How to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from India

If you want to drive abroad, you should know that most countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) No problem! Getting an International Driving Permit is easy and no test is required.

International Driving License (IDP) is a permit that makes your Indian license internationally acceptable. It is recognized in more than 150 countries and is accepted by the RTO in India.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with the complete procedure for getting a driving permit (IDP) in India in simple terms, including eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and the application process.

What is an International Driver’s License?

An International Driving Permit ( or International Driver’s License ) is a globally recognized document that proves you are qualified to drive a car or any other vehicle in many countries around the world. It is not a replacement for your national driving license, nor merely a translation of it, but is widely accepted and understood internationally.

This( IDP) permit does not give you a new license, but only shows that you are already qualified to drive. Each country has its own laws and restrictions , which will apply to you.

IDP vs. IDL– What’s the Right Term?

The correct term is International Driving Permit (IDP), which is issued on the basis of your existing Indian Driving License.

There is no such thing as an “International Driving License(IDL)“. The correct document is called an “International Driving Permit (IDP)”. It is not a license, but a translated version of your Indian driving license. You must carry both your Indian license and the IDP while driving abroad.

The table below highlights their key differences:

Features	International Driving Permit (IDP)	International Driving License (IDL)
International Driving License (IDL)	Officially recognized under UN convention	Not legally valid; often a scam
Issued By	RTO (India) & authorized bodies	Private agencies with no legal backing
Validity	1 year (renewable)	Not accepted globally
Purpose	Allows legal driving abroad	Misleading; not recognized officially

Benefits of Having an International Driving Permit

When you are traveling in any foreign country, having an International Driving Permit has many benefits. It supports your Indian driving license and makes renting or driving a car in another country much easier.

Here are some reasons why you should apply for an IDP:

Makes Driving Abroad Easier

An IDP supports your Indian driving license. It helps you drive legally in over 150 countries without any extra tests.

Accepted Worldwide

The IDP is approved in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE. It’s useful almost anywhere you travel.

Helpful for Car Rentals

Most car rental companies ask for an IDP. It proves you’re a licensed driver in your home country.

Needed for Insurance Claims

In case of an accident, IDP is often required to file a car insurance claim abroad. Without it, your claim might get rejected.

Translates Your License

The IDP is a translated version of your Indian license in multiple languages. This helps foreign authorities understand your details easily.

Acts as Identity Proof

IDP can also work as a valid ID for travel-related services. It’s an extra form of identification in a new country.

Validity of International Driving Permit (IDP)

An Indian-issued International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for one year. If your IDP expires while you are outside India, you can’t renew it from abroad. You will have to return to India and go through the application process all over again to get a new IDP.

Who is Eligible for an International Driving Permit in India?

For driving in different countries, you must have an IDP. There are rules stated by the Indian Ministry of Road Transport Highways (MoRTH) that need to be met for this. Check out the following points:

Requirements for Getting an IDP:

If you want to apply for an international driving permit in India, you need to meet certain Requirements. These include:

Minimum Age Requirement: All applicants should be at least 18 to be eligible.
Valid Indian Driving License: Having a proper driving license is strongly required. Learner’s licenses are not accepted.
Passport and Visa: Candidates require a valid passport and visa to go to the destination country.
Confirmed Travel Plans: Air tickets may need to be shown whenever you are asked to prove your travel plans.
Medical Fitness: You have to provide a medical certificate signed by a registered practitioner named on Form 1A.

These conditions ensure that only experienced and qualified drivers get an IDP to promote safety across international borders.

What Documents Are Required to Apply For an IDP in India?

When you apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India, you should make sure you have the following documents ready:

Duly Filled Application Form (Form 4A): This is the official application form for obtaining an IDP.
Valid Indian Driving License: Both the original and a photocopy of your current Indian driving license are required.
Valid Passport: Submit your original passport along with a photocopy of the relevant pages.
Air Ticket (Optional): Some Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may request a copy of your confirmed air ticket to verify travel plans.
Medical Certificate (Form 1A): You need a medical certificate issued by a registered medical doctor, stating that you are fit to drive.
Passport-Size Photographs: Typically, 3 to 5 recent passport-sized photos are required.
Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the prescribed application fee.

How to Apply for The International Driving Permit Online?

Here is a complete guide to applying online step by step:

Visit the official website

Visit the website Parivahan Sewa, as it is offered by the government for transport services.

Open Driving License Services

Select the Online Services and then click on “Driving License Related Services”.

Select Your State

On the next page, select your current state of residence from the menu list.

Apply for IDP

Click on “Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)“.

Check Your License Details

Click on “Apply for International Driving Permit” and enter your driving license number, birth date, and captcha code. Check that your license details on the screen are correct.

Fill Out the Application

Confirm your details. You will receive an OTP on your mobile. Enter it to proceed. Then, select “Issue International Driving Permit” and fill in travel and vehicle details.

