International Driving Licence (IDL/IDP)

Before you apply for an IDL/IDP, you need to make sure that you meet the following requirements:

Your age must not be less than 18 years.

You must have a valid Indian driving licence issued by the RTO, also known as the Regional Transport Office or the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state or union territory.

You must possess an active passport with a minimum validity of six months from your departure date.

You must have a valid visa for the country or countries you intend to visit or proof of onward travel if you want to fly to a visa-free country.

You must have a confirmed air ticket for your trip, with the date of departure within three months from the date of the application.

You must pay the prescribed fees. The fee for an international driving license in India is Rs. 1000 for the application fee.

Depending on the purpose and span of your trip, you need to apply for either Form 4A or Form 4. Form 4A is for those travelling for tourism, business, or education purposes for less than one year. Form 4 is for those travelling for employment, permanent residence, or immigration purposes for more than one year.

The application process for an IDL/IDP is simple and convenient. You can apply online through the Parivahan Sewa or National Government Services Portal. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Visit any of these two portals - Parivahan Sewa or the National Government Services Portal.

Register with your mobile number and email address.

Select the state and RTO/RTA where your driving licence was issued and click on "Apply Online".

Choose "Services on Driving Licence" and share your driving licence number and date of birth.

Select "Issue of IDP" and fill out the application form with the required details, such as your personal information, passport number, visa details, air ticket details, and the countries you plan to visit.

Upload the following scanned documents and verify them with a digital signature or an Aadhaar-based e-signature:

Driving licence

Passport

Visa or proof of onward travel

Air ticket

Medical certificate in Form 1A

Pay the fees and user charges online using a UPI, debit card, net banking, or credit card.

Submit your application, and don't forget to note down the application number for future reference.

You will get a text or an email confirmation once your application is approved and your IDL/IDP is ready for collection.

You can collect your IDL/IDP from the RTO/RTA where you applied or get it delivered to your address by paying an additional fee.

Note: Below is an example of the Application Form for your reference. However, these forms might change from time to time. So, download the latest version from the official websites.

The validity period of your IDL/IDP is either one year from the day it is issued or the day your driving licence expires, whichever comes first.

Your IDL/IDP expiry date is mentioned on the license. You can check it by looking at the bottom right corner of the front page, where it says “Valid Until”. You should also check the expiry date of your driving licence, passport, and visa before you travel.

If you lose, damage, or misplace your IDL/IDP while abroad, you should report it to the nearest Indian embassy or consulate and the local police.

You should also apply for a duplicate IDL/IDP online through the Parivahan Sewa portal or the National Government Services portal by following the same steps as above and paying the same fees and user charges.

Here are some steps to renew your international driving licence in India:

First, you need to check the validity of your IDL. If it has expired, you need to submit a fresh international license application.

Next, visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways's (MoRTH) official website and click on the “International Driving Permit” option under the “Online Services” tab.

Fill out the form with your details, driving licence number, passport number, visa details, and the countries you wish to visit.

Upload e-copies of your documents. You can also download the miscellaneous application form from the respective Indian Embassy website and fill it out manually.

Next, pay the application fee of ₹2,000 online through the portal. You will get a payment receipt along with an application number. You also need to submit a certificate of identification from the Indian Embassy or High Commission of the country where you are residing.

Wait for the verification by the RTO. Once it is approved, you will get a confirmation.

Download and print your IDL or IDP from the portal. You can also collect it from the RTO, the Indian Embassy, or the High Commission, depending on your preference.

You can drive lawfully in over 150 countries that accept IDL/IDP issued by India.

Note: The top countries include the United States of America, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, Germany, France, Sweden and many more.

You can rent a car without any hassle or extra charges.

You can avoid fines or penalties for driving without a valid licence.

You can get assistance and insurance coverage in case of an accident or emergency.

You can show your IDL/IDP as proof of identity and address in foreign countries.

Your IDL/IDP is valid in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Some of the countries that recognise and accept the IDL/IDP issued by India are:

• USA

• UK

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• Spain

• Japan

• Singapore

• Thailand

• UAE

• South Africa

and many more.

However, some countries do not accept the IDL/IDP issued by India or have additional requirements for driving. Some of these countries are:

• China

• Japan

• South Korea

• Taiwan

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Chile

and others.

You must always check the rules and regulations of the country you visit before driving there. Some things you should know are:

• The minimum driving age may vary from 16 to 21 years, depending on the country.

• The driving side may be left or right, depending on the country.

• The speed limit may vary from 30 to 130 km/h depending on the road and the vehicle type.

• The traffic signs may differ from the ones in India and may use symbols, colours, or words in different languages.

• The four-wheeler insurance and registration requirements may vary from country to country and require you to carry proof of insurance and registration.

• When you drive abroad, you must always carry your original driving licence, passport, visa, and IDL/IDP. You must also respect the local traffic laws and customs and drive safely and responsibly.

Driving in a foreign country is fun, and an IDP ensures you experience this joy when exploring a new culture and place.

International driving is fun. Apart from a driving licence, each country will have its own documentation requirements, such as identity proof. visa/passport requirements, travel insurance, car insurance and so on.

Make sure you are acquainted with the same and check the list of documentation required before driving. Safe Travels!

In India, the Motor Vehicles Act makes basic third-party insurance mandatory. However, considering the scope of coverage, comprehensive four-wheeler insurance is advisable.

Tata AIG offers a range of car insurance plans in India. Four-wheeler insurance from us safeguards you financially in case of third-party liabilities, own-damage and even offers a personal accident cover. You can further enhance the coverage with a choice of 12 add-ons.

Since we offer varied types of coverage, we suggest you compare car insurance online on our website and opt for one that fits your requirements.

What is the meaning of the IDP number in a driver’s licence?

The IDP number in a driver's license stands for the International Driving Permit number. It is a unique identifier for the permit, allowing legal driving in foreign countries.

Can I get IDP online in India?

Yes, you can get an IDP online in India. You must visit the Parivahan portal and follow the instructions to apply for an IDP online. You also need to submit the required documents and fees.

What is the difference between IDL and IDP?

An IDL and an IDP are not the same. An IDL is an international driving licence, which is not a legally recognised document. An IDP is an international driving permit, which is a translation of your domestic driver's licence in various languages.

How much time it takes to get an international driving license in India?

The processing time for obtaining an International Driving License in India is between one and five business days.