How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India in 2026

Here’s a question almost every first-time international traveller asks at some point: “Can I drive abroad with my Indian driving license?” Technically, in a handful of countries, yes. But in most places, especially if you are renting a car, the answer is no, not without an International Driving Permit (IDP). It is not a separate license, just an official translation of your existing one.

By the end of this blog, you will know exactly who is eligible, which documents to have ready, what it costs, and how the whole process works, both online and offline. While obtaining an IDP is a relatively simple part of travel preparation, planning for larger expenses such as flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and visa fees is equally important. If needed, an online loan app can help cover these expenses with a convenient loan for travel.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a booklet that translates the details on your Indian driving license into 10 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. It is issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and is recognised in over 150 countries.

Simply, it is an official multilingual friend to your existing licence, not a replacement for it.

Note: A common point of confusion is the term ‘International Driving License.’ There is no separate document by that name.

The IDP is the only internationally recognised document that allows you to drive in many foreign countries along with your valid Indian Driving Licence (DL). So, if you apply for International Driving License, make sure the application is for an official IDP issued through authorised channels.

When do you need an IDP?

An IDP acts as a recognised document in over 150 countries and may be required in the following situations:

• Renting a car abroad
• Driving in countries where an IDP is mandatory
• Travelling across multiple countries in the same trip
• Driving in countries where English is not widely spoken
• Providing an official translation of your Indian driving license
• Carrying an additional photo ID while travelling
• Complying with travel insurance requirements

Who is eligible for an IDP in India?

Before you apply for an International Driving Permit in India, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

IDP Eligibility Criteria

Criteria	Requirement
Age	Must be at least 18 years old
Valid Indian Driving Licence	a. Must not be expired, suspended, or revoked b. Shall remain active throughout the IDP's validity of 1 year
Resident of India	Must apply through the jurisdictional Regional Transport Office (RTO)
Purpose of Use	Non-commercial or private vehicle driving abroad
Valid Indian Passport	a. Must not be expired, suspended, or revoked b. Some states may ask for a copy of your visa and air ticket for confirmation

*Learner’s Licence holders are not eligible for an IDP.

What documents are required for an IDP in India?

Documents Required for International Driving Permit (IDP)

Documents	Requirements
Form 4A	Application Form for International Driving Permit. Download it for free on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in or fill it out online.
Valid Indian Driving Licence	Original and photocopy (must include the vehicle class)
Valid Indian Passport	Original and photocopy
Visa (if applicable)	Visa copy or confirmation letter / flight ticket (for visa-on-arrival countries)
Air Ticket / Travel Confirmation	Proof of international travel
Passport-sized Photographs	2 recent colour photographs with a white background
Form 1A	Medical certificate from a registered doctor
Proof of Address	Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport (with current address)
Application Fee Receipt	After online payment

How to apply online for an International Driving Permit in India in 2026?

You can initiate the IDP application online through the Sarathi portal, though most states still require an RTO visit for verification.

1. Visit the official Sarathi portal
2. Select your state
3. Choose ‘Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)’
4. Click ‘Continue’ after reading the on-screen information
5. Enter your Driving Licence number & Date of Birth, and submit
6. The screen will display your existing DL details
7. Verify your DL details
8. Fill in Form 4A with your passport number and travel details
9. Upload the scanned copies of the required documents (JPG or PDF under 500 KB each)
10. Pay the applicable IDP fee online and save the receipt
11. Book an appointment at your jurisdictional RTO for document verification
12. Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with the original documents for verification (if required, biometric process as well)
13. Once approved, the IDP is usually issued within 3 - 7 working days

Note: IDP delivery timelines may vary. Some RTOs issue it on the same day, while others send it to your registered address by post.

How to apply offline for an International Driving Permit in India in 2026?

If you prefer not to apply online or your state doesn’t have an online facility, you can submit your IDP application directly to your jurisdictional RTO.

1. Visit your jurisdictional RTO
2. Collect the Form 4A or download it from the official Parvahan Sewa portal
3. Fill out the form
4. Attach the required documents
5. Submit the application
6. Pay the applicable fees
7. Show the original documents for verification
8. Complete biometric formalities, if required
9. Collect your acknowledgement receipt and application reference number
10. Wait for the processing and approval by the RTO
11. Once approved, the IDP is usually issued within 3 - 7 working days

Note: IDP delivery timelines may vary. Some RTOs issue it on the same day, while others send it to your registered address by post.

How to track the IDP application status?

The Sarathi portal allows applicants to track their IDP application status online at any time.

1. Visit the official Sarathi portal
2. Go to the ‘Application Status’ option at the top right corner
3. Enter your application number and Date of Birth
4. Click on ‘Submit’

By now, you have a clear understanding of why an IDP is important, and in many countries, mandatory. Once you have the required documents, the whole process, from application to collection, rarely takes a couple of weeks. To avoid last-minute delays, it is advisable to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your departure date. Also, ensure your Indian DL remains valid throughout your trip.

With your travel documents sorted, you can focus on planning the rest of your journey. And if you need financial flexibility along the way, the Kissht loan app provides a convenient online loan app experience, while its loan EMI calculator can help you plan repayments for taking a loan for travel.

FAQs

1. How to apply for an IDP online?

You can apply online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal by selecting your state, filling out Form 4A, uploading the required documents, paying the applicable fees, and visiting the jurisdictional RTO for verification.

2. How to apply for an IDP offline?

Visit your jurisdictional RTO, collect or download the Form 4A, submit the completed form along with the required documents and applicable fees.

3.Who is eligible for an IDP in India?

Indian residents aged 18 years or older who hold a valid Indian Driving Licence and an Indian Passport can apply for an IDP in India to drive a non-commercial or private vehicle abroad. However, Learner’s Licence holders are not eligible.

4.What is the IDP validity?

An International Driving Permit issued in India is generally valid for 1 year from the date of issue or until the validity of the underlying Indian Driving Licence, whichever is earlier.

5.Can the IDP be renewed?

No, an IDP can never be renewed. Once it expires, you must submit a fresh application and obtain a new permit if required.