Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential for Indian citizens planning to drive legally in foreign countries. This comprehensive guide explains how to apply for an international driving permit in India, covering eligibility, documents, fees, and the exact online process through the official portal.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a globally recognized document that allows Indian driving license holders to operate vehicles in over 150 countries. It acts as a translation of your Indian driving license and is typically valid for one year.
We use the IDP when traveling abroad for work, study, or tourism where driving is required.
Eligibility Criteria for IDP in India
Before applying, we must ensure the following conditions are met:
We must hold a valid Indian driving license
The license should not be expired or suspended
We must be above 18 years of age
We should have valid travel documents (passport & visa)
Documents Required for International Driving Permit
To apply successfully, we need to prepare the following mandatory documents:
Valid Indian Driving License
Passport (copy and original)
Valid Visa
Air Ticket (proof of travel)
Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
Passport-size photographs
Application Form (Form 4A)
Having all documents ready ensures a smooth and faster approval process.
Apply IDP Online via Official Portal
We can easily apply online through the official government platform:
👉 Sarathi Parivahan Portal
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official portal:
https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
Step 2: Select Your State
Choose the state where your driving license was issued.
Step 3: Choose IDP Service
Click on:
Driving Licence
Select "Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)"
Step 4: Fill Application Form
Enter details such as:
Driving license number
Date of birth
Personal details
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
Passport
Visa
Photo
Medical certificate
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Pay the required fee online via:
Debit/Credit Card
Net Banking
UPI
Step 7: Book Appointment (if required)
Some RTOs require a visit for verification.
Step 8: Submit Application
After submission, download the acknowledgment receipt.
Application Fee for International Driving Permit
The standard fee structure includes:
Application Fee: ₹1000
Additional charges may apply depending on the state
Processing Time for IDP in India
The processing time is generally:
3 to 7 working days (online applications)
May vary depending on RTO verification
Validity of International Driving Permit
The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue
It cannot be renewed; a fresh application is required after expiry
Countries Where IDP is Accepted
The International Driving Permit is accepted in countries such as:
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Germany
UAE
We must always check country-specific driving rules before travel.
Offline Application Process (Alternative Method)
If online access is not possible, we can apply offline:
Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Submit Form 4A
Attach required documents
Pay the fee at the counter
Complete biometric verification (if needed)
Important Tips for Faster Approval
To avoid delays, we recommend:
Ensure all documents are valid and clear
Double-check application details
Apply at least 2 weeks before travel
Keep original documents ready for verification
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected due to:
Invalid or expired driving license
Incorrect document uploads
Missing visa or passport details
Mismatch in personal information
We must carefully review all entries before submission.
Benefits of Having an International Driving Permit
Legally drive in foreign countries
Acts as an identity document abroad
Simplifies car rental procedures
Accepted globally with minimal restrictions
Final Thoughts
Applying for an International Driving Permit in India has become simple and efficient with the online system. By following the structured steps, preparing documents correctly, and using the official portal, we can obtain the IDP quickly without complications.
This guide ensures we complete the process confidently and travel internationally with full legal driving authorization.
