The International Driving Permit (IDP) allows you to drive lawfully in foreign countries that accept it. Are you planning to drive overseas and trying to know how to obtain an International Driving License (ITL) in India? For an International Driving License in India, this guide will lead you through the application, costs, needed papers, and renewal process.
What is an International Driving License?
An International Driving License grants permission to drive in other countries. It is officially translated from your Indian driver’s license into many languages. An International Driving License (IDL), also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP), lets you drive in several nations where it is accepted as legal evidence of your driving qualification, including your identification picture and driving categories. The International Driving License gives vital information that helps officials in other nations confirm your driving qualifications.
International Driving Permit: How to Apply for an International Driving License in India
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India is now a simplified process. Below are the steps to help you apply for your International Driving License (IDL):
- Apply at the RTO: If you are an Indian resident, you must apply at the same Regional Transport Office (RTO) that issued your Indian driving license.
- Fill Out Form 4A: This is the International Driving Permit application form, which can be obtained at the RTO or downloaded online.
- Submit Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents as per the RTO guidelines.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee for the IDP is INR 1,000, which must be paid at the RTO.
- Biometric & Verification Process: You may be required to undergo biometric verification and a brief interview at the RTO.
- Processing Time: The International Driving License is usually issued within 3 to 4 business days.
Requirements for an International Driver’s License
Below we have listed the documents needed for an international driving licence:
- Properly completed Form 4A (International Driving Permit application).
- Indian driving license is valid for at least one year.
- Passport and visa copy (Make sure their validity covers your itinerary).
- Copy of an air ticket (To verify your international travel itinerary).
- Five passport-sized pictures are needed; modern and sharp photos.
- Medical certificate (Form 1A) from a registered medical practitioner.
- Proof of residency (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, utility bill).
Also Check Out- Types of driving licences in India
International Driving Licence Fee in India
An international driving licence fee in India costs INR 1000 for the application. The fee may be paid upon submission of an application at the RTO.
What is the process for international driving licence renewal
Renewing an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India can be done through both online and offline methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide to renewing your IDP organically, without third-party agents.
Eligibility for Renewal
- Your existing Indian Driving License must be valid.
- Your previous IDP must have expired or be close to expiry.
- You should be an Indian citizen.
Online Process (Parivahan Portal)
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) allows renewal through the Parivahan Sewa website.
Steps to Renew IDP Online
- Visit the Official Portal
- Go to Parivahan Sewa.
- Select the State
- Click on “Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)” and choose your issuing state.
- Fill the Application Form
- Enter your Driving License (DL) number and other required details.
- Upload Documents (Scanned Copies)
- Valid Indian Driving License
- Expired/old IDP copy
- Passport (Valid)
- Visa (for the country you are applying for)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A) signed by a registered doctor
- Pay the Fees
- Online payment (usually ₹1,000 + service charges).
- Submit the Application
- After submission, you will receive an application number for tracking.
- Visit RTO (if required)
- Some RTOs may ask for physical verification.
Processing Time
- The renewed IDP is generally issued within 7–10 days and sent to your registered address.
Offline Process (Through RTO)
If you prefer a manual submission, visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Steps to Renew IDP Offline
- Get the Forms
- Collect Form 4A (IDP application) & Form 1A (Medical Certificate).
- Attach Required Documents
- Valid Indian Driving License
- Old IDP copy
- Passport & Visa
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
- Passport-size photographs
- Submit at RTO
- Submit the completed application along with the fees (₹1,000–₹1,500).
- Processing & Issuance
- After verification, the renewed IDP is sent by post or collected in person.
The Bottom Line
In India, the RTO or the Parivahan portal enables one to easily get an International Driving Permit (IDI). You can legally drive in foreign countries that accept the IDP with the needed paperwork, a small charge, and a fast processing time. Renewal guarantees steady driving rights overseas and is also straightforward. Forethink and follow the directions to protect your IDP effortlessly. You can use digital as well as offline methods accordingly.
Faqs
- What is an International Driving Permit and why do I need it?
International Driving Permit or IDP is like a bigger version of your Indian driving licence and it’s recognised in over 150 countries and it’s super helpful when you’re planning to drive abroad, whether it’s for a vacation, work trip, or long stay, and without it, most countries won’t legally let you drive.
- How can I apply for an IDP from India?
You can apply both online and offline but it’s easier online through the Parivahan website and what you do is select your RTO, fill in the application, upload documents, pay the fee and book a slot, or if you prefer going directly you can walk into your local RTO with the required documents and do it the old-fashioned way.
- What documents do I need to get my International Driving Permit?
You’ll need a copy of your valid Indian driving licence, a passport, visa for the destination country, passport-sized photos, and a medical fitness certificate in Form 1A and all these papers need to be recent and valid or else your application can get rejected or delayed.
- Do I need to take a test to get the international licence?
No, you don’t need to take a driving test again if your Indian licence is valid because the IDP is basically a translation of your current licence not a fresh test of your skills so if everything else is in order and you’re medically fit, you’re good to go.
- How long does it take to get the IDP after applying?
It usually takes about 4 to 7 working days if all your documents are correct and there are no issues at your RTO but sometimes it can take a bit longer especially if the office is busy or something’s missing in the documents so it’s best to double-check everything before submitting.
- How long is the International Driving Permit valid for?
The IDP issued in India is generally valid for one year from the date it’s issued which means you’ll need to reapply if you plan to stay abroad longer or if you want to continue driving after it expires, and no, it can’t be renewed, you need to go through the whole process again.
- Can I apply for an IDP if my licence is about to expire?
No, your Indian driving licence needs to be valid for the entire time your IDP is valid too, because if your regular licence expires during that year, the IDP becomes invalid automatically, so it’s a good idea to renew your main licence first and then go for the international one.
