In this article we will discuss the procedure for obtaining an international driving licence and the benefits of obtaining one.
Most people apply for an international driver’s licence as soon as they turn 18. It’s a wonderful feeling, much like acquiring freedom! However, after a while monotony kicks in, and we start taking our licence for granted. This changes as soon as we plan for a trip abroad though. Many of us dream of driving down a boulevard in Paris, or racing through the streets of Miami. In order to be able to do that, we need an international driving permit. So, how do you get yourself an international driving licence in time for your next holiday? We have you covered because here’s a look at the procedure for international driving licence procurement.
Need For An International Driving Permit
An Indian citizen cannot drive on a road outside the country without having a valid international driver’s licence. It is a mandatory document that you need to have if you plan on sitting behind the wheel in a foreign country. In most cases, the Regional Transport Office is tasked with the duty of issuing these international driving permits to people living in India. Users may make use of this permit to drive any vehicle when they visit a foreign nation.
Things To Know About International Driving licence India
- An international driving permit works like any other permit-document.
- The licence has a validity of one year.
- It is required by every Indian citizen who wishes to drive outside India.
- However, the Indian licence is valid in certain countries. But, it is always recommended that you go for an international driver’s licence, as it makes it easier to claim insurance.
- The licence may be printed in a variety of languages including English, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.
- An international licence is valid in more than 150 countries.
- However, it must be noted that such a licence cannot be renewed on expiry. The licence holder must go through the entire process once again to get the licence.
- Since the international licence is as important as your passport, users should make sure they keep it safe and not misplace it.
- However, in case you do lose it, care must be taken to report the matter to the Indian embassy as soon as you can, as well as make a police report in the country you’re in.
- If you lose the licence while in India, an FIR must be registered at your local police headquarters.
- Also, care must be taken to obtain a valid visa before applying for the licence.
- The international licence is an ID proof which is recognised by the United Nations.
What all countries are accepting International Driving licence?
| Afghanistan | Guam | Nigeria |
| Algeria | Guatemala | Oman |
| Angola | Guinea Bissau | Pakistan |
| Argentina | Guinea Republic | Panama |
| Armenia | Guyana | Papua New Guinea |
| Australia | Haiti | Paraguay |
| Bahamas | Honduras | Philippines |
| Bahrain | Hong Kong | Portugal |
| Bangladesh | Hungary | Qatar |
| Belarus | Iceland | Reunion |
| Belize | India | Russian Federation |
| Benin | Indonesia | Rwanda |
| Bhutan | Iran | Sabah (Malaysia) |
| Bolivia | Israel | Sao Tome and Principe |
| Bosnia | Italy | Saudi Arabia |
| Botswana | Japan | Senegal |
| Brunei | Jordan | Serbia |
| Bulgaria | Kazakhstan | Seychelles |
| Burkina Faso | Kenya | Sierra Leone |
| Cameroon | Kiribati | Singapore |
| Canada | Korea (South) | South Africa |
| Cape Verde | Kuwait | Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) |
| The central African Republic | Laos | Sri Lanka |
| Chad | Lebanon | St. Lucia |
| Chile | Lesotho | St. Vincent |
| Colombia | Liberia | Sudan |
| Comoros | Libya | Surinam |
| Congo (the Democratic Republic of) | Macao (Macau) | Swaziland |
| Congo (Republic of) | Macedonia | Syria |
| Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | Madagascar | Taiwan |
| Czech Republic | Malawi | Tanzania |
| Djibouti | Malaysia | Thailand |
| Dominica | Mali | Togo |
| Dominican Republic | Mauritania | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Egypt | Mauritius | Tunisia |
| El Salvador | Mexico | Turkey |
| Equatorial Guinea | Montenegro | Uganda |
| Eritrea | Mozambique | Ukraine |
| Ethiopia | Myanmar (Burma) | United Arab Emirates |
| Gabon | Namibia | USA |
| The Gambia | Nepal | Yemen |
| Georgia | New Caledonia | Zambia |
| Ghana | Nicaragua | Zimbabwe |
| Guadeloupe | Niger |
Fee for International Driving licence
For International Driving licence (IDL), the price is Rs1500. An applicant needs to make the payment while submitting the forms and documents.
Procedure for Obtaining an international driving licence
The process can take anywhere between two to seven working days.
- An application may be filed at the RTO Head Office, Western Indian Automobile Association’s office or at the International Traffic Control Association’s website.
- The ITCA has an entirely online process but charges much higher than the RTO or WIAA.
- The ITCA application costs over US$ 34, making it a lot more expensive, while also being more convenient.
- The Zonal RTO takes INR 1000 for the application and INR 200 as a processing fee for granting an international licence, while the WIAA fee comes up to INR 1500.
- However, if you want to get the licence via the WIAA, you need to be a member of the association, and this might not be possible for everyone as they do not have a pan-India presence.
- The association is very popular in cities such as Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad, and grants international licences within 2 days.
- Also, applications are accepted only if the applicant is travelling to countries that are a part of the 1949 Geneva Convention.
- Otherwise, the applicant must visit a local RTO and obtain form 4A and Form 1A.
- They must then fill the form carefully and submit it along with the supporting documents.
- Users also have an online option for applying, wherein they must visit the state transport website and download the forms.
- After taking print-outs of the forms, they must submit the duly filled forms at the local office.
Documents Needed to Get An International Drivers licence
- Valid Indian Driving licence
- Address Proof- Aadhaar card or Passport
- Identity Proof- Aadhaar card, Voter’s ID, Birth Certificate or Ration Card
- Valid Passport
- 3 Recent Photographs
- Valid Visa + Ticket
- Form CMV 1A
- Form CMV 4
- Receipt confirming payment of fees
Eligibility Criteria to Apply For International Driving Licence
Obtaining an International Driving Licence (IDL) is a significant step for Indian citizens looking to drive in foreign countries. To ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, here are the essential requirements:
- Indian Citizenship: To apply for an IDL, you must be an Indian citizen. This eligibility criterion ensures that the applicant is legally permitted to drive internationally.
