International Driving Licence: Find out why you need an international driving licence & its cost in India. Explore the process, documents required, validity & more!
International driving licence India: How to get an international driving licence?
An international driving licence (IDL), also known as an international driving permit (IDP), is an official document that allows Indian citizens to drive legally in foreign countries that recognise the permit. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and serves as a translated and internationally standardised version of your Indian driving licence. The IDL is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried alongside your original Indian driving licence when driving abroad. Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, fees, and validity helps plan international travel more efficiently.
What is an international driving licence?
An international driving licence is a document issued under the authority of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. It translates your domestic driving licence information into multiple languages and provides a standardised format recognised by traffic authorities in many countries. The IDL does not replace your Indian driving licence. It works as a companion document that validates your existing licence for use in foreign countries. Without an IDL, you may not be legally permitted to drive in many countries, even if you hold a valid Indian licence.
Why do you need an international driving licence?
An international licence serves multiple practical and regulatory purposes when driving in foreign countries.
Legal requirement: Many countries require foreign drivers to carry an IDL alongside their domestic licence. Driving without one can result in fines or legal issues.
Car rental: Most international car rental agencies require an IDL as part of the documentation required to rent a vehicle.
Insurance validity: Most travel insurance policies, including those from Zurich Kotak, require a valid driving permit for the destination country. Driving without a valid IDP may result in a claim being rejected in the event of an accident.
Identity and verification: The IDL provides a standardised, multilingual format that foreign traffic authorities can easily read and verify.
For these reasons, carrying an international licence in India helps ensure a smoother driving experience abroad.
Eligibility criteria for applying for an IDL in India
Certain eligibility conditions must be met before applying for an international driving licence in India.
You must be an Indian citizen holding a valid Indian driving licence issued by any RTO in India.
Your Indian driving licence must be valid at the time of application and for the duration of travel.
The minimum age requirement is typically 18 years for light motor vehicles and 20 years for commercial vehicles, matching the Indian driving licence requirements.
You should have a valid passport as proof of identity and nationality.
Meeting these criteria ensures a smooth application process for obtaining an international driving licence.
Documents required to apply for an IDL in India
Applicants are required to submit a set of essential documents when applying for an international driving licence in India.
Document | Details |
Valid Indian driving licence | Original and self-attested photocopy. |
Passport | Original and photocopy of relevant pages (photo page, address page). |
Visa (if applicable) | Copy of a valid visa (if required by the RTO) |
Passport-sized photographs | 3 to 5 recent photographs with a white background. |
Medical certificate (Form 1-A) | Issued by a registered medical practitioner certifying fitness to drive. |
Application form | Filled application form available at the RTO or on the Parivahan portal. |
Fee payment receipt | Proof of payment of the applicable IDL fee. |
Ensuring all documents are complete and accurate helps avoid delays in the application process.
How to apply for an international driving licence in India?
The application for an international driving licence in India can be made both online and offline.
Online application (through Parivahan Sarathi portal)
The online application process can be completed through the Parivahan Sarathi portal by following these steps.
Visit the Parivahan Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) and select your state and RTO.
Log in or create an account and select 'International Driving Permit (IDP)' from the available services.
Fill in the application form with your driving licence details, passport information and travel details.
Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
Pay the application fee online via net banking, UPI or card.
Schedule an appointment at the RTO for biometric verification (if required by your state).
Visit the RTO on the scheduled date for verification. The IDL is typically issued within a few working days (generally 3 to 7 days, depending on the RTO).
Offline application
The offline application process involves visiting the Regional Transport Office and completing the required formalities in person.
Visit the local RTO with the completed application form and all required documents.
Submit the documents at the IDL counter and pay the applicable fee.
Complete biometric verification if required.
Collect the IDL from the RTO after processing, typically within a few working days (generally 3 to 7 days, depending on the RTO).
Following the steps ensures a straightforward application process and timely issuance of the licence.
International driving licence fees and costs in India
The international driving licence fees in India includes several components, as outlined below.
Expense category | Approximate cost (₹) | Notes |
Application fee | 1,500 | Includes the ₹1,000 base fee + ₹500 RTO service/user charges. |
Medical certificate | 200 to ₹500 | Required for fitness certification |
Passport-sized photographs | 50 to ₹150 | As per RTO specifications |
Miscellaneous charges | 100 to ₹300 | Administrative or courier charges (varies by RTO) |
These costs are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the RTO and state-specific requirements.
Validity and renewal of an international driving licence in India
The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Important Update: If your IDP expires while you are still abroad, you can now apply for a re-issue through the Indian Embassy/Consulate in that country. You must submit an application on the Parivahan portal and upload a receipt/certificate from the Embassy. The RTO in India will then process the request and courier the new permit to your foreign address.
Countries accepting an international driving licence from India
The Indian IDL is recognised in many countries worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, most European countries, Japan, and several countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. However, acceptance may vary by local regulations, so it is advisable to check the destination country's driving requirements before travelling.
What to do if you lose your international driving licence abroad?
If your IDL is lost or stolen while abroad, report the loss to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report. Contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for assistance.
Apply through the embassy: A replacement may be applied for through the Indian Embassy's consular services, subject to applicable procedures.
Contact your insurer: If covered under Zurich Kotak Travel Insurance, the 24/7 global helpline can guide you in dealing with local authorities and may assist with expenses related to lost travel documents, depending on the policy terms.
Meanwhile, check with local authorities if your Indian driving licence alone is valid for driving in that country.
Conclusion
An international driving licence is essential for Indian citizens planning to drive in foreign countries. The application process can be completed online through the Parivahan Sarathi portal or offline at the RTO, and the permit is typically issued within 3 to 7 working days. The IDL is valid for one year and must be carried alongside the original Indian driving licence. The total cost ranges from approximately ₹1,000 to ₹3,000. Always verify the destination country's driving regulations before travelling to ensure compliance. Securing your International Driving Permit is the first step; securing your journey with Zurich Kotak Travel Insurance is the second. Stay protected against medical emergencies and document loss worldwide.
FAQs
1. Is an international driving licence valid without an Indian driving licence?
An international driving licence is a companion document and must be carried along with a valid Indian driving licence when driving abroad.
2. How long does it take to get an IDL in India?
The IDL is issued within 3 to 7 working days after submission of documents and completion of verification at the RTO.
3. Is a visa required to apply for an IDL?
A valid visa for the destination country may be required, depending on RTO requirements.
4. Can foreigners apply for an IDL in India?
In India, IDL issuance is restricted to Indian citizens holding a valid Indian driving licence.
5. What is the cost of an IDL in India?
The total cost ranges from approximately ₹1,400 to ₹3,000, including the application fee and other related expenses.
6. Can an IDL be applied for online?
The application can be submitted online through the Parivahan Sarathi portal, with biometric verification completed at the RTO if required.
7. How long is an IDL valid?
While the document itself has a fixed one-year validity, you can apply for a re-issue online through the Parivahan portal even if you are currently outside India, provided you coordinate with the local Indian Embassy.
8. Is GST applicable to IDL fees?
Government fees for the IDL are exempt from GST, while service charges by third-party agents may be subject to GST.
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