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What is an International Driving Permit/License?

An International Driving Permit (IDP), mostly known as International Driving License, is an official document the United Nations gives that certifies you to legally drive your vehicles on international roads. It is an official translation or confirmation that you hold a legal driving license in your birth country. This document, thus, translates your license documents into several different languages so that foreign authorities can verify and comprehend your driving credentials. This document is printed in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese, and Scandinavian languages. An International Driving Permit or License is of utmost importance in case of any mishap abroad since it will confirm your driving credentials. It is important to note that you must also have a two wheeler insurance and car insurance policy for driving a bike and car, respectively.

Eligibility Criteria for International Driving Licence

The requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining an IDL/IDP are uniform across all the signatory countries. Most countries, however, do charge small fees to issue them, which vary. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
• Must be above the age of 18
• Must possess a valid Driving License in the home country
• Must possess a valid passport and visa
In India, the eligibility criteria are as follows:
• Individual must be a resident of India and above the age of 18
• Must possess a valid Indian Driving License
• Must possess a valid passport and visa

Form for International Driving License

Individuals seeking an International Driving License have to submit a form, which is available in any RTO and is called the “Form for the Issue of International Driving Permit”, or more commonly known as Form 4. The Individual will be required to provide personal details like name, address, driving license number, country of destination, etc.

How to Apply for an International Driving Licence

In order to apply for an International Driving License, a person can visit the nearest RTO with all the necessary documents and the application fee. The license is handed over to the person in usually 3 to 4 business days.
International Driving License Apply Online:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made applying for an International Driving Licence much easier through its online website. To apply online, follow the 5 steps mentioned below:
Step1: Fill out the 2 forms, Form 4A and Form 1A:
• Form 4A is a Certificate that verifies that the individual is a competence rider
• Form 1A is a form of medical fitness of the rider
Step 2: Fill out the details of driving license, identity along with residential proof
Step 3: Submit all the other necessary documents along with the forms
Step 4: Take the driving test
Step 5: Pay an amount of INR 1000 at the time of submitting the document
Once you complete all these steps, your application will be successful, and you will be issued your International Driving license in approximately 4 to 5 business days.
International Driving License Apply Offline:
Although the online application procedure is much easier and more convenient, one can also opt for the offline route. To apply offline, you can go to your respective RTO and fill up the forms, pay the fees, and submit all the necessary documents. The RTO will then translate your license into an IDL.

Which documents are required to apply for IDP?

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, those who apply for the IDP are also required to submit the following additional documents:

• Form 4

• Copy of valid Indian driver's license

• Copy of passport and visa

• Copy of air tickets for validation

• Medical certificate as mentioned in the application form.

• Application fee of Rs. 1000

• 5 passport-sized photographs.

• Certified proof of Indian citizenship.

• Copy of address proof.

• Copy of age proof.

International Driving Licence Processing Time

It takes approximately 3 to 4 business days to receive the International Driving License by post or from the RTO Office.

Fees for International Driving Licence

The fees for the IDL/IDP vary from country to country. In India, the revised fee to apply for an International Driving Permit is INR 1000. The transaction is to be made at the time of submitting all required documents along with the application form.

Countries Accepting International Driving Licences

Here is a list of all foreign countries that accept International Driving Licence:

Albania	Algeria	Argentina	Australia
Austria	Bahamas	Bangladesh	Barbados
Belgium	Belize	Benin	Botswana
Brazil	Bulgaria	Cambodia	Canada
Central African Rep.	Chile	Colombia	Congo, Rep. of
Congo, Dem. Rep.	Costa Rica	Ivory Coast	Cuba
Cyprus	Czech Republic	Denmark	Dominican Republic
Ecuador	Egypt	El Salvador	Fiji
Finland	France	Gambia	Germany
Georgia (Rep. of)	Ghana	Greece	Grenada
Armenia	Azerbaijan	Belarus	Estonia
Guatemala	Guyana	Haiti	Honduras
Hong Kong	Hungary	Iceland	India
Ireland	Israel	Italy	Ivory coast
Jamaica	Japan	Jordan	Korea
Kyrgyz Republic	Laos	Lebanon	Lesotho
Luxembourg	Macao	Madagascar	Malawi
Malaysia	Mali	Malta	Mauritius
Mexico	Monaco	Morocco	Namibia
Netherlands	New Zealand	Nicaragua	Niger
Norway	Panama	Papua New Guinea	Paraguay
Kazakstan	Latvia	Lithuania	Moldova
Peru	Philippines	Poland	Portugal
Romania	Russian Federation	Rwanda	St. Lucia
St. Vincent and Gren.	Samoa	San Marino	Senegal
Seychelles	Sierra Leone	Singapore	Slovak Rep.
South Africa	Spain	Sri Lanka	Surinam
Swaziland	Sweden	Switzerland	Syria
Taiwan	Tanzania	Thailand	Togo
Trinidad and Tobago	Tunisia	Turkey	Uganda
United Kingdom	USA	Uruguay	Vatican City
Venezuela	Vietnam	Zambia	Zimbabwe
Tajikistan	Turkmenistan	Ukraine	Uzbekistan

