📜 In This Article
- What is an IDP and Why Do You Need It?
- Eligibility Requirements
- Documents Required
- How to Apply Online via Sarathi
- How to Apply Offline at the RTO
- Fees Breakdown
- IDP Validity and Renewal
- Countries That Accept the Indian IDP
- Countries Where IDP is NOT Valid
- Tips Before You Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IDP and Why Do You Need It?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic that translates your Indian Driving Licence into 10 languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Greek, and Japanese. It is recognised in over 150 countries worldwide.
The IDP is not a standalone driving licence. It works alongside your original Indian DL and serves as an official translation that foreign traffic police, rental companies, and insurance providers can read. Without your original Indian DL, the IDP is invalid. Always carry both.
When Do You Need an IDP?
- When renting a car abroad — most international car rental agencies require an IDP along with your DL and passport
- When driving in countries where your Indian DL is not recognised without a translation
- When travelling through multiple countries in one trip — the IDP covers all of them
- When you need a valid photo ID abroad in addition to your passport
- When your travel destination requires an IDP by law (e.g., UAE, most European countries)
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, confirm you meet all of the following:
- Valid Indian Driving Licence — your DL must not be expired or suspended. It must remain valid for the entire duration of the IDP's 1-year validity period.
- Minimum age of 18 years — no exceptions.
- Resident of India — the IDP is issued only to Indian residents. You must apply from the RTO within whose jurisdiction you currently reside.
- Valid passport — a valid Indian passport is required. Some states also ask for a copy of your visa and air ticket to confirm the trip.
- Only for private vehicle driving abroad — the IDP is issued for private (non-commercial) vehicle use in foreign countries only. It cannot be used for commercial driving abroad.
Documents Required
Keep all documents ready in both original and scanned format before starting your application:
- Form 4A — Application Form for International Driving Permit. Download it free from sarathi.parivahan.gov.in under Forms, or fill it online during the application.
- Valid Indian Driving Licence — original + photocopy. Must cover the vehicle class you intend to drive abroad.
- Valid Indian Passport — original + photocopy of the first and last pages. Must be valid for the duration of your travel.
- Visa (if applicable) — copy of the visa for the country you are visiting. For visa-on-arrival countries, some states accept a confirmation letter or flight ticket instead.
- Air Ticket / Travel Confirmation — flight booking or travel itinerary confirming your trip.
- Passport-sized photographs — 2 recent colour photographs with white background, as per portal specifications.
- Form 1A — Medical Certificate from a registered doctor (mandatory for all IDP applicants, regardless of age).
- Proof of address — Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport (if it shows your current address).
- Application fee receipt — after online payment.
How to Apply Online via Sarathi Parivahan
Most states allow you to start the IDP application online on the Sarathi portal. Note that an RTO visit is still required for document verification and biometric in most states — the online process reduces the number of visits but does not eliminate the RTO visit entirely.
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1Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown.
Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state where you currently reside -
2Click on "Driving Licence" in the top navigation menu of the Sarathi state dashboard.
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3From the dropdown, select "Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)."
Click Driving Licence → Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP) -
4Click "Continue" after reading the on-screen instructions and eligibility criteria.
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5Enter your Driving Licence number and Date of Birth, then enter the captcha and click Submit. The portal will display your existing DL details.
Enter your Driving Licence number and date of birth to fetch your records -
6Verify your DL details are correct. Fill in Form 4A — the IDP application form — with your travel details: destination country, purpose of travel, travel dates, and passport number.
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7Upload scanned copies of all required documents: existing DL, passport, visa (or flight ticket for visa-on-arrival), Form 1A (medical certificate), passport photograph, and proof of address. Ensure files are in JPG or PDF format and under 500 KB each.
Upload all required documents and review before final submission -
8Pay the IDP application fee online using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking. Save the payment receipt — you will need it at the RTO.
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9Book an appointment at your local RTO for document verification. Select a convenient date and time from the available slots.
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10Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with all original documents (DL, passport, visa, medical certificate, photographs, and payment receipt). The RTO officer will verify your documents and may record your biometrics.
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11After successful verification, your IDP will be processed. It is typically issued or dispatched within 3–7 working days. Some RTOs allow same-day collection; others post it to your registered address.
How to Apply Offline at the RTO
If the online option is not available in your state or you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local RTO directly. The offline process is straightforward.
📱 Online (Sarathi Portal)
- Fill Form 4A online
- Upload documents digitally
- Pay fee online
- Book RTO appointment online
- RTO visit only for verification
- Faster and fewer queues
- Available in most states
🏢 Offline (Direct RTO Visit)
- Get Form 4A from RTO counter
- Fill and submit in person
- Carry all original + photocopy documents
- Pay at RTO cash counter or bank challan
- Verification done on the spot
- May require multiple visits
- Available in all states
Offline Step-by-Step
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1Visit your local RTO — the RTO within whose jurisdiction you currently reside (not necessarily where your DL was issued).
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2Collect Form 4A from the RTO front desk, or download and print it from parivahan.gov.in in advance.
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3Fill in Form 4A completely — your name, DL number, passport number, destination countries, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
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4Attach all required documents: photocopies of DL, passport, visa, air ticket, Form 1A (medical certificate), and 2 passport-sized photographs.
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5Submit the complete application at the DL Services counter at the RTO. Pay the fee at the counter or via bank challan as directed.
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6Collect your acknowledgement slip with the application reference number. Your IDP will be ready for collection or dispatched by post within 3–7 working days.
