How to Apply for an International Driving License – Step-by-Step Process

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How does an International Driving Permit work?

You can get an international driving licence by applying on parivahan portal. An International Driving Permit is a document that people carry if they want to drive in another country. Some countries may accept an Indian licence directly for certain periods, while others may require an IDP or additional documentation. An eligible Indian licence holder can apply for an IDP when planning to drive in a foreign country. It is subject to the destination country's requirements.

International Driving Permit:

• This license acts as a translation of your Indian driving licence and standardised permit. 
• Foreign authorities can understand your driving credentials with this license. 
• This license is valid in many countries which are allowing international driving permits.
• When driving abroad, you generally need to carry both your valid Indian driving licence and your IDP. 

An IDP does not exempt you from local traffic laws, fines or other penalties. You must follow the driving rules of the country you are visiting.

Vehicle Categories on an IDP (Form 4A)

If you have IDP, it doesn't mean that you can drive any type of vehicle abroad. It only covers the vehicle category. 

Vehicle Category: If you have an Indian licence for a car then you are able to drive only cars abroad. You can not use an IDP for motorcycles or driving a heavy vehicle.

Form 4A: You apply for an IDP using Form 4A. It lists different vehicle categories, such as motorcycles, cars, and heavy vehicles. You need to select the category.

Verification: The licensing authority checks your Indian driving licence before adding the eligible vehicle categories to your IDP.

Validity Period of an IDP

An International Driving Permit (IDP) has a limited validity period.

• Standard Validity: An IDP is generally valid for one year from the date of issue.
• Valid Indian Licence: You must also have a valid Indian driving licence. The IDP cannot be used as a replacement for your Indian licence.
• After Expiry: Once the IDP expires, you need to apply for a new one if you still need it. You may also need to follow the driving licence rules of the country where you are staying.

What is the process to apply for an International Driving Permit?

When you decide to travel abroad and want to drive there, you can apply for an international driving licence. Here is the process of applying for an international driving licence. 

Step-1:

• Visit the Parivahan website.
• Click on the ‘Online Services’ option.
• Select the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ option.
• Choose your state from the list.
• Click on the ‘Apply for International Driving Permit’ option on the right side.
• Click on the ‘Continue’ option.
• Enter your driving licence number, date of birth and captcha. 
• Click on process.
• The system will fetch your driving licence details. Click on proceed.
• Then you need to choose your RTO office from the drop-down. 
• Click on proceed, you can continue it with or without Aadhar authentication.

You will see your driving licence details here. Now you need to upload following documents:

• Valid Indian driving licence
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of Indian nationality
• Valid passport proof
• Other documents, if required as part of the current Parivahan/RTO process

If you have verified the exact current Parivahan workflow separately, you can add any additional document it specifically asks for.

After uploading the above documents you need to click on proceed and now you can pay fees which are 1000/-. This is the Central Motor Vehicles Rules is ₹1,000, although additional charges can apply in certain circumstances. 

After submitting the application, the processing and delivery or collection process may vary depending on the concerned RTO and state.

What is an IDP Delivery and Collection Process?

The delivery process of IDP can vary and it depends on the state RTO. 

• In-Person Collection: you can visit the RTO office and collect the IDP.
• Some RTO can send IDP to your registered address by post after verification.

You can check the local RTO's process when applying. Because the delivery method and verification requirements may vary.

Conclusion 

If you are planning to visit abroad and roam around there without any restriction, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). It depends on the requirements of your destination country. You should check the local driving and rental requirements of the country you are visiting before travelling. You can apply for an IDP through the Parivahan portal and complete the required verification process. You need document verification and approval from the concerned RTO. Stay connected with Loansjagat for such guidance on various services. The content that LoansJagat provides is well-researched and expert-verified.

Frequently asked questions 

What is an International Driving Permit?

You can drive in India with your domestic driving licence but this license is not valid in different countries. So an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardised permit that supports your valid domestic driving licence when you drive abroad. It does not replace your Indian driving licence. This is the document that allows you to drive or rent a vehicle in many foreign countries. 

Is a valid Indian driving licence required for an International Driving Permit?

Yes, you should have a valid indian driving licence for getting an international driving licence. You need this license with yourself too when you drive abroad. 

Can I apply for an International Driving Permit online?

You can apply for this international driving licence online via parivahan portal. Keep some important documents like passport and driving licence. 

Why is an International Driving Permit needed?

Mainly this license is needed to  break down language barriers and satisfy legal requirements when you are driving in another country. 

Is passport information required for the application?

Passport is one of the documents that you need to upload while filing an application. When you apply for an international driving licence you have to submit some documents. You need to upload your passport, domestic driving licence, and medical certificate. 

Is document verification necessary?

Yes, when you apply for an international driving licence, document verification is required.

Can an International Driving Permit help in renting a vehicle abroad?

Yes, when you try to get a vehicle on rent abroad you are required to have an international driving licence. Without it major international rental brands can deny your pickup. 

How long does the approval process take?

You can apply for an international driving licence via online mode but need to collect this license from your RTO. Timing depends on that specific RTO.

From where I can collect my international driving licence?

You can apply for this licence online, while applying you need to choose your RTO office address. 

Do I need to get an IDP for each country? 

No, it depends on that specific country.