International Driving Licence (IDL/IDP): How to apply online?

Published on 21 Jun, 2021, 5:52 AM IST

Updated on 18 Jul, 2022, 9:13 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

7 min read

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Did you know that you can legally rent and drive motor vehicles in 150+ countries as an International Driving Licence (IDL) holder? It is a must-have document to ease your driving experience outside India. In this article, we will show you the steps to apply for an IDL online.

Contents

What is an International Driving Licence?

International Driving Licence (IDL/IDP) is a licence that permits a person to drive a motor vehicle outside India. An IDP holder can rent a private vehicle and drive it legally in a location or country that recognises this document. Moreover, the United Nations recognises IDP as the official travel document issued to people who visit foreign countries.

Once issued, an IDP/IDL usually remains valid for a year. It contains information related to the licence holder in multiple languages such as English, Russian, French, etc. A person holding a domestic Driving Licence can translate it into an IDP before travelling abroad.

How to get an International Driving Licence (IDL/IDP)?

One can visit the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) with the required documents and pay the applicable fees to apply for an International Driving Permit in India. However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it much simpler to apply for an International Driving Licence via the Parivahan portal.

Steps to apply for International Driving Licence online in India

Here are the steps to apply for an IDP/IDL online in India.

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal.

Step 2: On the home screen, select the option called “Online Services” and choose the “Driving Licence Related Services” option.

Step 3: On the appeared Sarathi page, select the “Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)” service.

Step 4: Read the instructions carefully for your application submission and click the “Continue” button.

Step 5: Enter your domestic Driving Licence number and Date of Birth.

Step 6: Enter the Captcha code as given on your screen and click the “Proceed” button.

Step 7: Select the service called “Issue of IDP to DL holder” and “Continue”.

Step 8: Carefully check your name, DL number and the associated RTO appeared on the screen.

Step 9: Enter additional details like your birthplace, passport number, birth country, visa number and its validity.

Step 10: Choose the vehicle class you need an IDP for and click on “Confirm”.

Step 11: Upload the required documents, verify and submit.

Step 12: Upload your signature and passport-size photo and click on “Next”.

Step 13: Pay the required fees to initiate the process.

Step 14: Take a printout of your application form and payment receipt.

After your application submission, the authorised RTO will conduct the verification process of the submitted documents before issuing an IDP.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for an IDL?

The following are the International Driving Licence eligibility criteria in India.

You need to be 18 years of age or older.
You must be a valid domestic Driving Licence holder in India.
You must possess a valid visa.
You need to submit the duly filled Form 4A with other required documents.

Documents required for International Driving Licence

You must prepare all the documents in advance to avoid delays in your IDP application process. Here are the document-related requirements for International Driving Licence.

Duly filled Form 4A for an IDP
Form 1A as medical fitness certificate, duly filled and signed by a medical professional after your preliminary health examination
Valid domestic DL (one copy)
Visa, flight tickets, and passport (one copy of each)
Five passport-size photos
Proof of your Indian citizenship
Document for age proof (one copy)
Document for address proof (one copy)

Fees to get International Driving Licence in India

The revised fee to get an IDP is Rs. 1,000. You will need to pay this amount along with your application and other required documents to initiate the process.

What is the validity of the International Driving Permit/Licence?

The validity of IDP is 1 year from the date of issuance or before the domestic licence expires, whichever comes earlier. More than 150 countries recognise the International Driving Permit issued in India and enable Indian tourists to rent motor vehicles and drive/ride in their country.

How long does it take to get an IDP in India?

The International Driving Licence processing time usually remains between 3 to 4 working days after the submission of your application along with the required documents and paying the processing fee. Next, the RTO authorities verify all information given in the application and associated documents. Upon successful verification, an IDP is issued to the applicant.

How to renew an International Driving Licence in India

While the International Driving Licence renewal is not possible, you can apply for a fresh one online from abroad. Here is what you need to do to get a new IDP.

Step 1: Download an IDP re-issuance form via the official website of the Indian embassy in the country you are in.

Step 2: Duly fill out the application form and visit the embassy along with documents like your Indian DL, passport, visa, and original IDP.

Step 3: Pay the required fee to initiate the verification process and attain the receipt.

Step 4: Upload the payment receipt along with other required documents at the Parivahan portal for a fresh International Driving Licence.

Step 5: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India will verify your documents and send the new IDP to the address mentioned in your application.

Also, read: Driving Licence (DL) renewal: Online and offline process

Why is an International Driving Permit important?

The following are the key International Driving Licence benefits that make it an important document while visiting a foreign country.

An IDP serves as credible proof of your ability to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country.
The availability of an IDP in multiple languages eases the process of information verification in different countries.
Having an IDP saves you from taking additional driving tests while visiting different countries.
You can use it as documented proof of your identity in foreign countries.
The IDP issued by the licensing authority of India is acceptable in more than 150 countries.
You can easily rent a motor vehicle outside India.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions and answers about an International Driving Licence in India.

Do I need to have a visa to apply for an International Driving Permit in India?

Having a valid visa is mandatory if you want to apply for an International Driving Permit in India, as mentioned on the Parivahan portal.

Can I use my IDP as identity proof in foreign countries?

Yes, an International Driving Permit is accepted as proof of identity in many countries.

How many countries accept Indian IDL/IDP?

More than 150 countries accept Indian IDP/IDL as a valid Driving Licence and proof of identity.

Can I convert my domestic Driving Licence into an international one?

You can apply for an International Driving Licence as a domestic DL holder in India. Upon successful application, your domestic licence will convert into an IDP for one year or until the DL expires, whichever occurs first.

Is it possible to apply for an International Driving Licence with a Learning Licence?

No, you can’t apply for an International Driving Permit on your Learning Licence. It is mandatory for an IDP applicant to hold a valid domestic Driving Licence in India.

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