How to get International Driving License in India

For an Indian who wishes to drive a vehicle in foreign countries, the government issues an International Driving Permit (IDP). This type of license gives authority to Indian citizens to drive or ride their own or rented vehicles in foreign countries. IDP is issued by the RTO and has a maximum validity of one year from the date of issue or up to the expiry date of your driving license, whichever is earlier. Barring a few nations like the USA, Bhutan, Canada, Sweden, Malaysia, and some others, IDP is generally required in all countries to permit foreign nationals to drive on international roads. This article will help you through the process of applying for an International Driving License, mandatory documents required for the same, and its renewal process after the expiry period. Towards the end, you�ll learn the advantages of holding an International Driving Permit.

Documents required to apply for International Driving License

Following documents are required to be submitted to the Road Transport Office (RTO) to get an International Driving permit. - Valid Driving Licence & its copies - Recent passport size photographs - Passport & its copies - Proof of Visa and its copies - Copy of Air ticket - Receipt for payment of fees - An application for IDL in Form � 4*- A Medical certificate in Form 1A

(*Form 4 - Form for the issue of International Driving Permit)

The process to apply for International Driving License

Given below is a step-to-step guide to help you through the process of application for IDL via both online as well as offline modes. - Get Form 4 from the nearest RTO or you can download it from the International Control Traffic Association website. - Fill in the required details in the form. - Submit the form along with the aforementioned documents. (The documents are needed to be submitted at the RTO in case of offline application) - Pay the fees for IDP.

IDP is issued to the applicant after the processing of the application. Depending on the administration of the issuing authorities, the time taken for the same might vary from a few days to a few weeks.

Eligibility criteria for International Driving Permit

• The applicant should be 18 years or above age.
• The applicant must hold a valid Driving Licence in India.
• The applicant must also possess a passport to be eligible for IDP.

How to renew International Driving License?

International Driving License is generally valid for 1 year after which it requires renewal. Given below is the process for the renewal of IDP. 1. Apply online through the International Control Traffic Association. 2. Attach the following documents � - Scanned copies of recent passport-size photographs. - Signed photocopies of driver�s license, both front, and back. - All documents submitted during the process of application of IDL. 3. Pay the fee for the renewal of IDP.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has enabled the renewal of expired IDP even from abroad. Indian citizens living abroad can apply for the renewal process from Indian embassies. After the clearance of the application, the IDP would be couriered to the citizen at his/her address abroad by the respective RTO.

Advantages of International Driving License

• IDP gives you the authority to drive a vehicle on international roads.
• IDP is accepted in over 150 countries across the world as a recognizable form of identification.
• No additional driving test is required in the foreign nation that you�re visiting if you hold an IDP.
• IDP is a helpful form of identification. It can be used as a proof of identity document in the local language.
• IDPs allow you to carry your identification details in several different languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, and French, among others).