How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Get an Indian International Driving Permit (IDP) valid for one year across 150+ countries — exactly which RTO documents are needed, how it differs from a DL, and what to do if your DL is on a smart-card.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- parivahan.gov.in ↗
- Application Mode
- Offline
- Validity
- 1 year from date of issue or until DL expiry, whichever is earlier
- Issuing Authority
- RTO
- Online
- Not available
- Offline
- Available
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is the Indian RTO's translated booklet that lets you drive abroad alongside your Indian DL. It is not a replacement — it only works when carried with the original Indian DL.
The IDP is issued by the same RTO that issued your DL. Most RTOs issue it same-day if your documents are clean: passport, visa, air ticket, original DL, Form 4A, Form 1A. Some states accept online appointment booking through Parivahan Sarathi to skip the queue.
The IDP is valid for 1 year or until your DL expires — whichever is earlier. There's no renewal — apply for a fresh IDP each time you travel.
Eligibility
- You hold a valid Indian Driving Licence (DL) — not a Learner's Licence.
- You have a confirmed international travel plan (passport + visa + travel proof).
- Your DL is valid for at least 1 year from the date of IDP application.
Required documents
Valid Indian DL
RequiredBase document — IDP is a translation of the DL for international use.
Original DL + photocopy. Must cover the vehicle class you intend to drive abroad.
OriginalPhotocopyPassport
RequiredEstablishes identity and nationality for international travel.
Valid Indian passport — original + photocopy of the personal-details page.
OriginalPhotocopyVisa
RequiredConfirms you have permission to enter the destination country.
Valid visa for the country / countries you intend to drive in.
OriginalPhotocopyAir ticket
RequiredProof of imminent travel required by the RTO to issue the IDP.
Confirmed air ticket showing date of travel.
PDFPrintoutForm 4A
RequiredOfficial application form for the International Driving Permit.
Application form for IDP — filled and submitted at the RTO.
PDFForm 1A medical certificate
RequiredConfirms the applicant is medically fit to drive.
Self-declaration of fitness.
PDFPassport-size photographs
RequiredUsed in the IDP booklet for visual identification.
Usually 2–3 recent photos.
JPGPhysical print
Step-by-step process
- 1
Visit the RTO that issued your DL
IDPs are issued by the same RTO that issued your DL. Some states allow online appointment booking via Parivahan Sarathi.
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in ↗ - 2
Carry originals + photocopies
Carry DL, passport, visa, air ticket, Form 4A, Form 1A, and passport-size photos. Photocopies should be self-attested.
- 3
Submit Form 4A
Fill the IDP application form (Form 4A) at the RTO counter.
- 4
Pay the IDP fee
Pay the prescribed IDP fee at the RTO counter or online.
- 5
Biometric / verification
Some RTOs capture a fresh photo and biometric for the IDP booklet.
- 6
Receive the IDP booklet
The IDP is a small printed booklet issued at the RTO (often same-day or within a few days). It carries your photo and DL details translated into multiple official languages.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
parivahan.gov.in
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Regional Transport Office (RTO) that issued the applicant's DL
- Approving Officer
- Licensing Authority / RTO Officer
- For Offline Applications
- The specific RTO that originally issued your Indian Driving Licence
What happens after applying
- 1
Documents assembled
Applicant gathers DL, passport, visa, air ticket, Form 4A, Form 1A, and photographs.
- 2
RTO visit and submission
Applicant visits the issuing RTO, submits Form 4A with all documents, and pays the fee.
- 3
Verification
RTO officer verifies all documents and may capture fresh photo or biometrics.
- 4
IDP booklet issued
IDP booklet is handed over — usually same-day or within a few working days.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Visiting the wrong RTO
Why: The IDP must be issued by the same RTO that issued your DL. Visiting any other RTO will result in rejection.
Fix: Check the issuing RTO code on your DL and visit only that office. If you have relocated, contact your original RTO to confirm whether they can process your application.
DL expiring within 1 year
Why: If your DL expires in less than 12 months, the IDP validity is reduced accordingly — or some RTOs may decline to issue it.
Fix: Renew your DL before applying for the IDP if it expires within the next 12 months.
Carrying only a digital DL
Why: RTOs typically require the original physical DL for IDP verification; a DigiLocker copy is often not accepted.
