International Driving Permit from India: Complete Guide for Indians

An International Driving Permit from India is a U.N.-model licence booklet that translates your Indian driving licence into multiple languages so you can legally drive or rent a car in many countries abroad. It is issued by Indian RTOs, tied to your Indian licence, and usually valid for one year. This guide explains where an IDP works, who needs it, and exactly how to apply for it from India.

Last updated: August 2026

Indian international driving permit booklet and passport

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP):

Is a multilingual translation of your valid Indian driving licence, based on UN conventions (1949/1968).
Is not a standalone licence – you must carry your original Indian driving licence with it.
Lets you drive vehicles of the same class as on your Indian licence (e.g., LMV for cars) in many foreign countries, subject to local rules.
Is issued in India only by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Official reference: MoRTH Parivahan, the central portal for driving licence and IDP services.

Where is an IDP from India Accepted?

Countries that generally accept the Indian IDP

Most countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic accept International Driving Permits issued in India. This includes much of:

Europe (Schengen region, UK, etc.)
Parts of the Middle East
Many countries in Africa and South America
Several Asian destinations
Some Pacific countries (e.g. New Zealand)

However, recognition and rules differ widely:

Some countries accept your Indian licence + IDP for short stays as a tourist.
Some require you to obtain a local driving licence after a certain period (e.g. 6 or 12 months).
A few don’t accept IDPs from non-residents at all, or only accept the 1968-model IDP.

Always check with:

The destination country’s embassy/consulate in India (e.g. Embassy of France in India, Embassy of Italy in India), and/or
Official transport ministry or road safety authority of your destination (e.g. NZ Transport Agency, DVLA UK)

Examples for popular Indian travel destinations

These are general patterns; verify before travelling as rules change.

Schengen Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland etc.):
Short tourist trips often allow driving with home country licence; many car rental firms insist on an IDP.
Useful when applying for Schengen visas – see our visa guides for France, Italy, Spain and Netherlands.
United States:
Many states allow driving for visitors on a foreign licence; an IDP is strongly recommended, and sometimes required by car rental companies.
For long stays, you usually need a local state licence; see United States visa guide.
United Kingdom:
Indians on a short visit can normally drive with their Indian licence; many rental companies prefer an IDP.
New Zealand:
You can usually drive on your overseas licence or IDP for a limited period as a visitor; rental companies may insist on an English translation or IDP. Check Immigration New Zealand and NZTA. You may also refer to our New Zealand visa guide.
Gulf countries (Qatar, UAE, etc.):
Rules differ sharply by country and by visa category (tourist vs. resident). For example, short‑term visitors may be allowed to rent a car with an IDP in some states but not others. For Qatar travel formalities see Qatar visa for Indians.
East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan):
South Korea: Generally honours 1949‑convention IDPs for temporary visitors – check the Korean National Police Agency and our South Korea visa guide.
Taiwan / Hong Kong: Driving rules are strict; some visitors need a local temporary permit even with an IDP. See our guides for Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Africa (Kenya, South Africa, etc.):
Many countries require IDP + original licence for rentals. For example, car hire in South Africa almost always needs an English licence or IDP – also see our South Africa visa guide.
Check each country separately (e.g. National Traffic Information System, South Africa).

Who Can Apply for an IDP in India?

As of the latest update, typical eligibility for an International Driving Permit from India is:

You must hold a valid Indian driving licence (not a learner’s licence).
Your driving licence class must cover the vehicle type you plan to drive abroad (e.g., LMV for cars).
Generally, your Indian licence should be valid for at least 1 year from the date of application (some RTOs apply stricter local rules).
You must be 18+ for cars in most states/UTs.
You should normally apply from the RTO that issued your licence or where it is currently registered.

Always confirm with your specific RTO, as some local conditions or documents can differ by state.

Validity of an Indian IDP

Standard validity is 1 year from the date of issue or until your Indian driving licence expires, whichever is earlier.
It cannot usually be renewed abroad – but as per MoRTH, Indian citizens can now apply online for re‑issuance while abroad and collect it through someone in India or when they return, subject to RTO practice.
You must apply for a new IDP when it expires or when you get a new driving licence.

