8+ Have a Document & Get an international driving license India –IDP

Introduction

If you're planning to travel abroad and intend to drive yourself, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential. It's an official document that makes your Indian driving license internationally recognised.

With an IDP, you can drive in over 150 countries. This permit not only proves your identity but also helps ensure compliance with traffic rules.

Why is an International Driving Permit needed?

In many countries, local driving licenses are not recognised. If you want to drive there with an Indian driving license, you will have to show your IDP.

Main reasons for need:

• It is a valid translation of your license, valid in more than 10 languages.
• Traffic officials abroad may not understand your local license, so an IDP helps them.
• In many countries, car rental companies will not provide vehicles without an IDP.
• This simplifies your road accident insurance process.

👉 If you don't have an IDP and are caught driving, you could face heavy fines or legal action.

international driving license India

Who issues International Driving Permits in India?

International Driving Permits in India are issued by Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

Main Authority:

1. RTO or District Transport Officer
2. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
3. Parivahan.gov.in Portal (for online application)

All applications are accepted only for valid Indian driving license holders. If your license is revoked or suspended for any reason, you cannot apply for an IDP.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a International Driving License

There are certain basic requirements for obtaining an International Driving Permit.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

1. Valid Driving License: You must have a driving license issued by the Government of India.
2. Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
3. Passport and Visa: Proof of travel abroad is required.
4. Being an Indian citizen: Only Indian citizens can apply for an IDP.

👉 Note that an IDP is only valid for countries where you are legally travelling.

Documents Required for an International Driving Permit

When applying for an IDP, you must submit certain mandatory documents. These documents confirm your identity and travel.

List of Required Documents:

1. Copy of a Valid Indian Driving Licence
2. Copy of Passport (First and Last Page)
3. Copy of Country Visa (If Applicable)
4. Flight Ticket or Travel Proof
5. Passport Size Photographs (2-3)
6. Form 4A (Application for International Driving License)
7. Address Proof
8. RTO Fee Receipt

👉 If any document is incomplete or incorrectly uploaded, your application may be rejected. So check everything carefully before submission.

Application Process for an International Driving Permit

Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be done in two ways—online (Parivahan Portal) and offline (at the RTO office). Both processes are easy, but if you want a faster and more convenient method, the online process is best for you.

1. Online Application Process (through the Parivahan Portal)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelectBean.do website.
2. Click on "Driving License Related Services."
3. Select your state (where your driving license was issued).
4. Select the "Apply for International Driving Permit" option.
5. Login by entering your driving license number and date of birth.
6. Fill in all the required information in the application form, such as passport number, visa details, and travel destination country.
   
   
   
7. Upload all the required documents (in PDF/JPEG format).
8. Pay the fee (through digital payment or net banking).
9. Submit the application and print the receipt.
10. You can track the status of your application at any time by going to the “Application Status” section.

2. Offline Application Process (At the RTO Office)

If you don't want to apply online, you can also apply for an IDP by visiting the RTO.

Offline Process:

1. Go to your Regional Transport Office (RTO).
2. Obtain Form 4A (Application for International Driving Permit) from there.
3. Attach all required documents:
4. Copy of driving license
5. Copy of passport and visa
6. Passport-sized photo
7. Pay the application fee (cash or card).
8. The official will verify your documents.
9. You will receive your IDP within a week.

👉 Some RTOs may call the applicant for interview or document verification, so keep all the original documents with you.

Fees and Validity Period

Fees:

The fees for an International Driving Permit in India may vary slightly depending on the state. Typically, the fee ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.

Validity:

• The validity of an IDP is 1 year (12 months).
• If it expires, it can be renewed by reapplying.
• Note that an IDP is only valid if your Indian driving license is also valid.

👉 That means if your driving licence has expired, then it is necessary to get it renewed first, only then IDP can be made.

Features and Benefits of an International Driving Licence 

An International Driving Permit is not only a travel document but also serves as a global identity document.

Key Benefits:

• Valid in 150+ Countries: With an IDP, you can drive in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Asian countries.
• Local Driving License Translation: IDP is a translation of your Indian license into English and other languages.
• Insurance Assistance: In case of an accident, having an IDP makes it easier to file an insurance claim.
• Car Rental Facility: Car rental companies abroad rent vehicles only to IDP holders.
• Valid Identity Proof: An IDP is also accepted as an identity card in many countries.

👉 Simply put, IDP is both your valid international driving licence and a security cover.

In which countries is IDP valid?

The International Driving Permit issued by India is valid in more than 150 countries. These include:

• Regions: Major Countries
• Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands
• Asia: Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia
• America: United States of America (USA), Canada, Mexico
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
• Middle East: UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

However, in some countries, the validity of an IDP is only 3 to 6 months, so it is important to check the traffic laws of that country before travelling.

What to do if your driving license has expired?

If your Indian driving license has expired, you cannot apply for an IDP. First you have to renew your license.

Process:

• Go to the RTO or Parivahan portal to renew your license.
• After renewal, enter the new license number in the IDP application.
• Then follow the normal procedure for IDP.

👉 Remember, the validity of the IDP is linked to your Indian license. As soon as the license expires, the IDP will also become invalid.

Important things to know about IDPs before traveling abroad

An International Driving Permit (IDP) isn't just a piece of paper—it's a symbol of your legitimacy, security, and freedom when driving abroad. However, it's crucial to know a few important things before obtaining an IDP.

1. Right Time to Apply:

Apply for an IDP at least 15 days before your trip abroad.

Sometimes, the application process may be delayed due to document verification or technical issues.

2. Valid Passport and Visa:

IDP is issued only if both your passport and visa are valid.

If your visa is limited, the validity of the IDP will also be adjusted accordingly.

3. Digital IDPs are not enough:

In some countries, only physical (printed) IDPs are accepted.

So always carry a hard copy of the IDP with you.

4. Knowledge of traffic rules:

Before travelling abroad, familiarise yourself with the country's traffic rules, signal systems, and driving habits.

For example, the UK has left-hand drive, while the US has right-hand drive.

5. Insurance Coverage:

Your insurance must be linked to your IDP when driving internationally.

Read the insurance terms carefully before renting a car.

👉 Remember, IDP is a valid document that reflects your responsibility. Keep it safe and keep it with you at all times.

Time to obtain an international driving license

The time required to obtain an International Driving Permit may vary depending on the application method and region.

Average processing time:

• Online processing: 3 to 5 business days
• Offline processing: 7 to 10 business days

Emergency processing:

In some states, RTOs also offer "Tatkal IDP Service", which allows for a permit to be issued within 1 to 2 days (with an additional fee).

👉 But this service is not available in every state, so please confirm it with your local RTO.

Conclusion

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a necessary document for anyone who wants to drive abroad. It not only proves your identity and license, but it also gives you legal protection and freedom internationally.

The process of obtaining an IDP in India is now easier than ever — you can apply online, pay the fees digitally, and receive the permit within a few days.

Remember:

1. The IDP is always valid only with your Indian driving licence.
2. Keep it safe and stay away from any fraudulent means.
3. Getting it done before travelling abroad is a sign of your smart travelling.