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How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India

Planning to drive abroad? Your Indian driving licence is not recognized on its own in most countries. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your licence that is accepted in over 150 countries. You can apply for it through the Sarathi portal and collect it from your local RTO.

May 28, 2026
5 min read

Quick Info

Fee

₹500 – ₹1,000 (varies by state)

Validity

1 year from date of issue

Form Required

Form 4A

What is an IDP

An International Driving Permit is a standardized booklet that translates your Indian driving licence into multiple languages. It is authorized under the UN Conventions on Road Traffic (1949 and 1968) and is recognized in over 150 countries. A few important things to understand about the IDP:

Not a standalone licence

The IDP is a translation document, not a replacement for your Indian DL. You must always carry both your original DL and the IDP together when driving abroad.

Covers the same vehicle classes

Your IDP permits you to drive only the vehicle classes listed on your Indian DL. If your DL does not cover motorcycles, your IDP will not either.

Valid for 1 year

An IDP issued in India is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, or until your Indian DL expires, whichever comes first. It cannot be renewed abroad.

Helps with car rentals

Even in countries where an IDP is not legally mandatory, most car rental agencies require one before handing over the keys. It also helps with insurance claims in case of accidents.

Eligibility

To apply for an IDP in India, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old
You must hold a valid Indian driving licence issued by an RTO
You must be a resident of India
You must have a valid passport and confirmed travel plans
Your driving licence must be valid for the duration of your travel

Match your DL and passport addresses. If the address on your driving licence and passport are from different cities or states, most RTOs will reject your IDP application. Update your DL address through the Sarathi portal first.

Documents Required

Keep scanned copies ready for the online application, and carry originals when you visit the RTO for collection.

Mandatory Documents

Form 4A (IDP application form)
Valid Indian driving licence (original + copy)
Valid Indian passport (first and last page copies)
Visa copy for the destination country
Air ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
Passport-size photographs (2, white background)
Medical certificate, Form 1A

Good to Know

Form 4A can be filled online during the application or downloaded from the Sarathi portal under "Forms"
For visa-on-arrival countries, some RTOs accept a flight ticket or confirmation letter in place of a visa copy
Your DL must cover the vehicle class you plan to drive abroad

How to Apply

You start the application online through the Sarathi portal and then visit your local RTO to collect the IDP booklet. Most RTOs issue it on the same day if all documents are verified.

1

Go to the Sarathi portal

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown.

2

Select "Apply for International Driving Permit"

Find this under the "Driving Licence" or "Apply Online" menu. Click Continue after reading the instructions.

3

Enter your DL details

Type in your driving licence number and date of birth. The portal will fetch your existing DL records. Verify the details are correct.

4

Fill Form 4A

Enter your travel details: destination country, purpose of visit (tourism, business, study), travel dates, and passport number. Double-check that all details match your passport exactly.

5

Upload documents

Upload scanned copies of your DL, passport, visa (or flight ticket for visa-on-arrival), Form 1A medical certificate, and passport-size photograph. Files must be in JPG or PDF format.

6

Pay the fee

Pay ₹500 to ₹1,000 (varies by state) via UPI, net banking, or card. Save the payment receipt.

7

Visit the RTO to collect

Book a slot or walk in to your RTO with all original documents, the acknowledgement slip, and the payment receipt. The officer will verify everything and issue the IDP booklet, usually on the same day.

Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. While most RTOs issue the IDP on the same day, some take a few working days. Do not leave this until the last minute, especially during peak travel season.

Which Countries Need an IDP

The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries. Here is a quick reference for the destinations most Indian travelers ask about:

Country IDP Required?
USA Varies by state. Some states like California require it. Rental agencies usually accept Indian DL alone, but IDP is recommended.
UK Indian DL accepted for up to 12 months. IDP not mandatory but helpful with rental companies.
UAE (Dubai) Indian DL valid for tourists. Some rental agencies ask for an IDP for insurance purposes.
Europe (Schengen) Required in Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Greece, and most EU countries. Strongly recommended across all of Europe.
Australia Legally required. Driving without an IDP can void your insurance in case of an accident.
Thailand Legally required, though rarely checked for tourist rentals. Needed for insurance claims.
Japan IDP from India is not accepted. Japan requires a separate Japanese translation of your licence.
Nepal, Bhutan Indian DL accepted without an IDP.

When in doubt, get the IDP. Even in countries where it is not legally required, an IDP makes car rentals, police checks, and insurance claims significantly smoother. It costs very little and saves a lot of trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an IDP the same as an international driving licence?
Yes. "International driving licence" is just an informal name. The official document is called an International Driving Permit (IDP). There is no separate "international licence" that exists. Be cautious of websites selling unofficial documents under that name.
Can I drive abroad with just the IDP?
No. The IDP is only a translation of your Indian DL. You must carry both your original Indian driving licence and the IDP together. The IDP alone has no legal validity.
Do I need to take a driving test for the IDP?
No. There is no driving test for the IDP. It is issued based on your existing valid Indian DL after document verification at the RTO.
Can I renew my IDP while I am abroad?
No. The IDP must be applied for and issued in India. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you will need to apply for a fresh one when you return or have someone apply on your behalf at the RTO with a power of attorney.
What if my DL is expiring soon?
Your IDP cannot be valid beyond the expiry date of your Indian DL. If your DL is expiring within a few months, renew it first and then apply for the IDP.

Apply for your IDP now

Head to the Sarathi portal with your DL number, passport, and travel details. Apply online and collect the booklet from your RTO.

Visit Sarathi Portal Renew DL First