

When moving interstate, updating your driver’s licence can be a torturous task. Unfortunately, each state and territory has its own unique rules and regulations. Some states will ask for money, while other states will do it for free. When it comes to changing your license, the solution isn’t one size fits all.
Luckily, this article is here to help. Let’s unpack how to change your driver’s licence in every state and territory.
NSW: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
NSW is often considered as having it all. Whether you’re moving to Robertson’s Big Potato or Goulburn’s Big Merino, you’re going to need a new driver’s licence. So let’s get into the deets.
NSW has a rather simple driver’s licence procedure. If you’ve lived in NSW for three months, you need to kick off this process. You can do this by visiting a Service NSW Centre.
Once at the Service NSW Centre, you’ll need to provide them with your interstate or territory licence and proof of your identity. To prove your identity, you should provide two pieces of primary identification and one piece of secondary identification. Primary identification includes things like your birth certificate and passport. Primary identification includes things like your Medicare Card or a bill.
In addition to providing these items, you’ll need to fill out Form 1001: Licence Application. Thankfully, there are no fees when transferring to a NSW licence.
So now you’re ready to get your NSW licence. Looks like big things are heading your way.
Victoria: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
Pour overs, lemon cold brews, goat milk cappuccinos. When it comes to pretentious coffees, Victoria has it all. However, you can’t deny it’s an incredible place to live. When you’re driving up the Great Ocean Road or down the Yarra Valley, you won’t question why you moved here.
While Victoria is full of overpriced coffee, you can’t deny it’s an incredible place to live.
In Victoria, you’ll need to switch driver’s licences if you’ve been living in this state for six months. To do this, you’ll need to make an appointment with a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Once at your appointment, you’ll need to hand them your interstate licence, proof that you live in Victoria, and a completed Licence Application Form. If you have a medical condition, or take any prescribed medication that could affect your ability to drive, you’ll also need to bring your medical reports.
Victoria is another state that doesn’t charge you for transferring your licence. You can therefore afford to celebrate your new licence with an overpriced, single-origin coffee. No, go ahead. You’ve earned it.
Queensland: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
While the rest of Australia likes to rib Queensland for being a hub full of bogans, this state is actually a lovely, diverse place to live. However, it is definitely true that you can’t walk a block without knocking back a bottle of XXXX.
Queensland asks you to transfer your licence if you’ve lived there for three months. What’s more, if you do this transfer at a motoring service centre, you won’t have to fill out any paperwork.
When heading to one of these centres, you’ll need to bring your interstate licence and proof that you live in Queensland. You should also bring two pieces of primary identification and one piece of secondary identification.
But that’s not all. Once at a centre, you’ll need to declare that you’re medically fit to drive and pay the applicable fees. The fee is currently $84.20.
South Australia: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
From Barossa Valley to the Flinders Ranges, South Australia is full of hidden gems. However, you’ll need a licence to get to them, so let’s get cracking.
South Australia is another state that requires you to change licenses in a three-month time period. To do this, you’ll need to go to a Service SA centre.
The Service SA centre will require your former driver’s licence and a completed driver's licence application. You should also bring two pieces of primary identification and one piece of secondary identification.
If you have any medical conditions, you might need to complete a certificate of fitness. You’ll then have to pay a $20 fee and have your photo taken.
Western Australia: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
Wow, you’ve basically decided to move countries. Brave choice. Let’s just hope that a WAexit doesn’t happen, or changing your licence will become a whack tricker.
In Western Australia, you’ll need to switch driver’s licences if you’ve been living in this state for three months. You can do this by making an appointment with Driver and Vehicle Services.
The Driver and Vehicle Services will require you to show your current interstate driver’s licence, evidence of your address, and several proof of identity documents. Word of warning: Western Australia’s proof of identity system is rather in-depth and complicated. If you’d like to learn how it works, click the link here.
In addition to providing these documents, you’ll need to fill out a DLA1 form.
After providing all this info, you have to pass an eyesight test, declare if you have any medical conditions or take any medication, and have your photograph taken. If your previous driver’s licence is up-to-date, you won’t need to pay any additional fees.
Tasmania: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
Tassie is a quiet state that keeps to itself. But maybe that’s why you moved there. Fortunately, you keep up your tranquillity while changing your licence, cause doing so is quite easy.
In Tasmania, you can use your interstate licence for up to six months before transferring to a Tasmanian licence. To transfer, go to Service Tasmania.
At Service Tasmania, provide them with your current interstate driver’s licence, evidence of your address, and some proof of identity documents. To prove your identity, you should provide two pieces of primary identification and one piece of secondary identification. If you have a medical condition or take medication, bring a medical certificate.
In addition to bringing these documents, you’ll need to fill in the licence application form, get your photo taken, and pay a fee. Tasmina charges $39.65 for a one-year licence, $89.31 for a three-year licence, and $137.06 for a five-year licence.
Northern Territory: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
If you’re moving to the Northern Territory, I have some beaut news for you. This joint has the simplest license exchange programs, and it’s not even close.
To change your licence, go to an Australia Post Office that provides Motor Vehicle Registry services. Provide them with a completed L1 Application, your current interstate licence, and evidence of residency. There aren’t any fees, so that’s about it.
It’s worth noting though that the Northern Territory requires you to change your licence within three months of moving to the area.
After completing your licence exchange, you’ll be ready for anything. You can drive to ALDI, Uluru, or wherever you need to go.
Canberra: How to Change Your Driver’s Licence
Canberra gets too much hate. Our capital is filled to the brim with scrumptious cafes, pristine roundabouts, and more art galleries than you can shake a paintbrush at. If you’ve decided to move to Canberra, you’ve made a wise choice.
To get a Canberra licence, visit an Access Canberra Service Centre with one piece of primary identification, two pieces of secondary identification, your current licence, and proof you live in the ACT. They’ll then handle the rest.
In Canberra, there’s no fee for switching licences. However, you need to do the switch within three months of moving to this region.
Now, go. Go and change your licence. Go around and around the roundabouts until your heart’s content.
Advice For If You’re Moving Interstate

If you’re moving interstate, you have to worry about more than your driver’s licence. Memories need packing, furniture needs heaving, and all of your stuff needs to be driven across the country. There’s basically no time to relax.
To make this process easier, you should hire a team of professional removalists. These people can lighten the load, disassemble furniture, and even unpack everything at your new place. They have the ability to take care of your entire move from start to finish.
When it comes to interstate moving, Holloway Removals has the experience to make it a breeze. From Surfers Paradise to Alice Springs to any other destination you can think of, these removalists can handle any request.