What an International Driving Permit Is and When You Need One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Indian driving license into multiple languages so you can drive legally in other countries. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your valid Indian driving license. If you plan to rent a car or drive in another country, most car rental companies and border officials will ask for both your Indian license and your IDP together.
You need an IDP if you are traveling outside India and want to drive. Some countries will let you drive on your Indian license alone for a short visit, but many will not recognize it without an IDP. The permit is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic, which India follows, so it is recognized in over 150 countries.
The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it—you must explore for a new one if you need to drive abroad again after it expires.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in your state and requires a valid Indian driving license that is at least 6 months old.
- You must explore in person at your RTO with your original license, proof of address, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form.
- The permit is issued on the same day or within a few days, depending on your state's RTO procedures.
- The IDP costs between ₹300 and ₹500 across most states, though the exact fee varies by location.
- Your IDP is valid for one year only and must be carried with your Indian driving license whenever you drive abroad.
Who Can Get an International Driving Permit
To get an IDP, you must hold a valid Indian driving license that is at least 6 months old. The license must not be suspended, cancelled, or expired. If your license is less than 6 months old, you will have to wait until it reaches that age before you can explore for an IDP.
Your Indian license must be for the category of vehicle you plan to drive abroad. If your license is for a two-wheeler only, your IDP will also be for a two-wheeler. If you hold a license for a car (category B), your IDP will cover cars. You cannot use an IDP to drive a vehicle type that your Indian license does not permit.
There are no age restrictions beyond what your Indian license already requires. If you hold a valid license, you can get an IDP regardless of how old you are.
Documents You Need to Bring to the RTO
Gather these documents before you visit your Regional Transport Office:
- Your original Indian driving license (the physical card, not a photocopy)
- Your passport or any government-issued photo ID
- Proof of your current address (electricity bill, water bill, or rental agreement dated within the last three months)
- One or two passport-sized photographs (4 cm × 6 cm), depending on your state's requirement
- The completed IDP process form, which you can obtain from the RTO or read from your state's transport department website
Some RTOs may ask for additional documents such as a copy of your PAN card or your vehicle registration certificate if you own a car. Call your local RTO before you visit to confirm what they require, as rules vary slightly between states.
how the process works at Your Regional Transport Office
Visit the RTO office in your district in person. You cannot explore for an IDP by mail or online—the RTO must verify your original driving license and take your photograph or confirm the one you provide. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized.
At the RTO counter, tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will give you the process form if you do not already have one, or they will take the form you have completed. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, address, and the countries you plan to visit. Some RTOs ask you to specify your destination; others do not.
Pay the fee at the counter. The cost is usually between ₹300 and ₹500, though some states charge slightly more. Ask for a receipt. The RTO will then process your process, verify your license details in their system, and issue your IDP. In many states, you receive the permit on the same day. In others, it may take two to five working days, so ask when you can collect it.
What Your International Driving Permit Looks Like and How to Use It
Your IDP is a small booklet, usually about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photograph, license number, date of birth, and the vehicle categories you are permitted to drive. The information is printed in English and French, and sometimes in other languages as well, depending on the issuing country's format.
When you drive abroad, carry both your Indian driving license and your IDP together. They work as a pair—the IDP translates your license information, but it does not replace your license. If a police officer or car rental company asks to see your license, show both documents. Do not leave your IDP at home or in your hotel; keep it with you whenever you are driving.
If you lose your IDP while abroad, contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a new one, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid Indian license, which may help you in an emergency. When you return to India, you can explore for a replacement IDP at your RTO if needed.
What Happens If Your Indian License Expires or Is Suspended
Your IDP is only valid if your Indian driving license remains valid. If your license expires, is suspended, or is cancelled, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. You cannot drive abroad on an expired or suspended license, no matter how long your IDP is still good for.
If your Indian license is about to expire, renew it before you travel. Renew your license at your RTO using the standard renewal process—this is separate from getting an IDP. Once your renewed license is issued, you can explore for a new IDP if you still need one.
If your license is suspended due to traffic violations or other reasons, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is restored to valid status.
International Driving Permit Rules in Different Countries
While an IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, the rules for how long you can drive on it vary. Most countries allow you to drive on an IDP for up to one year if you are a tourist or temporary visitor. Some countries require you to obtain a local driving license if you stay longer than six months or if you become a resident.
Before you travel, check the driving rules for the specific country you are visiting. Contact the embassy of that country or visit their official transport or motor vehicle website to learn whether an IDP is accepted, whether you need additional documents like an International Driving Permit from another issuing country, and whether there are any restrictions on how long you can drive.
Some countries, such as the United States, accept an IDP but also accept an Indian license on its own for short-term visitors. Others, such as many European countries, strongly prefer an IDP. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require you to obtain a local license. Knowing the rules ahead of time prevents problems at rental counters or police checkpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my Indian license is a learner's permit?
No. Your Indian driving license must be a full, permanent license that is at least 6 months old. A learner's permit is not valid for an IDP. You must pass your driving test, receive your permanent license, and wait 6 months before you can explore for an IDP.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
Most RTOs issue the IDP on the same day you explore. Some states take two to five working days. When you submit your process, ask the RTO staff when you can collect your permit. Keep your receipt so you can track your process if needed.
Can I explore for an International Driving Permit online?
No. You must visit your RTO in person. The RTO needs to verify your original driving license and confirm your identity before issuing an IDP. Some states may allow you to read the process form online and fill it in before you visit, but you cannot complete the entire process online.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
Contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. They can provide a letter confirming your valid Indian license, which may help in an emergency. When you return to India, explore for a replacement IDP at your RTO. Bring your Indian license, proof of address, and a new photograph.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in every country?
Most countries recognize an IDP, but a few do not. Some countries accept your Indian license alone for short visits. Before you travel, check the specific country's rules on their official transport or motor vehicle website or contact their embassy. This takes five minutes and prevents problems when you arrive.