or shows "====". Is that OK?

Taiwan licences use different validity formats depending on when they were issued – for example, some licences show a line of "=" symbols instead of an expiry date. We translate the validity field exactly as it appears and add a translator's note explaining it, so the officer can understand it.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane asks for a valid, current Taiwan licence with the name, licence class and validity clearly legible.

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How will my name be spelt?

Names on Taiwan licences can be romanised in different ways. We spell your name exactly as it appears in your Taiwan passport, so your translation matches your passport and visa.

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How do I send my licence to you?

Just email clear photos or scans of the front and back of your licence to info@mhtranslation.com.au, or send them via WeChat (825023204). You do not need to send us your original licence.

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How much does it cost and how long does it take?

A Taiwan driver's licence translation is $49 AUD for the electronic copy (PDF). In most cases, you will receive it by email within 24 hours.

Need a hard copy? Regular post is an extra $10 AUD (3-6 business days after posting); express post is an extra $20 AUD (1-2 business days after posting).