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How to Get an International Driving Permit in India

A step-by-step guide for Indian travellers on applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP), required documents, processing fees, and validity guidelines.

2026-07-055 min read
How to Get an International Driving Permit in India
Direct Answer

To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India, apply online via the Sarathi Parivahan portal, pay a ₹1,000 fee, upload copies of your passport, visa, valid licence, and a medical certificate (Form 1A), and verify at your local RTO. The permit is valid for 1 year.

Fast Facts & Reference

Ideal DurationRTO processing takes 2-4 days
Best SeasonApply 1 month before departure
Driving DifficultyEasy (Online process)
Recommended VehicleClass matches local licence
Licence / PermitValid Indian Driving Licence required
Visa RequirementValid visa for destination required
Expedition Budget₹1,000 official RTO fee
Suitable ForAll self-drive travellers
Daily Drive RangeN/A
ERT ExpeditionApply nationwide in India

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your national driving licence into multiple languages. It is recognized in over 150 countries. For Indian travellers, having an IDP is mandatory to rent cars or drive legally in destinations like Japan, Germany, and parts of the United States.

How to Apply via Sarathi Parivahan

You can apply for your IDP online through the official Sarathi Parivahan website. First, upload copy of your valid Indian driving licence, passport, visa, and medical certificate Form 1A. After paying the processing fee of ₹1,000, visit your local RTO to verify the documents and collect the physical booklet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP online?
Yes. The application is initiated online via Parivahan.gov.in. However, depending on your state RTO rules, you may still need to make a brief visit to verify documents physically.

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