International Driving Permit (IDP) in India – Complete Information & Help (2025)
This page gives you complete, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date information about the International Driving Permit (IDP) in India. Learn about road travel abroad, driving license conversion, foreign travel vehicle permit, international travel documentation, driver's license validity, vehicle rental abroad, traffic regulations international, passport and visa requirements, driving rules overseas, and license verification. All information is in simple English, with accurate details and step-by-step sections for every user.
Sample: International Driving Permit (IDP) and Indian Driving Licence for travel abroad (2025)
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that allows you to drive a vehicle in foreign countries. It is issued by the Indian government and is valid in over 150 countries. The IDP is a translation of your Indian driving licence into several languages and is recognized by traffic authorities, car rental companies, and police abroad. It is also called an international travel documentation for drivers.
- Lets you drive legally in other countries for road travel abroad.
- Needed for vehicle rental abroad and driving license conversion in some countries.
- Shows your driver's license validity and helps with license verification overseas.
- Accepted as a valid ID by foreign traffic police and car rental agencies.
- Must be used along with your original Indian driving licence.
The IDP is not a substitute for your Indian licence, but an additional permit for foreign travel vehicle permit and driving rules overseas compliance.
Eligibility for International Driving Permit (IDP) in India
- You must have a valid Indian driving licence (smart card or paper DL).
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your Indian driving licence must be valid for at least 1 year from the date of IDP application.
- You must be an Indian citizen or have valid long-term residency in India.
- You must have a valid passport and visa for the country you are visiting.
The IDP is for road travel abroad and is not issued to people with a suspended or expired Indian driving licence.
Documents Required for International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Filled IDP application form (Form 4A or as per RTO)
- Valid Indian driving licence (original and photocopy)
- Valid Indian passport (original and photocopy)
- Valid visa for the destination country (original and photocopy)
- Passport-size photographs (usually 4-5, recent)
- Proof of address (Aadhaar, passport, utility bill, etc.)
- Air ticket (sometimes required by RTO)
- Medical certificate (Form 1A, if required)
- Fee payment receipt
Check with your local RTO for any extra documents. All documents must be clear and valid for international travel documentation and passport and visa requirements.
How to Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP) in India
A. Online Application (Parivahan Sewa)
- Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal or your state RTO website.
- Click on "Driving Licence Related Services".
- Select your state and RTO office.
- Choose "Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)".
- Fill in the online application form (Form 4A) with your details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
- Book an appointment for document verification at your RTO.
- Pay the IDP fee online using net banking, UPI, or card.
- Visit the RTO on your appointment date for verification and biometrics.
- After approval, collect your IDP from the RTO or get it delivered to your address.
B. Offline Application (at RTO Office)
- Visit your local RTO office and ask for the IDP application form (Form 4A).
- Fill the form with your details.
- Attach photocopies of all required documents and your passport-size photos.
- Submit the form and documents at the RTO counter.
- Pay the IDP fee at the RTO cash counter and collect the receipt.
- Book a slot for document verification and biometrics.
- Go for verification and biometrics on your appointment date.
- After approval, collect your IDP from the RTO or get it delivered to your address.
How to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India (online & offline)
Fees for International Driving Permit (IDP) in India
The fee for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India is usually ₹1000. This covers the cost of processing, printing, and issuing the permit. You can pay online (on Parivahan Sewa) or at the RTO counter. Always collect the receipt for future reference.
- New IDP: ₹1000
- Duplicate IDP (if lost/damaged): ₹1000
- Correction/Update in IDP: ₹1000
Check your state RTO or Parivahan Sewa portal for the exact fee in your area. Fees may change as per government rules.
Validity & Countries Covered by International Driving Permit (IDP)
- The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue or until your Indian driving licence expires (whichever is earlier).
- IDP is valid in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
- Some popular countries where IDP is accepted: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa, Japan, and more.
- Always check driver's license validity and traffic regulations international for your destination country before travel.
| Country | IDP Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | IDP + Indian DL required for car rental |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Valid for up to 12 months |
| Australia | Yes | Carry both IDP and Indian DL |
| UAE | Yes | IDP required for tourists |
| Japan | No | Separate process for conversion |
| Germany | Yes | Short stays only |
| France | Yes | IDP + Indian DL required |
| Singapore | Yes | Valid for up to 12 months |
| Qatar | Yes | IDP required for car rental |
For a full list of countries, check the Parivahan Sewa portal or your destination country's embassy website.
