Dreaming of a road trip through the scenic routes of the USA, Europe, or Australia? Your Indian driver’s licence alone isn’t enough. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP), a crucial document that translates your licence into multiple languages and allows you to drive legally in over 150 countries.
Many travellers are confused about the process, asking: “How can I get my IDP online in India?” While the application process starts online, there’s a mandatory in-person step. This guide will walk you through the entire, correct procedure to get your IDP quickly and hassle-free.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is an official, multilingual translation of your native driver’s licence. It is not a replacement for your Indian licence but must be carried alongside it when driving abroad. It is issued by the Automobile Association of India (AAI), which is authorised by the Government of India, under the mandate of the United Nations.
Important Note: The “Online” Process Explained
You cannot get an IDP delivered to your doorstep without any verification. The legitimate process is hybrid:
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Online: Fill the application form and upload documents on the official portal.
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Offline: You must visit your Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person to submit physical copies of your documents for verification and collect the permit.
Any website claiming to offer a 100% online IDP without an RTO visit is likely a scam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an IDP Online in India
Follow these steps to secure your International Driving Permit legitimately.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply, ensure you meet these criteria:
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You must be a resident of India.
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You must hold a valid Indian Driving Licence (both Learner’s Licence and Permanent Licence are valid).
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You must be at least 18 years old.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Having these documents ready will make the process smooth:
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Duly Filled Application Form: You will get this from the online portal or the RTO.
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Valid Indian Driving Licence: Original and a photocopy.
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Proof of Address (if different from DL): Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bill, etc.
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Proof of Age (if different from DL): Passport, Birth Certificate, or PAN Card.
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Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent colour photographs (5.5 cm x 5.5 cm or 2 inch x 2 inch) with a white background.
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Valid Passport & Visa (Photocopies): Required as proof of your travel.
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Application Fee: Cash or digital payment, as accepted by your RTO.
Step 3: The Application Process
A. Online Application (Parivahan Website)
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Visit the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website: [https://parivahan.gov.in/].
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Navigate to “Online Services” and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
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Select your state from the dropdown menu.
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Click on “Apply for International Driving Permit”.
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Fill in the required details accurately: your driving licence number, personal information, and passport/visa details.
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Upload scanned copies of the required documents (photograph, signature, DL, etc.) as per the specified size and format.
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Submit the form and note down the application reference number.
B. Visit the RTO
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Take a printout of the submitted application form.
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Carry all the original documents and their photocopies to the RTO that issued your driving licence or the RTO jurisdiction you belong to.
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Submit the documents to the designated official for verification.
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Pay the applicable fee. The IDP fee in India is typically Rs. 1,000 + any minor processing charges.
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Your photo and signature will be captured digitally at the counter.
Step 4: Collect Your IDP
Once the verification is complete and the fee is processed, the RTO will print and issue your International Driving Permit instantly or within a few hours. It is a small booklet with a grey cover.
Processing Time and Validity
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Processing Time: If all documents are correct, you can get your IDP on the same day at the RTO counter.
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Validity: An IDP issued in India is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it; you must apply for a new one after the old one expires.
Important Tips and Precautions
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Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last week before your trip. Apply at least a month in advance to avoid any unforeseen delays.
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Beware of Scams: Only use the official Parivahan website. Do not fall for third-party agents who promise to get you an IDP without an RTO visit; they often provide fake documents that will get rejected at foreign borders.
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Carry Both Licences: Always carry your original Indian Driving Licence along with your IDP when driving abroad.
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Check Country Requirements: Some countries (like Germany, Switzerland, and South Korea) may require additional authentication or an apostille on your IDP. Always check the specific driving requirements of your destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get a 100% online IDP without visiting the RTO?
No. A physical verification of your original documents at the RTO is mandatory by law. Any service claiming otherwise is not legitimate.
Q2: How long is the IDP valid for?
An IDP issued in India is valid for one year. If you are staying abroad longer, you will need to apply for a local driver’s licence in that country.
Q3: Can I use my IDP to drive in all countries?
The IDP is accepted in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. However, some countries like China and Brazil have different rules. Always verify with the embassy of your destination country.
Q4: What if my Indian driver’s licence is from one state, but I currently live in another?
You should ideally apply at the RTO where your driver’s licence was issued. If that’s not possible, check with your local RTO if they can process the application.
What you need to rent a car, and how to rent one
As a tourist, you’ll most likely be renting a car (more on that in a bit) for your road trip. Even so, there are certain requirements that you’ll have to check off before you get into it. Why Should You Consult International Driving License Agencies UK?
- You have to get an International Driver’s Permit. Apply for it online or head to the office — we prefer doing it in person because the queue is pretty short during off-peak hours, and you can get it done on the same day. It’ll cost S$20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- A valid local driver’s license.
- You have to be at least 21 years of age and have held your local licence for a year. A surcharge may be imposed for drivers under the age of 25.
- A passport for identification .
- A credit card in the driver’s name.
How to obtain an international driving permit
The process of obtaining an international driving license directly from an office can be quite challenging and time-consuming. The payment methods involved can also be complex. Therefore, it is recommended to consider applying for an international driving license from IMTA. The application process only takes around 10 to 15 minutes, making it a more efficient option for getting your international driving permit Get An IDP For Your Next Journey. International Driving Permit in Russia, International Driving Licence in Russia, International Driving License in Russia, IDP russia online
The necessary details required for the application of an International driving permit include:
– Full Name
– Email & Phone Number
– Current Address
– Place of Birth
– National Driver’s License Number
– National Driver’s License Issued Date & Expiry Date
– Picture of Driver’s License & Your Head Shot Photo for Your IDP
Conclusion
Getting an International Driving Permit in India is a straightforward process if you follow the correct hybrid online-offline method. By using the official Parivahan portal and preparing your documents for the mandatory RTO visit, you can secure your IDP quickly and legally. Plan ahead, avoid scams, and you’ll be all set to explore the world from the driver’s seat!
Ready to apply? Start your application on the official portal here: https://parivahan.gov.in/
