An International Driving Licence, also called an International Driving Permit (IDP), is an official document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle in foreign countries. It works as a translation of your existing Indian driving licence into multiple international languages. This helps traffic authorities abroad understand your licence details easily.
The International Driving Licence is accepted in over 150 countries that follow United Nations road traffic conventions. It does not replace your Indian driving licence. You must carry both documents together while driving overseas. The IDL contains your name, photo, vehicle category, and licence number.
In India, the International Driving Licence is issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It is mainly used by people traveling abroad for tourism, work, education, or long stays. The document is printed in a booklet format and includes translations in 8 to 10 international languages.
Parivahan Quick Actions (Official Links)
Use official government portals and apps for driving licence and vehicle related services.
This is an informational website. All buttons redirect to official government platforms.An IDL is valid only for a maximum period of 1 year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed and must be applied for again after expiry.
Countries Where International Driving Licence Is Valid
The International Driving Licence is valid in most countries that are part of the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic. Currently, more than 150 countries accept this permit.
Popular countries where Indian IDL is accepted include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United Arab Emirates
- South Africa
Some countries allow driving for 3 to 6 months, while others allow up to 12 months, depending on local laws. In many countries, IDL is mandatory if your local licence is not in English.
A few countries like Japan and China do not accept standard IDLs and require a local driving test or translation. Therefore, it is important to check country-specific rules before travel.
Always remember, IDL permission depends on local traffic laws, insurance rules, and visa type. Carrying IDL does not automatically allow commercial driving.
Eligibility Criteria for International Driving Licence
To apply for an International Driving Licence in India, you must meet some basic eligibility rules. These rules are simple and strictly checked by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must be 18 years or older
- Must hold a valid Indian Driving Licence
- Driving licence should have at least 1 year validity
- Applicant must be an Indian citizen
- Passport and visa must be valid
Learner’s licence holders are not eligible for IDL. The driving licence should not be expired or suspended at the time of application. In some RTOs, a minimum of 1 year driving experience is required.
Medical fitness is also mandatory. Applicants above 40 years must submit a medical certificate (Form 1A). For applicants below 40, a self-declaration (Form 1) is sufficient.
If your licence is issued by one state and you apply in another state, licence data must be updated in the national database.
Documents Required for International Driving Licence
Proper documents are very important for IDL approval. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the process by 7–15 days or even lead to rejection.
Required documents include:
- Valid Indian Driving Licence (original + copy)
- Passport (first and last page copy)
- Valid visa copy
- Passport-size photographs (2–3 copies)
- Medical certificate (Form 1 or 1A)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, or passport)
- Application form (Form 4A)
Photographs must be recent (not older than 6 months). Passport and visa details must match exactly with your driving licence name.
Some RTOs also ask for:
- Air ticket copy
- Police verification (in rare cases)
All documents should be clear and readable. Online uploads must be under 500 KB per file in most portals.
How to Apply for International Driving Licence Online
Applying for an International Driving Licence online is easy and saves time. Most applicants complete the process within 20–30 minutes.
Steps to apply online:
- Visit the Parivahan website
- Select “International Driving Permit”
- Enter driving licence number and date of birth
- Fill personal and travel details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Book RTO appointment (if required)
After submission, you will receive an application number. Some RTOs require a physical visit for verification, while others process it completely online.
Processing time is usually 3 to 7 working days, but it may extend to 10–15 days in busy cities.
Once approved, the IDL booklet is either collected from RTO or sent by post, depending on local rules.
International Driving Licence Fees in India
The cost of an International Driving Licence in India is affordable. As per the latest rules, the standard government fee is ₹1,000.
Fee breakdown:
- IDL application fee: ₹1,000
- Medical certificate (if required): ₹100–₹200
- Service charges (if applied through agent): ₹500–₹2,000
Total cost usually ranges between ₹1,000 to ₹3,000, depending on location and service mode.
There is no refund if the application is rejected due to document issues. Therefore, double-check all details before submission.
Payment modes include:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- UPI
- Net banking
Always download and save the payment receipt for future reference.
Validity and Renewal Rules of International Driving Licence
An International Driving Licence issued in India is valid for exactly 1 year from the date of issue or until your Indian licence expires, whichever is earlier.
Important validity rules:
- Cannot be renewed
- Must apply again after expiry
- Not valid in India
- Valid only with original Indian DL
If your passport or visa expires earlier, some countries may restrict IDL use. You cannot extend or modify the IDL once issued.
If you plan to stay abroad for more than 12 months, you may need to convert your IDL to a local driving licence as per that country’s laws.
Driving after IDL expiry can result in:
- Heavy fines
- Insurance rejection
- Legal issues abroad
Always check expiry dates before travel.
Difference Between Indian Driving Licence and International Driving Licence
Many people confuse Indian Driving Licence with International Driving Licence. Both have different purposes and uses.
Indian Driving Licence:
- Valid only in India
- Issued for long-term use (20 years or up to age 50)
- Written mainly in English and local language
International Driving Licence:
- Valid outside India
- Issued for maximum 1 year
- Written in multiple international languages
An IDL cannot be used for:
- Commercial driving
- Taxi services
- Heavy vehicle driving (unless endorsed)
It only acts as a translation document, not a standalone licence. You must always carry your original Indian driving licence with it.
Common Mistakes While Applying for IDL
Many applications get delayed or rejected due to simple mistakes. Knowing these can save time and money.
Common mistakes include:
- Expired Indian driving licence
- Mismatch in name on passport and DL
- Uploading unclear documents
- Applying too close to travel date
- Wrong vehicle category selection
Apply at least 15–20 days before travel to avoid last-minute issues. Make sure your driving licence data is updated in the system.
Another mistake is assuming IDL works everywhere. Always check country-specific driving rules.
Avoid agents who promise instant delivery in 1–2 days. Official processing takes time.
Final Tips Before Using International Driving Licence Abroad
Before driving abroad, prepare well to avoid trouble. Carry all documents safely and understand local traffic rules.
Important tips:
- Carry Indian DL, IDL, passport, and visa together
- Follow speed limits strictly
- Use seat belts and child safety rules
- Check insurance coverage validity
- Drive only permitted vehicle categories
In many countries, traffic fines range from $50 to $500, depending on the violation. Alcohol limits are very strict and often 0.03% or zero tolerance.
Always keep emergency contact numbers and embassy details. Respect local laws and drive responsibly.
An International Driving Licence makes global travel easier, but safe and legal driving depends on your awareness and responsibility.