Your Guide To Getting An International Driving Permit

So you are travelling to another country and want to go on road trips there. You must get an International Driving Permit (IDP), sometimes called an international driver’s license. It allows you to drive legally in countries that require one. While it's not always mandatory, getting an International Driving Permit is highly recommended when travelling abroad. This greatly facilitates communication with rental agencies and local authorities, and could potentially be a lifesaver if you encounter any issues while driving in a foreign country. You can gain easy access to car rentals and travel seamlessly across numerous countries worldwide with an international driving permit—a vital and widely accepted document for your global adventures. Contrary to general perceptions, getting one is quite an easy task.

What To Do

Firstly, to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), you must check your eligibility. To be eligible for an IDP in India, you need to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. And you should have a valid passport and visa. At the application stage, you have to pay INR 1,000.

Documents For Application

You need to provide the following documents to apply for an international driving license in India - Forms 4A and 1A, a valid driver's license copy, copy of passport and visa, duplicate air tickets for verification, passport-size photographs, certified proof of Indian citizenship, copy of address proof, and copy of age proof.

Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal (https://parivahan.gov.in/). Click on “Driving License Related Services” and select your state. Look for “Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)” and follow the on-screen instructions. Provide your driver's license details and date of birth, and upload the necessary scanned documents to complete your application. Securely submit the application fee through our convenient online payment gateway. Once your application is processed, you'll be able to conveniently download and print a copy of your IDP.

Visit The RTO

In case you do not want to do this online, you can also apply by physically visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your area. Ensure a smooth process by preparing both original and photocopies of your documents, and completing the required forms, including Form 4 for standard IDP applications and possibly Form 1A for a medical certificate. Submit the completed forms, documents, and the application fee at the RTO counter to expedite the issuance of your IDP within just a few working days.

Please ensure that your Indian driver's license remains valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. It's crucial to plan your application for an International Driver Permit well in advance, as they are typically valid for one year.