While visiting foreign countries, some people opt for public transport like buses, whereas others love to cover the foreign roads on bikes and cars. 

You can cover each and every corner of India on your vehicle with an Indian driving license, but an international driving permit or license is mandatory while riding on foreign streets and highways.

The road transport authority of India issues an international driving license, a legal document to drive a four-wheeler or two-wheeler outside the country. 

Moreover, it is an official translation of the driver’s license, where the documents are converted into languages that are understandable abroad. 

The main purpose of IDP is to ensure that your driving privileges are acknowledged internationally.  It is one of the most important types of identification, mandatory for many car rental companies, and ensures compliance with the law. Furthermore, carrying an IDP enhances interaction with foreign authorities.

Here are the instructions for applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP):

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit the Parivahan Sewa portal.

Step 2. Next, select "Online Services" on the homepage and then click on "Driving License Related Services".

Step 3. Choose your state from the list of places you want to apply for the International Driving Permit. 

Step 4. Once you've selected your state, click on "Apply for International Driving Permit" from the menu. 

Step 5. Tap on ‘’Continue’’.

Step 6. Fill in the Application Form with your driving license number and date of birth. 

Step 7.  Upload the Required Documents.

Step 8. Pay the Fees using the available payment options. 

Once all the application procedures have been successfully followed, you will receive your International Driving Permit within four to five days.

The online application procedure has made it easier for anyone to apply for an international driving license. If anyone wishes to take the offline route, they can go to their respective RTOs and fill up the forms, pay the fees, and submit the required documents. The RTO will translate your license into an international one.

If you are planning to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) offline in India, here are the steps you need to follow:

• Step 1. Collect all the necessary documents. 
• Step 2. Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
• Step 3. Get the application form for the International Driving Permit (Form 4A) from the RTO and fill it out accurately. 
• Step 4. Submit the filled application form and the required documents to the designated counter. 
• Step 5. Pay the applicable fee for the IDP. The fee may vary between states but is usually around ₹1,000. 
• Step 6. The RTO officials will verify the form and the documents that you have submitted. You may also need to undergo a brief medical examination. 
• Step 7. The RTO will process your application after successful verification.

Follow the steps mentioned below to correctly fill out the application form for an International Driving Permit in India:

Step 1. Fill the fields for Name, Father’s/Husband’s Name, Permanent Address, Temporary Address, Date of Birth and Place of Birth with the correct information.

Step 2. Double-check before you input the Driving License Number, Issuing Authority, Date of Issue, and Validity Period.

Step 3. Accurately enter your Passport Number, Date of Issue, Place of Issue, Visa Number (if any), and Country Visited.

Step 4. Sign and input the date of application. 

Step 5. Attach passport-size photos and photocopies of your driving license, passport, and visa.

Step 6. Once the above-mentioned steps are completed, submit the completed form to the RTO.

The eligibility criteria to apply for IDL are as follows - 

• Should be an Indian citizen with age above 18 years. 
• You must possess a valid Indian Driving License issued by the relevant authorities in India. 
• It is mandatory to have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of application. 
• Ensure that you provide valid proof of address, such as a ration card, electricity bill, or telephone bill.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in India remains valid for one year from the date of issuance. This validity enables Indian citizens to drive vehicles that recognise the IDP in foreign countries. 

It's essential to remember that the IDP must be used alongside a valid Indian driving license, as it essentially serves as a translation of your domestic license. If you intend to stay abroad for more than a year and need to drive, you must apply for a new IDP or obtain a local driving license in the respective country.

The validity of an international driving permit is one year from the date of its issuance. 

Earlier, it was impossible to renew an international driving license, but an amendment in the motor vehicle act has made it possible. The individual needs to renew it through MoRTH’s official website. The procedures are as follows – 

• Step 1: Download the miscellaneous application form from respective Indian Embassy sites and fill it up. 

• Step 2: Submit the following documents: 

  • Original and copy of applicant’s valid passport and visa status 
  • Valid and original IDP and Indian driving license 
  • Residence proof, including Utility Bill, Lease Agreement, State Identity Card, or Mortgage Deed 
  • Passport size photographs as required 

• Step 3: Submit an international driving license renewal fee of ₹ 2,000 along with the documents and forms. You will get a receipt of payment and a certificate of identification from the embassy. 

• Step 4: Apply from the official website of MoRTH and upload all the embassy's documents. 

Then, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will reissue your IDP and send it to your postal address. 

Furthermore, If there are any further problems with reissuing the driving permit abroad, it should be enquired with MoRTH. Thus, you can easily increase the validity of your IDL by another year.

With an international permit, you can drive on foreign roads without getting into any trouble with the respective foreign authorities. Apart from that, there are various other benefits of an international driving license. They are listed below. 

• Rent and drive a car on foreign roads 
• It can also work as an identity-proof 
• No additional driving tests are required abroad 
• You can visit around 150 countries with an international driving license 
• You can claim insurance for an accident abroad if you possess an international driving permit 
• Communication with foreign authorities becomes feasible 
• Experience the countryside roads and sights 

It's high time for you to apply for an international driving permit and take your vehicle on a foreign tour. Holding an international driving license will also allow you to freely rent and ride cars on foreign roads and highways without getting into trouble with the local authorities.

In case you misplace your IDP while on a trip, manage the situation by taking a few steps:

• Report the loss to the local authorities to prevent any potential misuse.
• Next, contact the agency that has issued your IDP. They will either issue a new one or help you determine further actions.
• When travelling, it is always advisable to have a photocopy of the IDP and other relevant documents in the event of an accident. In the meantime, use your national driving license and keep a photocopy of the police report with you. 
• Check if the country you’re in allows driving with just your national license until your IDP issue is resolved.

IDL alone will not suffice for your safety. Buy Travel Insurance for complete protection:

Whatever your purpose be for the travel, either work or vacation, do not miss buying a Travel Insurance Cover. It will help you with:

Cancelled Trip

Don’t panic and leave your worries to the insurance company, in case you have to cancel your travel plan. If you have travel insurance, you can easily get the tickets and everything else cancelled and reimbursed. It will cover the expenses of trip cancellation in case of sickness, injury, terrorist incident, and other scenarios.

Medical Emergencies

You might feel distressed due to a medical emergency abroad. And if that happens because of driving, things can be even worse! But if you have a travel insurance, all your apprehensions should stay at bay.

Emergency Evacuations

Medical emergencies can happen with anyone anytime. Why miss out on the extra care when you are out for a holiday or for work? Buying a travel cover will help you for emergency evacuations like airlifts or medically equipped flights back home.

Loss of baggage, delay of baggage and delay of flights

One should be prepared for such things when travelling abroad. Human error is common but it can leave you stranded without much in hand. With a Travel Insurance Cover, you can stay assured of getting compensation for loss or delay of bags. 

Phone Assistance

When anxious or in pain abroad, you would always want to connect with the person who assures you of safety. With Travel Cover, you can easily connect with anyone worldwide and that too at any part of the day. 

Personal Liability Bond

Under this benefit of travel insurance, you’ll be covered for any emergencies that may arise while you’re driving a car. This includes damage to your rented car or injuries to yourself as well. Therefore, if you have a good international travel insurance policy that covers you, you need not purchase additional car insurance during your trip abroad. 

Know more about:
Countries that Accept Indian Driving Licence