How to Get International Driving License in India?

An international driving license, also known as an international driving permit (IDP), is an official document that allows someone to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country. It serves as a translation of your domestic driver’s license and includes your personal information and driving privileges.

Many countries require visitors to have an IDP in addition to their domestic driver’s license to legally drive on their roads. Without an IDP, you may face difficulties renting a car or being able to drive legally in the country you are visiting. In addition, an IDP can be useful in case of an accident or traffic violation, as it provides important information in a standardized format that can be easily understood by local authorities. Therefore, it is essential to obtain an international driving license if you plan to drive in another country.

Who can Obtain an International Driving License in India?

To obtain an International Driving License in India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

You must be a citizen of India
You must hold a valid Indian driving license issued by the relevant authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
You must be at least 18 years old

It’s important to note that an international driving license is valid only for one year from the date of issue, and it cannot be renewed. So, if you plan to continue driving abroad after the expiration date, you will need to apply for a new IDP. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that you comply with the traffic rules and regulations of the country you are visiting while driving with your IDP.

Documents Required to Apply for International Driving License in India

To apply for an International Driving License (IDL) in India, you will need to submit the following documents-

Document Name
A filled and signed application form	You can obtain this form from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or download it from their website
A copy of your valid Indian driving license	You must have a valid Indian driving license issued by the relevant authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
A copy of your passport	You must provide a copy of the first two pages of your passport, which includes your personal information and photographs
Two passport-size photographs	You must provide two recent passport-size photographs with a white background
A valid visa (if applicable)	If you are planning to visit a foreign country as a tourist, you must provide a valid visa for that country

It’s essential to ensure that all the documents are complete and up-to-date to avoid any delay or rejection of your application. Additionally, it’s recommended to carry your original driving license and passport with you while driving with your IDL in a foreign country.

How to Apply for an International Driving License in India?

To apply for an International Driving License (IDL) in India, you can follow these steps:

Collect the necessary documents- Gather all the required documents, including a filled and signed application form, a copy of your valid Indian driving license, a copy of your passport, two passport-size photographs, and a valid visa (if applicable)
Visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)- Visit the RTO office in your jurisdiction and submit the application form along with the required documents
Pay the fees- Pay the application fees, which are usually around INR 1,000. The fee may vary depending on the state you are applying from
Wait for verification- After submitting your application and the necessary documents, the RTO will verify your details and process your application. The processing time may vary depending on the workload at the RTO
Collect your IDL- Once your application is approved, you can collect your International Driving License from the RTO office. It usually takes around 3-5 working days for the IDL to be processed and issued

Tips to Obtain IDL Easily!

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you obtain an International Driving License (IDL) in India easily-

Check the eligibility criteria- Before applying for an IDL, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, which include being an Indian citizen, having a valid Indian driving license, and being at least 18 years old
Plan ahead- Apply for the IDL well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any last-minute rush or delay in processing.
Get all the documents ready- Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready, including a filled and signed application form, a copy of your valid Indian driving license, a copy of your passport, two passport-size photographs, and a valid visa (if applicable).
Be cautious while filling out the application form- Fill out the application form correctly and make sure there are no errors or mistakes in your personal information.
Pay the fees on time- Pay the IDL application fees on time to avoid any delay or rejection of your application.
Follow up regularly- Follow up with the RTO regularly to check the status of your application and to ensure that there are no issues or delays.
Be prepared for a driving test- Some RTOs may require you to take a driving test before issuing an IDL. So, be prepared for it and practice driving skills beforehand.

Wrapping it Up

The International Driving License is a valuable document that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries. If you plan to drive in another country, you will need to obtain an IDL in India before your trip.

To get an IDL, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, collect the necessary documents, and visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your jurisdiction. The documents required include a filled and signed application form, a copy of your valid Indian driving license, a copy of your passport, two passport-size photographs, and a valid visa (if applicable). After submitting the application and paying the fees, you need to wait for verification, and once your application is approved, you can collect your IDL from the RTO office.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for an International Driving License in India?

Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old and hold a valid Indian driving license are eligible to apply for an IDL in India.

What are the documents required to apply for an International Driving License in India?

The documents required to apply for an IDL in India include a filled and signed application form, a copy of your valid Indian driving license, a copy of your passport, two passport-size photographs, and a valid visa (if applicable).