Upload the Required Documents

Scan required documents like license, passport, visa, and medical certificate, and upload them.

Pay the Application Fee

Pay the required fee (usually ₹1,000) online using available options like debit/credit cards or net banking.

Receive Your IDP

After submission and verification, your IDP will be sent to your address by post.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit Offline?

Want to know how to apply offline? Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying at your nearest RTO:

Visit the Nearest RTO

Go to the RTO where your driving license was given to you. Do not forget to take along the original documents like the driving license, passport, and photograph..

Collect Form 4A

At the RTO office, you should request the officials to provide Form 4A for applying for an IDP. You can alternatively go to the Parivahan website, download Form 4A and fill it up in advance. It can make your time at the RTO shorter.

Submit the application

Submit your application and make sure to attach all the required documents and your photograph. The RTO officials will check your application and all the required documents.

Pay the IDP Fee

Pay the fee at the RTO counter (usually ₹1,000). Keep the receipt safely.

Approval and IDP Issuance

After verification, your IDP will be approved and issued, either the same day or within a few days.

Fees for International Driving License

The application fee for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India ranges from ₹500 to ₹1500, depending on your state of residence. Note that this fee is non-refundable and needs to be paid when you submit your application. Whether you apply at the RTO office or use the online method, the fee remains the same.

IDP Fees in India

Application Fee : ₹500 to ₹1500 (depends on the state RTO)
Medical Certificate Charges: ₹200 to ₹500 (if applicable)
Postal Charges (if home delivery is available): ₹50 to ₹200

How to Pay IDP Fees?

Online Payment

You can pay the fees via the Parivahan Sewa Portal using one of the following methods:

Credit or Debit Cards
Net Banking
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

Note: Keep a record of the transaction reference for future use.

Offline Payment

Visiting an RTO directly also enables applicants to process the application and pay the fees.
Fees can be submitted in cash or by using a demand draft when applying at an RTO.
A few RTOs expect you to present a bank challan before they begin your application process. You should verify the preferred payment method with the respective RTO.

Which countries accept Indian International Driving Permit?

An IDP issued by India is valid in more than 150 countries and allows Indian citizens to drive a vehicle or procure a rental car without undergoing extra examinations.IDPs are generally accepted as long as they are accompanied by an official license issued by the transport authority in India and an official translation if the license is not written in English. Before you travel, make sure to find out what rules apply in the country you will be visiting.

Popular Countries That Accept an Indian IDP:

Australia	United Kingdom	USA
New Zealand	South Africa	Switzerland
France	Canada	Singapore

Countries That Do Not Accept Indian IDP:

Here is a list of countries where an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in India is not accepted.

China	Japan
South Korea	Brazil
Saudi Arabia	United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Malaysia	Germany

Note: These countries accept Indian IDPs with additional requirements as per their domestic policy.

How to Renew Your International Driving Permit?

Has your IDP expired? You want to renew it, you can apply by following the given method:

Visit the official website of Parivahan Sewa or visit your nearest RTO office.
Fill out the renewal form.
Enter or submit all required documents , along with your medical certificate (Form 1A).
Pay the renewal fee (usually between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500).
When your documents will verify, you will receive your renewed IDP

Usually it takes 3 to 5 working days to get your new IDP.

Can You Apply for an International Driving Permit from Abroad?

It is not possible to renew your IDP if it expires while you are in another country. As per the rules of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), you can apply for an IDP only from India.

What should you do if your IDP expires while you are abroad?

Check if you can drive there using your Indian driving license.
Apply for a temporary driving permit in that country (if permitted).
Plan to return to India and apply for a new IDP through the Parivahan portal.

Conclusion

An IDP is a very important document that allows you to drive in foreign countries. It is not only legally convenient but also makes your trip hassle-free. It is valid for one year and is issued only in India and cannot be renewed. Make sure to get it before your trip.

FAQs

Ans: IDA is a private company that issues translated versions of your Indian driving license, called International Driving Permits (IDPs), based on United Nations conventions.

No, you can apply for an IDP only from India. If you are abroad, you will have to apply after returning.

No, an IDP is just a translation of your Indian license so that you can drive in another country. The original license must also be carried.

No, an IDP is just an extra piece of paper. It is not a replacement for your original driving license.

Both mean the same thing. But the correct and legal name is “International Driving Permit (IDP)”.

No, only in countries where Indian IDP is accepted. Doesn’t work everywhere.

Yes, you can use it if your Indian driving license includes two-wheelers, then your IDP will allow you to ride them abroad as well.

Yes, Many states now provide the option to initiate your Learner’s License application process through the Sarathi Prayuhan portal.

You can do:

Fill out Form 4A online
Upload your documents
Book a visit to your RTO
Pay the IDP fee (if online payment is available in your state)

Your application will be checked and approved at the RTO office.

Yes, you need to carry both the Indian driving license and the IDP, as the International Driving License is not valid without it.