Official policy updates are usually posted on MoRTH and Parivahan.

Where and How to Apply for an International Driving Permit from India

You apply through your local RTO (or the one that holds your licence record), with an online component via Parivahan in many states.

Indian RTO office counter with people applying

Step 1 – Check your RTO and state-specific process

Visit Parivahan Sarathi → Driving Licence Related Services.
Select your State.
Look for the service labelled “International Driving Permit” / “Issue of IDP”.
Read any state-specific instructions or links to your State Transport Department site (e.g. Transport Department, Government of Maharashtra, Transport Department, GNCTD).

Some states let you complete most steps online (form and fee payment) and then visit the RTO only for document verification; others still require more offline interaction.

Step 2 – Fill the IDP application form

The central form is usually Form 4A (International Driving Permit application). On Parivahan or at the RTO you will typically need to provide:

Full name, address, contact details
Passport number, place and date of issue
Country (or countries) you intend to visit
Driving licence number, date and place of issue
Class of vehicles you are licensed to drive

If applying offline, you may need to fill Form 4A in paper; online it becomes an e‑form.

Step 3 – Book an appointment (if required)

Depending on your RTO:

Some require you to book a slot online for document submission and biometric capture.
Others allow walk‑ins on specific working days/timings.

Check your RTO’s noticeboard or website for updated timings and appointment rules before visiting.

Step 4 – Gather required documents

Below is the usual document checklist for an International Driving Permit from India. Carry both originals and photocopies.

Valid Indian Driving Licence

Smart card or booklet; must show the same details as in your passport (especially name and date of birth).

Passport

Valid passport with personal details page and address page copies.

Valid Visa (if applicable)

For countries where visa is required; some RTOs insist on a copy of the visa or e‑visa approval.

Air ticket or travel itinerary (not always mandatory, but often asked)
Form 4A – IDP Application Form
Recent Passport-size Photographs

Typically 2–4, as per RTO’s specification (usually white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm).

Medical Certificate (Form 1A)

Some RTOs require a fitness/medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner, especially if you are above a certain age.

Proof of Indian Address (only if RTO asks)

Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc., usually only if your licence is not updated or address mismatch exists.

Because practices vary, confirm your RTO’s checklist on Parivahan or the State Transport Department website before applying.

Step 5 – Pay the IDP fee

As of the latest update, IDP fees vary by state and can change, so always verify on:

Parivahan – Fees & User Charges, and
Your State Transport Department website.

Broadly:

The central guideline fee is modest (typically a few hundred rupees), but states may levy additional charges and service fees.
Online payments are usually accepted via net banking, UPI, cards, or e-wallet.

For estimation, expect the overall fee to be in the low hundreds to around a thousand rupees, but don’t rely on this for budgeting without checking your specific RTO.

Step 6 – Visit the RTO for verification and biometrics

On your appointment/walk‑in day:

Reach the RTO with all documents and fee receipt.
Submit your application at the designated driving licence / IDP counter.
Provide biometrics (photo, signature) if required.
Some RTOs may ask a few basic questions about your trip or destination.

If everything is in order, the RTO will process your IDP and print the official IDP booklet.

Step 7 – Collection and processing time

Processing times differ by RTO. As of the latest update:

Many RTOs issue the IDP within 2–7 working days.
In smaller RTOs or during busy periods, it could take longer.
Some RTOs offer postal delivery of the IDP to your registered address; others require in-person collection.

Always apply at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date to avoid last‑minute issues.

Applying for IDP While You Are Abroad

MoRTH has announced an online facility through Parivahan for Indian citizens abroad to apply for re-issuance of IDP, but practical implementation still depends on each RTO.

General idea (subject to RTO practice):

You submit an application online via Parivahan from abroad.
Upload scanned documents (licence, passport, visa, medical certificate if needed).
Provide an Indian address for delivery.
A relative or authorised person may need to interact with the RTO if called.

