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

If you're planning to drive during a trip abroad, your Indian driving licence alone usually isn't enough — most countries expect an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it. The IDP is essentially an official, multi-language translation of your Indian licence, recognised in countries that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Does your destination country accept it?

The IDP only works in countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention — most of Europe, several countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas fall under this, but coverage isn't universal. Some countries have their own separate permit requirements, and a few don't recognise foreign licences for driving at all, requiring a local one instead. Always confirm your specific destination's rules with that country's embassy or road transport authority before you travel — don't assume based on a general Geneva Convention list.

Documents you'll need

• Your valid Indian driving licence
• A valid passport and visa (or confirmed travel ticket, depending on your RTO)
• Passport-size photographs
• Proof of address
• A medical certificate, in some states or cases

Step-by-step: apply for an IDP

1. Confirm your destination country accepts the IDP under the Geneva Convention.
2. Apply through the Parivahan/Sarathi portal if your state supports it online, or visit your jurisdictional RTO directly.
3. Submit your driving licence, passport, visa or travel proof, and photographs.
4. Pay the applicable RTO fee — typically a modest amount, though it varies slightly by state.
5. Collect the IDP booklet from the RTO once processed; some states offer courier delivery instead of an in-person pickup.

How long it lasts, and what it doesn't do

An IDP is typically valid for 1 year from issue, or until your underlying Indian licence expires — whichever comes first. It's a supplement to your Indian licence, not a replacement, so you need to carry both together while driving abroad. And it doesn't grant driving rights on its own; without a valid Indian licence behind it, an IDP means nothing.