- Age Requirement: You should be at least 18 years old to be eligible for an IDL. This age criterion aligns with the legal driving age in India and is essential for responsible international driving.
- Valid Indian Driving Licence: An essential prerequisite is holding a valid Indian driving licence. The IDL serves as a translation and verification of your existing Indian licence, allowing you to drive in foreign countries.
- Valid Passport and Visa: To apply for an IDL, you must possess a valid Indian passport and the relevant visa for the destination country. These documents are essential for identification and legal travel.
How to Renew International Driving Licence in India?
The validity of an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India is typically one year from the date of issuance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to renew your IDP, following recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act:
- Step 1: Download the miscellaneous application form from the official website of your respective Indian Embassy and complete it accurately.
- Step 2: Gather the following documents:
- Original and photocopy of your valid passport and visa status.
- Your current and valid IDP along with your Indian driving licence.
- Proof of residence, which can include a utility bill, lease agreement, state identity card, or mortgage deed.
- Passport-sized photographs as specified in the application.
- Step 3: Along with the required documents and completed forms, submit an IDP renewal fee of ₹2,000. Upon submission, you will receive a payment receipt and a certificate of identification from the embassy.
- Step 4: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and upload all the documents received from the embassy.
After completing these steps, MoRTH will reissue your IDP and send it to your postal address. If any issues arise during the reissuance process, you can contact MoRTH for further assistance. With these straightforward steps, you can conveniently extend the validity of your International Driving Licence for another year, allowing you to continue driving in foreign countries legally and confidently.
What Are the Benefits of an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not just a piece of paper; it’s your passport to hassle-free driving experiences around the world. Let’s explore the multitude of benefits an IDP offers:
- Drive Abroad with Confidence: With an IDP in hand, you can navigate foreign roads without worries of legal entanglements, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey.
- Rent and Roam: Renting a car in a foreign land becomes a breeze when you possess an IDP, granting you the freedom to explore your chosen destination at your own pace.
- ID Proof: It doubles as a valid identity proof, simplifying various administrative processes during your international sojourn.
- No Additional Tests: Say goodbye to the hassle of foreign driving tests; an IDP exempts you from such requirements.
- Global Exploration: An IDP opens the doors to approximately 150 countries, letting you embrace diverse cultures and landscapes on your travels.
- Safety Net: In case of an unfortunate accident abroad, an IDP allows you to claim insurance, providing an added layer of security.
- Ease of Communication: Dealing with foreign authorities becomes more accessible when you can present a recognised international driving document.
- Enjoy the Countryside: Journey off the beaten path and savor the beauty of countryside roads and scenic vistas.
It’s high time to consider applying for an International Driving Permit and embarking on your foreign road trip. With this essential document, you can freely rent and drive vehicles on foreign roads, allowing you to make the most of your international adventures without worrying about local authorities and regulations.
Conclusion
The international driving licence can be an extremely useful document for people who travel abroad frequently. It gives them the option to travel within foreign borders at their own convenience. Besides, it also acts as a secondary proof of identity in foreign countries where the licence is valid. If you have any other queries with regard to legal or regulatory matters, get in touch with vakilsearch and we will ensure that you get the right kind of assistance from our team of experts.
FAQs On International Driving Licence
Which are the countries where IDP/IDL is accepted?
IDP/IDL is accepted in several countries, the entire list is available on the regional transport authority website.
Can I make use of IDL for two-wheelers as well?
In case, if the driver has a two-wheeler in his home country, he can ride a two-wheeler using his IDL licence and the IDP while travelling abroad.
Is it possible to use IDL as proof of identity?
In some of the cases, your IDP document can be used as proof of identity. For details, you have to refer to the traffic laws of the country where you are travelling.
What is the procedure to obtain an International Driving Licence in India?
To get an International Driving Licence in India, visit the local RTO office, submit the required documents (including a valid Indian driving licence, passport, visa, photographs), and complete the application form. After verification, you'll receive your IDL.
How long does it typically take to get an International Driving Licence in India?
Typically, it takes around 2 to 7 working days to obtain an International Driving Licence in India, depending on the RTO and any expedited processing options.
What is the cost associated with getting an International Driving Licence in India?
The cost varies based on the issuing authority and validity period. However, to know the precise fee details, contact Vakilsearch experts.
Can I apply for an International Driving Licence online in India?
Yes, you can apply online through the Parivahan website. Complete the application, upload the necessary documents, and pay the fee to receive your IDL.
Is my Indian driving licence valid internationally, or do I need an IDP?
An Indian driving licence is usually not valid internationally. To drive in foreign countries, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Indian licence.
Which countries recognise and accept an Indian International Driving Licence?
Many countries worldwide recognise and accept an Indian International Driving Licence, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Germany, France, and Italy.
Can I drive in the USA with my Indian driving licence?
While you can drive in the USA with an Indian licence, it's advisable to carry an IDP to facilitate communication with local authorities.
Is it possible to use my Indian licence to drive in European countries like London, Germany, France, and Italy?
Yes, you can use your Indian licence to drive in European countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Italy along with an IDP.
What are the specific requirements for renting a car in countries like the UK, Canada, and Germany with an Indian licence?
Requirements may vary, but it's generally possible to rent a car in these countries with your Indian licence, provided it's accompanied by an IDP.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) when driving in Germany, and how can I obtain one if necessary?
An IDP is required for driving in Germany. To obtain one, visit your local RTO, complete the application, and provide the necessary documents and fees for processing.