Fix: Carry the original physical DL. If you do not have the physical card, contact your RTO to get the original issued before visiting.
No confirmed visa at time of application
Why: RTOs require a valid visa as proof of travel purpose. An application-in-progress does not count.
Fix: Apply for the IDP only after your visa is stamped or electronically granted.
Applying without a confirmed travel date
Why: A confirmed air ticket is mandatory. RTOs issue IDPs for specific upcoming trips, not as a general travel document.
Fix: Book your flight before visiting the RTO and carry the confirmed ticket printout or PDF.
Special situations
Driving in a country not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention▾
An Indian IDP may not be legally recognised. Research the specific country's requirements — some countries require a locally issued permit or accept a notarised translation of the DL instead.
DL smart card damaged or faded▾
RTOs may refuse to issue an IDP against a damaged DL. Apply for a duplicate DL first, then apply for the IDP.
Travelling to multiple countries on one trip▾
The IDP is valid across all 1949 Geneva Convention countries simultaneously. List all intended countries in Form 4A if the RTO asks, but only one IDP is issued per trip.
IDP lost or stolen abroad▾
An IDP cannot be reissued while abroad. Contact the nearest Indian consulate for assistance. On return, apply for a fresh IDP from your RTO with new travel documents.
DL was issued in a different state than current residence▾
You must still visit the original issuing RTO for the IDP, regardless of where you currently live. Some states may allow online appointment booking; call ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an Indian IDP valid?▾
1 year from the date of issue, or until the parent DL expires — whichever is earlier.
Is the IDP accepted in every country?▾
It is honoured in countries that are party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic — over 150 countries. Always check the specific country's rules before driving.
Can I renew an IDP after it expires?▾
IDPs are not renewed — you apply for a fresh one each time, with new travel proof.
I have a digital DL on DigiLocker. Do I need to carry a physical DL?▾
For IDP application, RTOs usually require the original physical DL. Confirm with your RTO before visiting.
Can I drive in all countries with an IDP alone?▾
No. The IDP must always be carried together with the original Indian DL. The IDP alone is not a valid driving document; it is a translation companion.
What vehicle classes does the IDP cover?▾
The IDP covers only the vehicle classes listed on your Indian DL. If your DL covers LMV only, you cannot drive a heavy vehicle abroad even with an IDP.
Is there an online process to apply for an IDP?▾
Currently, IDP applications require a physical visit to the issuing RTO. Some states allow online appointment booking via Parivahan Sarathi, but document submission and IDP collection must be done in person.
What should I carry while driving abroad with the IDP?▾
Carry the original Indian DL, the IDP booklet, your passport, and any country-specific insurance. Never leave these in an unattended vehicle abroad.
Can I use the IDP if my DL is up for renewal?▾
If your DL is within its validity period, the IDP can be issued. However, once the DL expires, the IDP is also no longer valid. Renew your DL before travel to avoid issues.
What is Form 4A?▾
Form 4A is the official application form for the International Driving Permit. It can be downloaded from the MoRTH / Sarathi website or collected at the RTO counter.
Does the IDP cover car rental abroad?▾
Most international car rental companies accept an IDP alongside an Indian DL. However, some countries and rental companies have specific age or DL validity requirements — check before booking.
What if my travel plans change after getting the IDP?▾
The IDP remains valid for 1 year from issue or until DL expiry, regardless of whether your specific trip is cancelled. You can use it for any subsequent international travel within that validity period.
Can I get an IDP if my DL was issued in a different state from where I now live?▾
Yes, but you must visit the RTO that issued your original DL, not the RTO of your current state of residence.
How many photographs are needed for the IDP?▾
Typically 2–3 recent passport-size photographs. The exact number may vary by RTO. Carry a few extra to avoid delays.
Is stamp duty or any registration fee required for an IDP?▾
A prescribed IDP fee is payable at the RTO. There is no stamp duty for an IDP. The fee amount varies by state.
Official sources
- Parivahan Sarathi Portal ↗
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
Check IDP appointment slots and services for your state RTO.
- Parivahan Sewa (MoRTH) ↗
parivahan.gov.in
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways umbrella portal with IDP information and state RTO contacts.
- Ministry of External Affairs — Passport Seva ↗
passportindia.gov.in
For passport-related queries linked to IDP eligibility.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.