An Indian resident holding a valid Indian driving licence can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) through the concerned licensing authority/Sarathi process. The official guidance identifies Form 4A, the valid Indian DL, passport, visa where applicable, air ticket/travel verification and prescribed fees.
Start through Official Sarathi Services
Verified official position — 23 September 2026: MoRTH's 2021 notification provides for an online IDP application through Parivahan in Form 4A. The applicant must hold a valid Indian DL. Official guidance lists the DL, passport, visa where applicable, air ticket/travel verification and prescribed fee/user charges. The issued permit's dates and classes—and the destination's law—control actual use; an online Form 4A or private “international licence” card is not an issued IDP.
Check These Three Things Before Applying
- The destination country recognises the relevant IDP arrangement for an Indian licence.
- The rental company or local authority accepts it for the intended vehicle and trip.
- Your Indian DL is valid and includes the needed vehicle class.
An IDP accompanies the underlying national licence; it is not a standalone replacement for an expired, suspended or wrong-class Indian DL.
Documents and Details
Prepare the requirements shown by the selected state, commonly including:
- Valid Indian driving licence and copies
- Form 4A/current online IDP application
- Passport and copies
- Visa where applicable
- Air ticket or travel evidence for verification
- Destination countries and intended duration
- Photograph/signature as requested
- Prescribed fee and user charges
- Medical or additional evidence if the live application requests it
Do not buy an “international driving licence” card from a private site that claims it is valid worldwide without licensing-authority issuance.
How to Apply for an IDP
- Confirm the destination's current requirements.
- Open Sarathi and select the state holding your valid Indian DL.
- Choose Services on Driving Licence.
- Retrieve the DL with its number and DOB.
- Select Issue of International Driving Permit when available.
- Enter passport, destination and travel details accurately.
- Upload the documents requested by the state.
- Pay the official amount generated.
- Complete any RTO verification shown.
- Track the application and follow the official download/collection route.
IDP, Indian DL and Foreign Licence
| Document | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian driving licence | Source driving entitlement and vehicle classes |
| International Driving Permit | Internationally usable permit/translation framework for recognised destinations |
| Foreign/local licence | Licence issued under the destination's law, sometimes required for longer residence or other conditions |
Your visa type, residency, duration and local law can change what is permitted. Verify with the destination authority and rental provider; this page cannot grant driving permission abroad.
Common IDP Problems
- Indian DL expired: renew the source licence before relying on it for an IDP.
- Name differs from passport: resolve or document the mismatch according to the issuing authority's instructions.
- Destination missing/wrong: contact the RTO before issue; do not alter an IDP.
- Service absent online: ask the concerned RTO whether the state uses another official route.
- Travel date close: do not trust a commercial “instant IDP” promise; the authority controls issuance.
- Rental company refuses it: its vehicle/age/document policy can be stricter than basic entry rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download an IDP PDF immediately?
Submitting Form 4A does not itself create an issued permit. The authority must process the application and provide the state-specific issue/download/collection route.
Is an IDP valid without the Indian licence?
Treat the valid Indian DL as the underlying licence and carry documents required by the destination. An IDP is not a cure for an invalid source licence.
Does one IDP work in every country?
No universal claim is safe. Recognition and practical acceptance depend on destination law, convention framework, vehicle class, stay and rental policy.
Can an Indian citizen apply from abroad?
Use current consular/licensing guidance for your circumstances; do not assume the ordinary in-state Sarathi process covers every overseas renewal or reissue case.
Official Sources
- Official IDP information
- Official Form 4A
- MoRTH G.S.R. 15(E), 7 January 2021 — online IDP application
- Sarathi state selection
Related guide: Sarathi Parivahan.
Page review and safety note
This guide was reviewed on 23 September 2026. Government menus, state availability and required documents can change. Confirm the live requirement on the linked official service before submitting an application or payment.