How to Get International Driving License in India: 10 Easy Steps

During an international trip, getting a chance to drive on the foreign roads is like a dream come true. The idea of racing a GT coupe across the high-speed German autobahn superhighway is irresistible for everyone alike. However, you must have a universal endorsement to be able to drive a car abroad. This is where the need for an international driving license becomes inevitable. 

Just like you need a driving license to drive on your native roads, you need to have the International Driving License or Permit if you are travelling abroad and wish to drive a car there. Besides travel insurance, this license is an essential document for a person travelling overseas.

This article will throw light on the significance of International Driving Permit, and the procedure to apply for one, in ten easy steps.

What is an International Driving License?

Legally referred to as the International Driving Permit (IDP), the International Driving License is a document which the United Nations authorises and issues to the citizens travelling to the foreign countries and planning to drive in their destination country. The International Driving License is basically an official translation of the driver's license issued to you in your home country. 

Why is it Important to Get an International Driving License in India?

If you seek to drive a vehicle abroad, you must apply for the International Driving Permit. The IDP is a crucial document substantiating your eligibility to drive in all the countries abroad. This document translates your native driving license document into various foreign languages, so that the road transport authorities abroad are able to trace and validate your driving credentials and background.

How to Apply for the International Driving License in India?

There are two different modes to apply for the International Driving License in India— offline and online.

I. Offline Mode:

Under the offline mode, you need to physically visit the nearest RTO in your home town and submit all the required documents for the International Driving License along with the application fee.

The license should be handed over to you on processing of the application, which usually takes 3-4 business days. You will need to visit the RTO once again to collect your International Driving License.

II. Online Mode:

Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, you can now obtain the IDP from the International Driving License India online portal. To apply for the international driving license online, you need to visit the Parivahan Sarathi Portal.

Given below are the 10 easy steps to apply for a new International Driving Permit on the Parivahan portal: 

1. Login to the Parivahan portal and click on the “Apply for International Driving Permit” tab.
2. Carefully read the instructions and press the “Continue” button.
3. On the next window, duly fill the applicant details and driving license number. Enter the captcha and press the “Proceed” button.
4. Next window will show the details of your driving license with your photograph. Verify the license details by choosing the “Yes” option next to the statement— “The above details are mine”.  A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm details of Licensing RTO and Backend office. Besides, if you are planning to pursue as a cab-driver in that country, you have to select the additional option to apply for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge.
5. Next window will show different Driving License Services. Select the “Apply for IDP” option.
6. Application tab will open on the next window. Here you need to fill in details mentioned below:
• Birth place & country
• Passport number & validity
• Whether or not you were disqualified for DL?
• Country for which IDP is to be issued
• Whether or not you were barred from driving in that country?
• VISA number & validity
• Category of vehicle (Car, Bus, Truck, Taxi etc.)
• Confirm the entered details.
7. In the next window you need to upload and submit the required documents. 
8. Finally, you will be directed  to the payment page of the Government Licensing Fee.
9. Verify the Pay Status after paying the Licensing Fee and press “Continue”.
10. Print/Save the Receipt of your application.

Documents Required to Get International Driving License in India

Here is the list of documents required to get international driving license in India:

1. Form 4: Application for the issue of IDP 
2. 5 passport size photographs
3. Copy of the valid driving license
4. Copies of your passport and VISA
5. Copy of the air tickets
6. Form 1: Medical certificate as mentioned in the application form.
7. Certified proof of Indian citizenship such as your birth certificate
8. Copy of proof of address 
9. Copy of proof of your age such as AADHAAR 

Government Fee for issuing International Driving License in India

The processing fee for the international driving license application is fixed by the government at Rs. 1,000 per license. You need to pay this fee while submitting the documents and application form.

International Driving License Validity in India 

In accordance with the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949, i.e. Geneva Convention, an International Driving Permit issued in India is valid for a period of one year.

How to Renew the International Driving License?

There is no straightforward process to renew the International Driving Permit after expiry of its validity. You need to apply for a fresh license on the official website of the embassy/ high commission/ consulate general of the country where his/her IDP was valid.  Here’s how to renew your IDP by following these steps: :

Step 1: Submit Miscellaneous Application Form 

You need to download this application form from the official website of the embassy/ high commision/ consulate general of the respective country. You are required to duly file and self-attest this form and post it to the respective embassy’s address along with the processing fee and following attachments—

1. A recently-clicked passport size photograph
2. Indian Passport: Self-attested notarized photocopies of first two and last two pages of the Indian Passport of the applicant along with the page(s) mentioning passport officer’s observation(s) (if any).
3. Visa Status: Self-attested notarized copy of valid Visa showing the Visa status should be enclosed.
4. Self-attested Photocopy of the International Driving Permit.
5. Proof of Residence: Any of the following self-attested notarized documents  are applicable:
6. Copy of utility bill (Latest landline telephone bill / gas bill / water bill or Council Tax bill); OR 
7. Lease deed (of the current residence), clearly mentioning the applicant’s address in the foreign country
8. Delivery envelope: A self–addressed special delivery envelope duly paid with postage stamps to return your documents. This delivery envelope should clearly mention your full name and address including the postal code.
9. Please note that embassies and consulates of various countries charge different processing fees for IDP. For instance,
• Consulate General of India, San Francisco levies $10 + $2 for Indian Community Welfare Fund.
• The High Commission of the UK levies £ 17. 
• The Embassy of Ireland levies € 9+ € 2 for ICWF.

Step 2: Apply for Fresh International Driving Permit

Upon due processing of the miscellaneous application form the following stages shall occur: 

1. The Consulate/ Embassy/ High commission will issue a Receipt of Application to the applicant. 
2. You can then apply for a fresh issue of IDP through the Parivahan Sarathi Portal by uploading the required documents, along with the receipt of miscellaneous application issued by the Embassy/ High Commission of India, as mandated under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. 
3. On receipt of the documents, the licensing authority will verify all the documents. Thereafter, the authority will issue the new IDP and will courier the same directly to your address.

What if I Lose my IDP During the Trip?

There is no need to worry at all! All you need to do is get your trip insured with the Care Explore International Trip Insurance Policy. In case you lose your International Driving Permit while you are on the journey, you can easily apply for a duplicate International Driving License. We shall pay a fixed amount to you incurred towards obtaining the duplicate IDP, as per the terms and conditions of the plan given in the policy document and brochure.

To sum up

While the International Driving Permit is crucial to driver’s safety, your overall journey/’s security relies on the right international travel insurance plan. It keeps you protected and bears your medical and non-medical travel risks so that you bring only happy memories back home.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting of claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.