International Driving Permit (IDP) India: Apply Online (2026)

What Is an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is a booklet-format document, issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, that translates your Indian driving licence into 8 to 10 languages. It is not a stand-alone licence; it is always carried alongside your original Indian licence.

• Booklet format: A6 size, grey cover, with translations of your details
• 1-year validity: issued for a maximum of one year from issue date
• Geneva and Vienna conventions: India is signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention; this is what the Indian IDP follows
• Must travel with original: the IDP is invalid without your Indian smart-card licence in hand
• Issued by RTO: only the RTO where your Indian licence is registered can issue the IDP
• Cannot be renewed: when it expires, you apply for a fresh IDP

When You Need an IDP

If you are flying out for a holiday or work trip and plan to rent a car or scooter, an IDP is almost always required. The exceptions are SAARC neighbours (Nepal, Bhutan), where the Indian licence alone works.

• Car rental abroad: every major rental brand asks for an IDP plus the original Indian licence
• Driving in Europe: most European countries enforce IDP for non-EU drivers
• USA and Canada: vary by state and province; many accept the Indian licence directly, but rental firms still ask for IDP
• South-East Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia accept the IDP; some accept Indian licence alone for short stays
• Middle East: UAE, Oman, Bahrain mostly require IDP for tourist driving
• Insurance abroad: rental car insurance is only valid when you hold both the IDP and the original licence

Eligibility and Validity

The eligibility bar for an IDP is straightforward. If you hold a valid Indian driving licence and a passport with a valid visa, you can apply.

Documents Required

Keep all originals plus scanned copies ready before you start the application. The RTO will check originals at the counter.

• Valid Indian driving licence: original smart card plus a clear photocopy
• Valid passport: first and last page, plus current address page
• Valid visa: visa stamp or e-visa print-out for the destination country
• Air ticket: confirmed return or onward ticket print-out
• Form 4A: IDP application form, downloadable from Sarathi
• Form 1A medical certificate: only if you are above 50 years
• Three passport-size photographs: recent, white background
• Address proof: Aadhaar, passport, or utility bill matching your DL address

How to Apply for IDP

The IDP application is partly online and partly offline. You file the form on Sarathi, then visit the RTO that issued your original licence for verification and printing.

1. Open Sarathi Parivahan: Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. Pick your state. Click Driver Licence Related Services followed by Services on DL.
2. Enter DL details: Input your existing licence number and date of birth. The system pulls your licence record.
3. Select Issue of IDP: From the service list, choose Issue of International Driving Permit. Confirm visa country.
4. Fill Form 4A: Complete the IDP form with passport details, visa country, travel dates, and address.
5. Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of passport, visa, air ticket, DL, photos, and Form 1A if applicable.
6. Pay fees: Pay approximately Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 online via net banking, UPI, or card. Save the receipt.
7. Visit the RTO: Book a slot and carry originals for verification. Most RTOs ask for a brief eye check and physical signature.
8. Collect IDP: The booklet is printed and handed over the same day in many states; some dispatch by post within 7 to 10 days.

IDP Fees by State

Total spend lands between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 across most states. Fees are paid at the time of online application or at the RTO counter.

Countries That Accept Indian IDP

India is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the Indian IDP works in over 100 countries that recognise this convention. Here is a quick guide to the popular ones:

• Europe: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Portugal
• North America: USA (most states), Canada (most provinces), Mexico
• South-East Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines
• Middle East: UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (some emirates)
• Australasia: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji
• Africa: South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius

Some countries (like Vietnam, China, parts of Japan) prefer the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, which India does not yet issue. Check the embassy site of your destination before flying out.

Car Hire and Insurance Abroad

Most international car rental brands ask for three things at the counter: a valid driver's licence, an IDP, and a credit card for the security hold. Skipping any one means you cannot drive away.

• Carry both documents: IDP plus original Indian licence, every time you drive abroad
• Buy rental insurance: opt for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection at the counter
• Check Indian car insurance abroad: your Indian motor policy does not cover overseas driving; rental insurance is mandatory
• Carry digital copies: DigiLocker copies of your Indian DL and IDP help if originals are lost
• Plan covered Indian cover before you fly: renew your Indian car insurance before leaving so your car at home stays covered while you are away

Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with expired DL: your IDP cannot outlast your Indian licence; renew DL first if it expires within 1 year
• Missing visa or ticket print: both are mandatory; RTOs return applications without them
• Wrong country selection: list every country you might drive in to avoid re-applying for the same trip
• Last-minute application: 7 to 10 days is normal; plan at least 2 weeks before flight
• Forgetting Form 1A above 50: applicants above 50 need fresh medical certificate

Frequently Asked Questions