Fees Breakdown
IDP fees vary by state but the following are standard rates. All fees are non-refundable.
| Fee Component | Standard Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IDP Application / Issuance Fee | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | Main fee; varies by state. Paid online or at RTO counter |
| Form 1A Medical Certificate | ₹200 – ₹500 | Fee charged by the doctor; not paid to the RTO |
| Postal / Dispatch Fee | ₹50 – ₹200 | Only if IDP is dispatched by post to your address |
| Appointment booking | Free | No charge for booking the RTO verification slot |
IDP Validity and Renewal
How Long is the IDP Valid?
The IDP issued by the Indian RTO is valid for exactly 1 year from the date of issue. This applies regardless of how long your trip is — even if you are travelling for only 2 weeks, the IDP is issued for a full year.
Can the IDP be Renewed?
No. The IDP cannot be renewed. Once it expires, you must apply for a fresh IDP from scratch, following the complete application process again with updated documents (especially a fresh visa and current travel plans).
If your IDP expires while you are still abroad, you cannot renew it from outside India. You must either return to India and apply for a new one, or apply for a local driving permit in the country you are visiting.
What Happens if Your Indian DL Expires During the IDP Validity?
If your Indian Driving Licence expires before the IDP's 1-year validity ends, the IDP automatically becomes invalid. The IDP is only as valid as the underlying DL it is based on. Always ensure your Indian DL is renewed well before applying for an IDP.
If the IDP is Lost or Stolen Abroad
- Report the loss to the local police and obtain a police report
- Contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate for assistance
- A replacement IDP can sometimes be arranged through supported Indian embassies — check with the specific embassy for availability
- Once back in India, reapply for a fresh IDP
Countries That Accept the Indian IDP
The Indian IDP is accepted in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Here are the most popular destinations for Indian travellers, along with IDP requirements:
Countries Where the Indian IDP is NOT Valid
The Indian IDP is based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. Some countries are not signatories or have separate requirements:
IDP is not recognised. You need a separate Chinese Temporary Driving Permit issued by local authorities. Self-driving is very difficult for tourists — most hire a car with a driver.
Japan follows the 1949 Geneva Convention so IDP is valid — but only the 1949 version. Confirm your IDP is the Geneva 1949 version before travelling.
IDP not directly accepted. You may need a Korean-translated version of your DL. Check with the Korean embassy before travelling.
Tips Before You Travel Abroad with Your IDP
✅ Apply at least 3–4 Weeks Before Departure
The IDP application involves a mandatory RTO visit for verification, slot booking, and postal dispatch. Allow a minimum of 3–4 weeks from starting the application to receiving the physical IDP. Last-minute applications frequently miss travel deadlines.
📄 Carry Both — IDP and Original Indian DL
This cannot be overstated. The IDP is legally invalid without your original Indian DL. Traffic police abroad will require both. Car rental companies will check both. Keep them together in your travel wallet at all times.
📝 Know the Driving Side of the Road
India drives on the left side. Many countries where Indians commonly travel — USA, continental Europe, UAE — drive on the right side. Give yourself time to adjust, especially at roundabouts and when turning. Take the first opportunity to practise in a quiet area before entering busy traffic.
📞 Save Emergency Numbers for Your Destination
Before leaving, save the local emergency number (police, ambulance), the number of the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate, and your car rental company's roadside assistance number. An accident abroad is far more complicated than one at home.
🚘 Confirm IDP Requirement with Your Car Rental Company
Different car rental agencies have different policies. Some international agencies (like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) may accept your Indian DL alone in English-speaking countries. Others strictly require an IDP. Always confirm with the specific agency before booking to avoid being turned away at the counter.
📋 Check Your Travel Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance covers driving abroad. Some policies exclude driving incidents or require you to have an IDP as a condition of coverage. Read your policy carefully and purchase additional cover if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The IDP is a translation document that works alongside your Indian DL. It cannot replace your original DL. Without your original Indian DL, the IDP is invalid. Always carry both documents together.
Yes. You apply for the IDP from the RTO within whose jurisdiction you currently reside — not necessarily where your original DL was issued. The application is based on your current address, not the state of your DL.
Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date. The process involves an RTO appointment for verification and either same-day collection or postal dispatch (which takes an additional 7–14 days). Do not apply at the last minute.
No. The IDP cannot be renewed. Once expired, you must submit a completely fresh application with updated documents (new visa, new travel details, new medical certificate). The process is treated as a new application each time.
The IDP covers the same vehicle classes listed on your Indian Driving Licence. If your Indian DL is authorised for LMV (cars) only, your IDP will only permit you to drive cars abroad. If you want to drive motorcycles abroad, your Indian DL must include the MCWG class.
Yes. Form 1A (medical certificate from a registered doctor) is required for all IDP applicants regardless of age. This is different from the standard DL application where Form 1A is only needed for those above 40 or commercial vehicle applicants.
Yes. The IDP is valid in all 150+ signatory countries simultaneously, regardless of which country you specified when applying. You can use it in multiple countries during its 1-year validity period.
For travel abroad, most countries and car rental companies require the physical plastic DL card, not a digital copy on your phone. Carry your original physical Driving Licence card when travelling internationally. The mParivahan digital DL is legally valid only within India.
You can only hold one valid IDP at a time. Since the IDP is valid for 1 year, a single IDP covers multiple trips within that year. You would apply for a new one only when the current one expires.