Want to enjoy driving abroad? Here’s how to get an IDP from the comfort of your home—check out the process..
International Driving Permit Online 2026: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a new license; rather, it is an official, multilingual translation of a driver's Indian driving license that is recognized by the United Nations (UN). While many popular global tourist destinations accept Indian driving licenses—provided they are printed in English and feature a clear photograph—there are certain situations where carrying an IDP becomes mandatory.
Indian driving licenses are not directly accepted in countries like Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, and Greece. Although countries like Germany and France do temporarily accept Indian licenses, obtaining a translation in the local language there can be expensive and complicated. Consequently, obtaining an IDP from India beforehand is a convenient option. Even if a country's laws permit the use of an Indian license, many car rental companies flatly refuse to hand over vehicle keys to tourists without an IDP.
Documents required for an IDP application:
An original, valid Indian driving license in active status; a passport with at least six months of validity; a visa for the destination country or a confirmed air ticket; a medical certificate signed by a registered MBBS doctor; and a passport-sized photograph and digital signature (kept ready beforehand).
How to apply for an IDP online from the comfort of your home:
You no longer need to deal with middlemen to get an IDP; you can easily apply through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official portal.
Open the official 'Parivahan Sarathi' portal and select your state. Click on the option to apply for an International Driving Permit. Authenticate your profile by entering your driving license number and date of birth. Enter details regarding your international travel dates, destination country, and visa information in the form. Upload your passport, visa, medical certificate, and photograph. Pay the prescribed government fee of ₹1,000 online for the IDP issuance. In some cases, you may need to visit the nearest RTO for verification, after which your IDP is issued and sent via Speed Post or collected from the RTO.
Key Rules Regarding IDP
Parameter Rules and Guidelines
Government Fee ₹1,000 (Online)
Validity 1 year from the date of issuance
Application Timing Best to apply 15–20 days prior to the travel date
Application Mode Online application via the 'Parivahan Sarathi' portal
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
