An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation/authentication of your existing Indian driving licence recognised in signatory countries under the 1949 Geneva Convention, letting you legally drive abroad without a local licence in many countries. It's issued by your RTO based on a valid Indian driving licence, with applications increasingly processed through the Parivahan/Sarathi system.
Official website
Regional Transport Office (RTO) / Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
https://parivahan.gov.in
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Check whether your destination country accepts an Indian IDP under the Geneva Convention.
Apply through the Parivahan/Sarathi portal or directly at your jurisdictional RTO, depending on what your state supports online.
Submit your driving licence, passport, visa/travel proof and photographs.
Pay the applicable RTO fee.
Collect the IDP booklet from the RTO once processed (some states offer courier delivery).
Official fees
A modest RTO fee applies (typically a few hundred rupees) — check your specific RTO or the Parivahan portal for the current amount, as it can vary slightly by state.
Processing time
Often same-day to a few working days at the RTO, depending on how busy the office is and whether all documents are in order.
Validity
Typically 1 year from the date of issue, or until your underlying Indian driving licence expires, whichever is earlier.
How to apply
Online (Parivahan/Sarathi, where supported by your state) · Offline at your jurisdictional RTO
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No — it's recognised mainly in countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Always verify your specific destination country's requirement before travelling.