If you are planning to travel internationally and drive there, you will need more than just a driving licence issued by the Government of India. That’s where the International Driving Permit (IDP) comes in. The IDP allows Indian citizens to legally drive a private motor vehicle in many foreign countries.
In this blog, we will explain what an International Driving Permit is, who needs it, the eligibility requirements, what documents you need to bring, how to apply for an International Driving Permit, what the validity period is, and any tips you should keep in mind.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit is an official document that can translate an Indian driving licence into a number of different languages (including but not limited to English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, etc).
It is important to remember that the IDP is not a separate licence and that you must carry your original Indian driving licence with you when driving internationally, in addition to the IDP.
Why Do You Need an IDP?
- Legal Driving Abroad – Various countries will not accept an Indian driving licence independently, and an IDP makes it valid worldwide.
- Language Barrier – Details on your licence will be translated, so that any foreign traffic police can quickly verify your information.
- Car Rentals – This one is obvious enough that it doesn’t require much elaboration, but most rental agencies abroad will require an IDP to issue cars or motorcycles.
- Insurance Coverage – Depending on the scope of your insurance policy, driving without an IDP may render your coverage void in the event of an accident while abroad.
- Wider Acceptance – An IDP is accepted in 150 countries around the world including the USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia, and most countries in Europe.
Eligibility for Indians
- Must possess a valid Indian driving licence.
- Minimum age: 18 years (this is the same age as for driving licence eligibility).
- Must apply while in India prior to their travel (though reprinting abroad is now permitted in some cases).
Also Check: How to Import a Car from Dubai to India (Process, Charges & Agents)
Documents Required for International Driving Permit
| Document Type | Details Needed | Notes |
| Driving Licence | Valid Indian DL (original + photocopy) | Must be valid at the time of application |
| Passport | Copy of valid passport | Mandatory for international travel |
| Visa | Copy of valid visa (if applicable) | Required for the country you’re visiting |
| Photographs | 2–4 recent passport-size photos | As per RTO requirement |
| Medical Certificate | Form 1A signed by a registered doctor | Needed especially if applying offline |
| Proof of Residence | Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill | Should match licence details |
| Fee Receipt | Payment proof of application fee (around ₹1,000) | Keep for verification at RTO |
Application Process for IDP in India
You can obtain an IDP through your local RTO (Regional Transport Office) or online through Parivahan.
Option 1: Apply at RTO (Offline)
- Visit your local RTO office with the required documents.
- Fill the online application Form 4A for the IDP.
- Along with it, fill Form 1A (medical certificate) if required.
- Documents to be attached – passport, visa, driving licence, photographs.
- Pay the fee (₹ 1,000 approx). (may vary by state).
- Your IDP will then be issued after verification ( 3-5 working days to issue IDP).
Option 2: Register Online Using Parivahan Portal
- Go to the Parivahan sewa official page.
- Under the driving licence services segment, please click on “Apply for International Driving Permit”.
- Put your licence number and enter/ upload mandatory documents.
- Book a slot (if required by your RTO).
- Make the payment accordingly.
- Once confirmed, your IDP will be generated and sent to your address.
Validity of IDP
- An International Driving Permit will be valid for one year from the date of being issued.
- It can not be renewed; if it expires, you will need to apply for a new IDP.
- Some countries may require a new IDP after your change in visa-status.
Read: How to Apply for a Fancy Number Plate for Your Car in India
Re-Issuance of IDP from Abroad
In the past, an Indian citizen travelling abroad and having forgotten to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) before their departure had to return to India to apply for the IDP, which was quite problematic for frequent travellers, professionals, and students living abroad.
To facilitate this, the Government of India has now initiated a facility for re-issuance of IDP from abroad. Now, Indian citizens currently staying abroad can apply for IDP through Indian embassies and consulates.
How It Works
- Application at Embassy/Consulate – The applicant applies for IDP at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate along with the required documents (copy of valid driving licence, passport, visa, photographs, etc.).
- Forwarded to India – The embassy forwards the application to the concerned RTO in India through electronic means.
- Verification – RTO verifies the driving licence details from Parivahan database.
- Issue of IDP – After verification, IDP will be issued in India and sent back to the applicant’s address in foreign country through the embassy.
Things to Keep in Mind
- When you drive in foreign countries, you must carry both your IDP and your original Indian driving licence.
- Always verify the individual driving regulations for the foreign country you intend to drive in (like speed limits, seat belt rules, etc.).
- Some countries must require other permits, in addition to IDP.
- You must ensure to apply well in advance of your date of travel to allow for delays.
- The IDP is invalid unless your Indian Driving Licence is valid too, so that if your driving licence expires, the IDP is invalid too.
Conclusion
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a crucial document for Indians intending to drive outside of India. It will allow you to rent and drive vehicles in addition to ensuring that you are complying with local laws in foreign countries (to avoid penalties). You can apply for the IDP simply and quickly – either offline at your local RTO, or online on Parivahan.
Please do not wait until the last moment if you are travelling soon. You can avoid some common headaches with the IDP by applying ahead of time so you may operate a vehicle abroad.
