International Driving License

People who seek to drive abroad can do so by applying for an International Driver’s Permit. The International Driver’s Permit (alternatively known as, IDL) is a legal travel document which is authorized by the United Nations and it is issued to tourists who are traveling to foreign lands. It is an official adaptation of your driver’s license that has been issued in your home country. The document typically asserts that you hold a valid driver’s license and it transcribes your license documents into many languages so that the authorities overseas can verify and recognize your driving credentials.

The document is usually printed in the following languages:

• English

• Spanish

• Chinese

• Russian

• German

• Arabic

• Italian

• Portuguese

• Scandinavian Languages

This allows the authorities in these countries to know your driver’s license. This is particularly important if any mishap happens on your trip abroad since it can prove your driving credentials.

An IDP is generally valid for one year from its issue date or until the permanent driving licence expires, whichever is earlier.

How to Apply for an International Driving License?

Applying for an international driving license (IDL) is now a convenient procedure, thanks to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. An individual who wants to drive in a different country is expected to apply for an international driving license (IDL), which serves as a driving permit in that country.

• Individuals can get to the nearest RTO with the necessary documents and the application fee.

• The license will be delivered to the individual after the processing of the application, which usually takes 3-4 business days.

• Form for International Driving License.

• Individuals who apply for an international driving license are obligated to submit the form 4 while applying for the IDL.

• Form 4 can be picked from any RTO; it is also known as the 'Form For the Issue of International Driving Permit.'

• The individual is required to give personal details like name, address, driving license number, country the individual is traveling to.

Charges for International Driving License

The charges for an international driving license (IDL) is fixed at 1000 rupees per license. The applicant will be required to make the payment at the time of presenting the documents and the application form (Form 4).

Documents Required for IDP:

The International Driving Permit(IDP) requirements and eligibility criteria are uniform transversely across all the signatory countries. Most of the countries charge a modest fee to issue the IDP, which deviates from country to country. Applicants must satisfy the criteria that are mentioned below:

• The applicant should be 18 years of age.

• He/She should possess a valid DL.

• Submit the form which is issued by the concerned authority and three passport-sized photographs.

Indian applicants are required to submit the following supplementary documentation:

• Copy of valid driver's license

• Form 4

• Copy of VISA

• Copy of Passport

• Copy of air tickets

• Medical certificate (as acquired from the website)

• Application fees (1000 rupees)

• Six passport-sized photographs

• Proof of Indian Citizenship

• Age Proof

• Address proof

Advantages of International Driving License

• IDP allows you to drive in a foreign country.

• IDP serves as proof of your driving capability.

• IDP is useful when the original driving license is not in the language spoken in a foreign country.

• It serves as an identity proof in foreign countries.

• No additional driving tests are required to acquire an IDP.

• The IDP is valid in over 150 countries.

• Some countries won't allow you to rent a car unless you own an international license.

• You need an IDP to avail insurance in foreign countries.

Renewing the International Driving Permit

According to the present Indian laws, an International Driving License(IDP) issued in India is valid for one year or until the permanent driving license of the license holder expires, whichever comes earlier. Presently, people cannot renew their IDP.

Points To Remember

• It should be noted that if an individual was issued a permanent license three months or less before the application for an IDP/IDL, then they'll be required to take another DL test.

• The form for applying for an IDP can be downloaded from the official website of RTO.

• The IDP/IDL will be issued for the license that falls under the jurisdiction of the Regional Transport Authority where the application was submitted. For individuals whose license was issued in a different state, they'll be required to change the address on their DL to their current address.

• It must be noted that there are many websites and organizations which offer International Driver' Permit documents to be issued online. You should always validate the claims that these websites make since there is a chance that some of them are false. It is advisable to apply for an IDP/IDL from the reliable transport authority to avoid any hassles.

FAQ's on IDL/IDP

Which countries accept the IDP/IDL?

Many countries accept IDP/IDL and allow travelers to drive and rent cars. A complete list is accessible on the regional transport authority website and the official websites of a country’s transport authority.

Can I use my International Driving License as identity proof?

Yes. But you need to fulfill certain additional conditions in the country that you are traveling in.

Will I need any additional documentation to rent a two-wheeler or car abroad?

You will need your original driver’s license and your International Driver’s License(IDL) to rent a car or two-wheeler while traveling to countries which recognize IDP as a valid document for driving license.