Advantages of International Driving Licence

One of the most significant reasons that people apply for an International Driving Licence is that it allows them to drive on roads of foreign countries without getting into any potential trouble with the foreign authorities. However, in addition to that, there are various other merits of owning an International Driving Licence. These are as follows:

• The IDL is helpful if your original driving license is not in the language spoken in the country you are traveling to. It will, thus, make it easier for the authorities of that country to verify your information.

• No additional driving tests will be required in the countries that recognize the IDL

• Widely accepted- The International Driving License is accepted by over 150 countries that are signatories to the treaty. Furthermore, many countries that are not signatories also accept the IDL as a valid document.

• Driving with a valid International Driving Licence, you can even rent a car or two-wheeler as many foreign countries will not allow you to do so without an IDL

• It can also be used to verify your identity in the local language

• Many insurance companies need an International Driving Licence so as to cover the drivers of cars being driven abroad.

Renewal of International Driving Permit

The validity of an International Driving License is only for 1 year. Although it was impossible to renew an International Driving License in India, an amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act has fortunately made it plausible. Anyone who seeks to renew their International Driving License needs to do that through the official website of MoRTH.
To renew your International Driving Permit, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1	Download the miscellaneous application form from your respective Indian Embassy site and fill in all the details.
Step 2	Submit all necessary documents. These are as follows: • Original and copy of your valid passport and visa status • Valid and original International Driving Permit and Indian Driving License • Residence proof, including Utility Bill, Lease Agreement, State Identity Card, or Mortgage Deed • Passport size photographs as required
Step 3	Submit an International Driving License renewal fee of INR 2,000 along with all required documents. You will get a receipt of the payment made along with a certificate of identification from the embassy.
Step 4	Apply from the official website of MoRTH and upload all the embassy’s documents.

The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will then reissue your IDP and mail it to your postal address.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Driving License

1. Which countries don't accept the IDP/IDL?

The International Driving License is accepted by a total of 150 countries globally. Since this license/permit is controlled by an international agreement signed in 1949, it is followed by only those countries who are a part of it. South American countries don’t accept international permits as they are not part of the treaty. China, too, does not recognize an international driving license as a document and thus the only way to drive in China is to procure a license issued by the Chinese authorities. While Russia does accept the IDL, its validity remains only for 6 months rather than the usual 1-year. A detailed list is usually available on the regional transport authority website and on the recognized websites of a country’s transport authority.

2. Can I use my International Driving Permit for two-wheelers as well?

Yes, you can! If you hold a valid two-wheeler license in your home country, then it is possible to use the IDP to rent and ride a two-wheeler in foreign countries that recognize the IDP.

3. Can I use my IDP/IDL as identity proof?

Yes, most countries accept an International Driving License/Permit as valid proof of identity.

4. Will I require any additional documentation to rent a car or two-wheeler abroad?

Yes, you will need to have an original driver's license from your home country along with your International Driver’s License in order to rent a car or a two-wheeler in foreign countries that recognize the IDP as a legal document.

5. Which documents are required to apply for the IDP?

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, those who apply for the IDP are also required to submit the following additional documents:
• Form 4
• Copy of valid Indian driver's license
• Copy of passport and visa
• Copy of air tickets for validation
• Medical certificate as mentioned in the application form.
• Application fee of Rs. 1000
• 5 passport-sized photographs.
• Certified proof of Indian citizenship.
• Copy of address proof.
• Copy of age proof.