Are you planning to drive while you’re abroad? If you love the freedom of exploring foreign cities by car or bike, you’ll need an International Driver’s Licence (IDL), also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your Indian driving licence is perfect for navigating India, but an International Driver’s Licence is necessary to drive legally on foreign roads.
Many countries require an International and Domestic Driver’s Licence to rent a car or drive legally. Without it, you could face difficulties or even legal trouble. An International Driver’s Licence is also handy if you’re involved in an accident or get pulled over. It provides a standardised format that local officials can easily understand.
Here’s how you can apply for an International Driver’s Licence from India online.
Who Can Obtain an International Driving Licence in India?
Are you wondering if you can get an International Driver’s Licence in India? Here’s what you need to know:
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
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Indian Citizen: You need to be a citizen of India.
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Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
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Valid Indian Driving Licence: You should have a valid Indian Driving Licence issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
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Valid Passport and Visa: You must have a valid passport and visa for the country you plan to visit.
Important Points to Remember
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Validity: The International Driver’s Licence is valid for one year and cannot be renewed.
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Compliance: Always follow the traffic rules of the country you visit with your International Driver’s Licence.
How to get an International Drivers Licence Online in India?
MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) allows you to get an International Driver’s Licence from the International Driving Licence India online portal. To apply for the International Driver’s Licence online, follow these steps:
Step | Description |
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Visit the Parivahan Sarathi Portal | Go to the portal and click the “Apply for International Driving Permit” tab. |
Read the Instructions and Continue | Carefully read the instructions and press the “Continue” button. |
Fill in Details | Enter the applicant details, driving licence number, and captcha, then click “Proceed.” |
Verify Licence Details | Check the details of your driver’s licence and confirm. |
Select Service | Choose “Apply for International Driving Licence” from the list of services. |
Fill in the Application | Provide details like birthplace, passport number, visa validity, and vehicle category. |
Upload Documents | Upload the required documents. |
Pay Fees | Complete the payment process on the Government Licencing Fee page. |
Check Status | Verify the payment status and press “Continue.” | Print Receipt | Print and save the receipt of your application. |
Step | Description |
---|---|
Visit the Parivahan Sarathi Portal | Go to the portal and click the “Apply for International Driving Permit” tab. |
Read the Instructions and Continue | Carefully read the instructions and press the “Continue” button. |
Fill in Details | Enter the applicant details, driving licence number, and captcha, then click “Proceed.” |
Verify Licence Details | Check the details of your driver’s licence and confirm. |
Select Service | Choose “Apply for International Driving Licence” from the list of services. |
Fill in the Application | Provide details like birthplace, passport number, visa validity, and vehicle category. |
Upload Documents | Upload the required documents. |
Pay Fees | Complete the payment process on the Government Licencing Fee page. |
Check Status | Verify the payment status and press “Continue.” | Print Receipt | Print and save the receipt of your application. |
Documents Needed to Get an International Driving Permit
To apply for an International Driver’s Licence in India, you’ll need the following documents:
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Form 4A and Form 1A
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Valid Driver’s Licence Copy
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Copy of Passport and Visa
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Duplicate Air Tickets
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Passport Size Photographs
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Certified Proof of Indian Citizenship
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Copy of Address Proof
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Copy of Age Proof
Fees for International Driving Licence
The processing fee for an International Driver’s Licence is ₹1,000 per licence. You must pay the fee when submitting your documents and application form.
What Are the Benefits of an International Driving Permit?
With an IDL, you can drive on foreign roads without any trouble from local authorities. There are several benefits to having an International Driver’s Licence. Here are the main advantages:
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Easily rent and drive cars or two-wheelers in other countries.
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Serves as a valid ID in many countries.
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Avoid taking extra driving tests in foreign countries.
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Use your IDL in numerous countries worldwide.
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Easier to claim insurance if you have an accident while driving overseas.
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Simplifies interactions with local law enforcement and other authorities.
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Enjoy the freedom to explore scenic routes and off-beat areas.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Now is the perfect time to apply for an international driving permit and plan a foreign tour. With an International Driver’s Licence, you can rent and drive cars on foreign roads and highways without any hassles. Explore places and create unforgettable memories on your journey. Safe travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
After submitting the documents, the processing time is usually 3-4 business days.
If you have a valid Indian DL, you can obtain an International DL from the concerned DTO office.
If your Indian licence was issued within three months of your IDL application, you must retake the driving test. Otherwise, no additional test is required.
You can drive in the USA for one year using an International Driver’s Licence and your Indian driving licence.
In some instances, your IDL can be used as proof of identity, subject to the conditions of the country you are visiting.
You will need your original and International Driver’s Licence to rent a car or two-wheeler in countries that recognise the IDL as a valid document.
An International Driver’s Licence is a document that allows you to drive legally in foreign countries, translating your domestic driver’s licence into multiple languages for easy recognition by authorities abroad.