Passport and Visa Requirements for IDP
- You must have a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity.
- You must have a valid visa for the country you are visiting (tourist, work, student, etc.).
- Some countries require a return air ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Carry photocopies of your passport, visa, and IDP at all times during travel.
- Check passport and visa requirements for your destination before applying for IDP.
If your visa is rejected or expires, your IDP is not valid for that country.
Driving Rules Overseas & International Traffic Regulations
- Always follow the driving rules overseas and traffic regulations international in the country you are visiting.
- Speed limits, road signs, and traffic laws may be different from India.
- Some countries drive on the left (like UK, Australia), others on the right (like USA, France).
- Seat belts, child seats, and mobile phone rules are strictly enforced.
- Drunk driving and traffic violations can lead to heavy fines or arrest.
- Carry your IDP, Indian DL, passport, and visa at all times while driving.
Check the official website of your destination country for detailed traffic rules and license verification procedures.
Vehicle Rental Abroad with Indian IDP
- Most car rental companies abroad require an IDP along with your Indian driving licence.
- Some countries may ask for a credit card and minimum age (usually 21 or 25 years).
- Check if your IDP covers the vehicle type you want to rent (car, bike, van, etc.).
- Read the rental agreement carefully and check for insurance coverage.
- Return the vehicle on time to avoid extra charges.
For vehicle rental abroad, always carry your IDP, Indian DL, passport, and visa. Some companies may also ask for license verification online or at the counter.
License Verification & Driving License Conversion Overseas
- Some countries allow you to use your IDP for a limited period (usually 1 year).
- For long-term stays, you may need to convert your Indian driving licence to a local licence.
- License conversion may require a driving test, medical check, and document verification.
- Contact the local transport authority or embassy for driving license conversion rules.
- Always check driver's license validity and renewal rules in your destination country.
For license verification and conversion, keep all your documents ready and follow the official process.
Common Mistakes & Tips for International Driving Permit (IDP) Applicants
- Not checking passport and visa requirements before applying.
- Submitting unclear or expired documents (DL, passport, visa, etc.).
- Not booking an appointment at the RTO for verification.
- Missing the appointment or not carrying all originals.
- Not checking traffic regulations international for your destination country.
- Not carrying both IDP and Indian DL while driving abroad.
- Not reading the car rental agreement carefully.
- Not checking driver's license validity and insurance coverage.
Tip: Always use official portals like Parivahan Sewa and your state RTO for IDP application and updates.
Information & Help for Users
- For any confusion, visit your local RTO or the Parivahan Sewa portal.
- Use the helpline numbers on the Parivahan Sewa website for support.
- Check the FAQ section below for common questions and answers.
- Keep all your documents safe and make photocopies before travel.
- For country-specific rules, visit the embassy website or contact the transport authority of your destination.
- For lost or stolen IDP, report to the local police and apply for a duplicate at your RTO.
Travel safe, follow all traffic rules, and enjoy your journey abroad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about International Driving Permit (IDP)
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Is IDP mandatory for driving abroad?
How long is the IDP valid?
Can I renew my IDP after expiry?
What documents are needed for IDP?
Can I use IDP as ID proof in India?
What if I lose my IDP abroad?
Can NRIs apply for IDP in India?
Is IDP valid in the USA, UK, Australia, and UAE?
Can I use IDP for vehicle rental abroad?
What is the fee for IDP?
Can I use my Indian DL alone to drive abroad?
What is the process for driving license conversion overseas?
Can I apply for IDP if my Indian DL is expiring soon?
Is IDP valid for all vehicle types?
Conclusion
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is your key to safe and legal road travel abroad. It helps you drive, rent vehicles, and follow traffic regulations international in over 150 countries. Always keep your documents ready, follow the rules, and use official government portals for all applications. For any help, contact your RTO or the Parivahan Sewa portal. Travel safe and enjoy your journey!
- Use only official government websites for IDP application and status check.
- Keep your IDP, Indian DL, passport, and visa safe during travel.
- Check driving rules overseas and license verification before driving in a new country.
- For help, use the helpline numbers on the Parivahan Sewa portal.
Drive safe, follow the rules, and enjoy your international travel!
