International Driving License (IDL)/International Driving Permit (IDP)

Eligibility Criteria for an International Driving Licence in India

To be eligible for an IDL/IDP India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

1. You must be at least 18 years old 

1. You must possess a current Indian driver's license that was issued by your state's or union territory's Regional Transport Office (RTO), commonly referred to as the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) 

1. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your trip 

1. If you wish to fly to a country that does not require a visa, you must have a valid visa for the countries you plan to visit, or proof of further travel 

1. Within three months of the application date, you must have a confirmed airline ticket for your trip with the departure date. 

How to Apply for an International Driving License in India?

The following procedure must be followed to apply for International Driving License (IDL) in India:

1. Visit the National Government Services Portal or Parivahan Sewa portal 

1. Enter your email address and mobile number when registering 

1. Click "Apply Online" after choosing the state and RTO/RTA where your driver's license was issued 

1. Select "Services on Driving Licence" and enter your birthdate and driver's license number 

1. Choose "Issue of IDP" and complete the application by providing the necessary information, including your passport number, personal information, visa details, airline ticket details, and the countries you intend to visit 

1. In Form 1A, upload scanned copies of your driver's license, passport, visa, airline ticket, and medical certificate. Then, use an Aadhaar-based e-signature or digital signature to confirm the documents 

1. Use a credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking to pay the fees and user charges online 

1. Remember to note down the application number for future use when submitting your application 

1. When your application is accepted and your IDL/IDP is prepared for collection you will receive a confirmation by email or text message 

1. For an extra cost, you can have your IDL/IDP delivered to your address, or you can pick it up from the RTO/RTA where you applied. 

International Driving License Application Form (Form 4A)

  ✓ Individuals who are applying for an international driving license are required to submit a form when applying.

  ✓ The form can be picked up from any RTO and is known as the 'Form for the Issue of International Driving Permit', or Form 4.

  ✓ The individual will have to provide personal details such as name, address, driving license number, country they are travelling to, etc.  

Documents Required for International Driving Permit

Mentioned below are the required documents while applying for an International Driving License:

1. Valid Driver's License (original and photocopies)
2. Valid Passport (original and photocopies)
3. Valid Visa (if applicable, and photocopies)
4. Air Ticket Copy (required for travel verification)
5. Medical Certificate (Form 1A, issued by a registered medical practitioner)
6. IDP Application Form (Form 4A), completed and submitted
7. Recent Passport-size photographs (four copies)
8. Prescribed fees (receipt of applicable charges)

How to Renew an International Driving Licence in India

To renew your international driver's licence in India, follow these steps: 

1. You must first verify that your IDL is valid. You must apply for a new international licence if it has expired 

1. After that, go to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and select the “International Driving Permit” option from the “Online Services” tab 

1. Enter your information, passport number, driver's licence number, visa information, and the countries you want to travel in the form 

1. Add electronic copies of your documents. On the website of the relevant Indian Embassy, you can also download and manually complete the various application form 

1. Next, use the portal to pay the application fee online. An application number and a payment receipt will be sent to you. A certificate of identification from the Indian Embassy or High Commission in the country where you are living must also be submitted 

1. Wait for the RTO's verification. You will receive confirmation as soon as it is accepted 

1. Your IDL or IDP can be downloaded and printed from the portal. Depending on your preference, you can also pick it up from the High Commission, the Indian Embassy, or the RTO. 

Advantages of International Driving License

Applying for an international driving permit/International DL is a simple process and it has a number of advantages, which are listed below:

1. It certifies you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country - The IDP is accepted as proof of your driving capability and the document confirms you have a valid driver's license in your home country.
2. The IDP is useful if your original driver's license is not in the language of your destination country. This facilitates the verification of your information by authorities in those countries.
3. It can be used as a proof of identity document in the local language.
4. No additional driving tests - With an IDP, you would not be required to take any additional driving tests in the countries you are visiting.
5. Wide acceptance - The IDP is recognised in over 150 nations that have signed on to the agreement. Certain non-signatory nations recognise the IDP as a valid document within their borders.
6. Certain countries will not allow you to rent a car unless you have an IDP.
7. Insurance companies require an IDP to cover drivers of vehicles being driven abroad.

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