DRIVING IN MALAYSIA
Effective 19 May 2025, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Malaysia has discontinued the conversion of Foreign Driving Licenses to Malaysian Driving Licenses (LMM) for expatriates and legal spouses of Malaysian citizens, following the Minister of Transport’s announcement.
Eligible Categories for License Conversion
As of the effective date, conversion of Foreign Driving Licenses to LMM is only permitted for the following three (3) categories:
- Malaysian Citizens
- Holders of Diplomatic Identity Cards
- Participants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programmed
Residency Less than 12 Months
If you are an Australian citizen visiting or residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months, you are permitted to drive in Malaysia under the following condition:
- You must hold a valid Australian Driving Licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the signatory countries, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
- We would advise Australian residents in Malaysia who choose to drive with a valid international driving permit (IDP) to check with their vehicle’s insurance provider to ensure that this will not affect any insurance claims.
Residency Beyond 12 Months
Foreign nationals intending to reside in Malaysia for more than 12 months, and who do not fall under the eligible categories for license conversion, are required to obtain a Malaysian Driving License (LMM) by undergoing the standard licensing procedure applicable to Malaysian citizens.
Procedure Guidance for Australian License Holders.
- Prepare Your Documents
- Obtain a Confirmation Letter from the Australian transport authority that issued your license.
- Download it from online portal (if available) or request it by emailed/ post.
- Note: The Australian High Commission (AHC) in Kuala Lumpur does not issue this letter.
2. Submit to JPJ Include:
- The original valid Australian driving license
- The confirmation letter from the issuing authority
- Malaysian visa (if requested)
3. Certification (if required)
- AHC can certify true copies of the Confirmation Letter.
- For electronic letters, you must present the original email or forward it to [email protected].
4. All notarial services at AHC are by appointment only. For more details and to book an appointment, please visit Notarial Services.
Road Tax (Lesen Kenderaan Motor – LM) Renewal for Non‑Malaysians
- You must hold valid vehicle insurance and current road tax (LM) to own and operate a vehicle in Malaysia.
- The MyJPJ app is only for Malaysian citizens, so non-Malaysians must obtain a physical road tax sticker.
Renewal Options
- Visit a JPJ office in person, or
- Authorise a third-party agent
Before Using an Agent
- Ensure the agent can provide the physical road tax sticker
- Check latest JPJ requirements, as procedures may change
- If an agent cannot supply the sticker, use another qualified agent.
For more information about driving in Malaysia, please visit the official JPJ website: www.jpj.gov.my or call the Malaysian Government Call Centre at +603 8000 8000 and request to put through to the relevant JPJ department and speak with a JPJ officer.