Because this is evolving, always check the latest circulars on MoRTH and Parivahan or contact your home RTO by email/phone.

IDP vs Local Driving Licence Abroad

Your Indian IDP is usually meant for short-term, tourist or visitor use. Situations where it is not enough:

Long stays (e.g., study, work, PR) where you become a resident.
Countries that require conversion of foreign licence into a local one after a certain period.
Places where Indians cannot directly use foreign licences and must take local driving tests.

Examples:

Europe/UK/US/NZ: Long-term visa holders typically must get a local licence within 6–12 months.
Some countries have reciprocal arrangements for exchange of licences, but India is often not part of these.

Always read the driving rules on the official transport/road safety authority site of your destination.

Driving Abroad on an Indian Licence + IDP – Practical Tips

Small car driving on a coastal road abroad

1. Match your documents

Carry together:

Original Indian driving licence (plastic smart card/booklet)
International Driving Permit booklet
Passport
Visa / residence card (if applicable)
Copy of rental agreement and insurance

Names, date of birth, and photo should be consistent across all documents.

2. Check age, tenure and experience requirements

Some countries or rental agencies require a minimum driving experience, e.g. 1–2 years after licence issue.
Minimum age to rent a car is often 21–25 years, with a “young driver surcharge” under a certain age.

3. Understand traffic rules before driving

Study local speed limits, parking rules, drink-driving limits, mobile phone rules, seat-belt and child-seat laws.
Learn which side of the road to drive on (left vs right) and priority rules at roundabouts and junctions.

Official resources like the country’s highway code/road safety website are best; if travelling to countries like Switzerland or France, you’ll find links from our visa guides such as Switzerland and France.

4. Sort out insurance and deposits

Always take CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and third-party liability coverage when renting.
In many countries, medical costs from accidents are extremely high – consider a travel insurance policy that covers driving an overseas rental car.

5. Left-hand vs right-hand driving

Indians are used to driving on the left side of the road with right-hand drive cars. In most of Europe, USA, and many others you’ll be driving on the right with left-hand drive cars.

Tips:

Start on quieter roads or in the countryside.
Avoid your first drive immediately after a long flight.
Be extra careful at turns and roundabouts.

6. Avoid common mistakes that get tourists fined

Not paying for toll roads properly (e.g. e-vignettes in some European countries).
Parking in restricted zones or not buying a parking ticket.
Exceeding speed limits (many European countries use camera-based fines mailed later, which the rental company will charge to your card).
Using a mobile phone while driving without hands-free.

7. Keep copies and backups

Store scanned copies of your licence, IDP and passport in secure cloud storage.
Keep photocopies in a separate bag from the originals.

Common Mistakes When Applying for an IDP in India

Applying with an expiring or invalid licence

If your Indian licence is close to expiry, renew it first and then apply for IDP.

Name or signature mismatch between passport and licence

This can trigger queries at the RTO or with police abroad. Update your Indian licence if your name has changed (e.g., after marriage).

Ignoring RTO-specific rules

Each RTO may ask for slightly different documents (e.g. medical certificate, air tickets). Don’t rely only on generic lists – confirm online or by visiting the RTO.

Leaving it to the last week before travel

Processing can be delayed due to holidays, staff shortage, or technical issues. Apply at least 2–3 weeks in advance.

Assuming IDP replaces a visa or residence permit

Your IDP only relates to driving. You still need the correct visa or entry permission – see our country-wise guides such as Kenya, Brazil, or Sri Lanka.

Not checking country-specific rules

An IDP doesn’t guarantee the right to drive everywhere. Some countries may still require an additional local permit, test, or translation.

Useful Official Links

Parivahan – Driving Licence Related Services
MoRTH – Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
State Transport Departments (examples):
Transport Dept, Govt. of Maharashtra
Transport Dept, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
Check your destination country’s transport/road authority (e.g. DVLA UK, NZTA) for driving rules and IDP recognition.

Armed with a valid Indian licence, a properly issued International Driving Permit from India, and a little preparation, you can explore many countries at your own pace behind the wheel.