A Guide on How to Get an International Driving Licence

Key Hig​​hlights

• For an international driving licence, you must have a valid Indian driver's licence, passport, and visa.
• The documents required are Form 4A, medical certificate, and passport photographs.
• You can apply online using the Parivahan Sewa site or in person at your local RTO.
• The application fees for the licence depend on the local RTO.

An International Driving Permit (IDP), or international driving licence, allows you to drive legally in foreign countries. The process of obtaining an international driving licence in India is simple. Plus, if you submit the relevant documents, you can get the licence quickly.

What Is t​​he International Driver's Permit (IDP)?

Before you know how to get an international driving licence, let's understand what it is.

The IDP is a governmental document that allows you to drive a vehicle in an international country as long as you have a valid Indian driver's licence. The IDP is accepted in over 150 countries. It transforms your driver's licence information into many languages, allowing foreign authorities to understand your credentials.
The IDP is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, its validity is subject to the norms and regulations of the country you're visiting.

How Do​ I Get an International Driver's Licence?

Here's how you can get the IDP in India -

Eligibility ​​criteria

You have to fulfil the following eligibility criteria -

• You must have a valid Indian driving licence.
• Your Indian driver's licence should cover the sort of car you plan to drive abroad.
• You should have both a passport and a visa for the nation you intend to visit.

Docu​ments

Submit the following documents for the licence -

• Valid Indian driving licence
• Passport and Visa for the nation you plan to visit
• Form 4A (IDP Application Form) is the official application form for an IDP. You can obtain it on the Parivahan Sewa website or from your local RTO.
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical fitness certificate (if needed)
• Air ticket (Optional)

Also Read - Know the do's and don'ts of boarding an international flight

Applic​​ation Procedure

The application process for getting an international driving licence is outlined below -

• Online application (using the Parivahan Sewa Portal)
  • Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and select your state.
  • Select the "Apply for an International Driving Permit" option.
  • Fill out the IDP application form (Form 4A) and upload all relevant papers.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • After applying, an appointment for document verification will be established at your local RTO.
• Offline Application (via RTO)
  • Go to your nearest RTO and get Form 4A.
  • Fill out the form and submit it with your relevant documents, such as a photocopy of your driver's licence, passport, and visa.
  • Pay the application money at the RTO.
  • Schedule an appointment for document verification.

Validation an​d Dispatch

After submission of the form, the RTO will check your documents. After all paperwork is validated, the RTO will issue your International Driving Permit. You can either collect your IDP in person or have it delivered to your registered address.

Advant​ages of IDP

Some of the benefits of an IDP are as follows -

• Legal Recognition: An IDP allows you to drive legally in countries that recognise it.
• Easy Translation: It converts your driving licence into different languages, lowering language barriers while interacting with foreign traffic authorities.
• Valid Identification Document: The IDP can also be used as a supplementary form of identification while travelling overseas.
• Convenient for Rental Vehicles: Many car rental companies abroad demand an IDP in addition to your local driver's licence to rent a vehicle.

Also Read - Know the destinations where Indian currency is of high value

Get Your Internatio​​nal Driving Licence 

Obtaining an IDP is a simple process that will allow you to drive legally and safely in most international nations. Ensure that you have all of the appropriate documentation, and remember to check the country's unique requirements when understanding how to apply for IDP.

An IDP not only allows you to drive overseas, but it also serves as a useful form of identification during your travels. Also, buy an International Travel Insurance policy from Reliance General Insurance to secure your trip financially.

FA​​Qs

Q1. How l​​ong does i​t​​ take to get IDP in India?

After submitting your application to the RTO, the procedure normally takes 3 to 5 business days. However, this may change based on the RTO's workload and your location.

Q2. Is an Internation​​al Driver's Permit valid in all countries?

The IDP is recognised in over 150 countries, although each country's rules determine its validity and acceptance.

Q3 - Where can I ap​ply f​or an International Driving Licence?

You can apply for an IDL at your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) or through authorised online platforms offered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Q4 - What is the validit​y​ of the International Driver's Licence?

An IDL is usually valid for one year from the date it is issued. However, the validity depends on the regulations of the country where you are using it. So, you should check the country's validity on IDL.

Q5 - Is it possib​le t​​o renew the International Driving Licence?

The IDL cannot be renewed. If the existing licence expires, you will have to apply for a new one.