International driving permit in India: how to apply
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026
An International Driving Permit (IDP) lets you show your Indian driving licence in a standard international format when you drive abroad. It is issued by the licensing authority in your state, on the basis of your existing Indian licence, and you apply for it online through Sarathi.
Apply under Services on Driving Licence on Sarathi after selecting your state.
What an IDP is, and what it is not
An IDP is a companion to your driving licence, not a replacement for it. It translates the details of your Indian licence into a format that authorities abroad can read. You carry it together with your Indian licence and passport. An IDP:
- covers only the vehicle classes on your Indian licence;
- cannot be issued without a valid Indian licence;
- does not let you drive in India in place of your licence;
- is accepted according to the rules of the country you visit, which may also set how long a visitor can drive on a foreign licence.
Who can apply
According to Parivahan’s IDP page, an IDP is issued to an applicant who holds a valid Indian driving licence and is a resident of India. Rule 14(2) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules adds valid proof of Indian nationality and a valid passport. A learner licence does not qualify.
If your licence is about to expire, renew it first. The IDP cannot outlast your licence, so a licence close to expiry gives you a short permit. See driving licence renewal.
Documents you need
Rule 14(2), as substituted by G.S.R. 15(E) of 7 January 2021 (in force from 15 February 2021), and Parivahan’s IDP page list:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application | Form 4A, filled online |
| Driving licence | Valid Indian licence |
| Passport | Valid passport |
| Visa | Where applicable |
| Air ticket | For verification |
| Photograph | Recent passport size |
| Proof of nationality | Indian national |
| Fee | As prescribed |
A certificate from an accredited driver training centre in Form 5B can also be attached if you have one. Parivahan’s page notes that you can apply in Form 4A or in writing to the RTO for your area, stating the countries you plan to visit and how long you will stay. Uploads on Sarathi must be JPEG, JPG or PDF and no more than 300 KB.
How to apply on Sarathi, step by step
- Open Sarathi and select the state where you live.
- Choose Apply online › Services on Driving Licence and continue past the instructions.
- Enter your licence number and date of birth to fetch your details.
- Confirm the details, using Aadhaar authentication if you choose.
- Select Issue of International Driving Permit.
- Enter your passport details, the countries you plan to visit and your travel dates.
- Upload the passport, visa or ticket and photograph as asked.
- Pay the fee and keep the receipt and application number.
- Book an RTO appointment if your state asks for one, then track the application under Application status.
S.O. 4353(E) of 16 September 2022 lists the IDP among the services that can be completed online with voluntary Aadhaar authentication, so you may not need to visit the RTO. Apply well before your travel date so the permit reaches you in time.
IDP fee
The central fee is set by Rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, as substituted by G.S.R. 15(E) of 2021:
| Situation | Central fee |
|---|---|
| Issue of IDP | ₹1,000 |
| Via Indian Mission abroad, IDP expired | ₹1,000 + ₹2,000 |
The extra ₹2,000 applies when the application is made through an Indian Mission or Post abroad because an IDP has expired. States add their own service charges, so Sarathi’s payment page shows the total. You can check it with the fee calculator.
How long an IDP is valid
Rule 16(4) says an IDP is issued in Form 6A, either electronically or otherwise, and is valid for not more than one year from the date of issue, or until your driving licence expires, whichever is earlier.
| Your licence expires | IDP valid until |
|---|---|
| More than 1 year away | 1 year from issue |
| Within 1 year | Licence expiry date |
For a longer stay abroad, check whether the country expects you to get a local licence after a certain time.
Who issues IDPs
Your state’s licensing authority issues the IDP. Rule 16(5) also allows automobile associations authorised by a State Government or Union Territory administration to issue IDPs to their members and others, subject to countersignature by the competent authority. Treat any other website or agent offering an “international licence” with caution; the official route is Sarathi on parivahan.gov.in.
Already abroad and your IDP has expired
If you are outside India and your IDP has expired, the fee table provides for an application through an Indian Mission or Post abroad, with an extra ₹2,000 on top of the ₹1,000 fee. Contact the Indian Mission in the country where you are for how it handles these applications.
Your licence record also needs to be up to date. The Sarathi FAQ says that driving licence details are sent from the State Register to the National Register. If authorities abroad cannot verify your licence because it is missing from the National Register, contact your State Transport Department.
Avoiding delays
Most hold-ups come from small mismatches:
- Name differences. Your name on the licence and passport should match. If it does not, correct the licence first through change of name.
- Licence not on Sarathi. Older licences may need a backlog entry by the issuing RTO before you can apply online.
- Wrong state. Apply in the state where you live now; if you have moved, include a change of address.
- Unclear uploads. Scan the passport photo page and visa so the details are readable within the 300 KB limit.
- Leaving it late. Card printing and delivery take time, so apply as soon as your travel plans are fixed.
Insurance and rental cars abroad
An IDP proves you are licensed. It does not insure you. Car rental companies and insurers abroad have their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a minimum number of years since your licence was issued, so read them before you book.
Checklist before you travel
- Your Indian licence is valid for the whole trip.
- The IDP covers the vehicle classes you plan to drive.
- You carry the IDP, your Indian licence and your passport together.
- You have checked the driving rules of each country you will visit, including the minimum age to rent a car and which side of the road traffic uses.
- Your licence details appear correctly on Sarathi, and on DigiLocker or mParivahan as a backup.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an IDP online?
Yes. Rule 14(2) says the application is made online through parivahan.gov.in in Form 4A. On Sarathi, choose Issue of International Driving Permit under Services on Driving Licence.
How much does an IDP cost in India?
The central fee is ₹1,000. States may add service charges. Through an Indian Mission abroad after an IDP has expired, a further ₹2,000 applies.
How long is an IDP valid?
Up to one year from issue, or until your Indian licence expires if that is sooner.
Can I get an IDP with a learner licence?
No. You need a valid driving licence.
Can I renew my IDP?
An IDP is issued for a fixed period. When it expires, apply for a new one through Sarathi, or through an Indian Mission if you are abroad.
Does an IDP cover a car if my licence only covers a motorcycle?
No. The IDP covers only the classes on your Indian licence. Add a class first; see how to get a driving licence.
Related: forms, fees, state portals and FAQ.