Driver licences

Renew your driver licence

For most people, your driver licence is valid for 10 years. The NZTA will send you a renewal reminder letter about 8 weeks before your photo driver licence is due to expire (if they have your current address).

Get your driver licence

Getting your car driver licence in New Zealand is a 3-step process. As you progress through the stages you gain a new licence with fewer requirements and more responsibilities.

Replace your driver licence if it’s been lost or stolen

If you lose your licence or it’s been stolen, replace it as soon as you can — you can be fined for driving without it.

Convert your overseas driver licence

If you have an overseas driver licence and you’ve been in New Zealand more than a year, you need to convert to an NZ driver licence to keep driving here legally.

Driving in NZ if you are visiting

Visitors don’t need a New Zealand driver licence to drive in New Zealand but you must meet some conditions.

Changing your name on your driver licence