An international driving permit, or IDP, lets you show your Indian driving licence in a standard international format when you drive in another country. In India it is issued by the licensing authority (your RTO) and applied for on the Sarathi portal, which is why people search for it as "Parivahan IDP".
The rules were simplified in 2021: you no longer need a medical certificate or a visa to apply. This guide covers eligibility, documents, the fee, how to apply, validity, renewal while abroad, and the 2022 standard format. It is written by an independent guide; you apply only on the official site.
Who can get an international driving permit
- You need a valid Indian driving licence. Delhi Transport lists a copy of your valid DL among the documents, and since 2022 the IDP carries a QR code that links it to your DL.
- You need a passport, as listed by Delhi Transport.
- You do not need a visa. Rules notified on 7 January 2021 removed the visa requirement: "IDP application can be made with out VISA now", as MoRTH put it.
- You do not need a medical certificate. The same 2021 rules removed it.
Because the IDP is linked to your DL, keep the licence valid. If your DL is close to expiry, see driving licence renewal before applying.
Documents for a Parivahan IDP
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Form 4A | The IDP application form, as listed by Delhi Transport |
| Valid driving licence | Copy of your current DL |
| Passport | Copy of your passport |
| Photographs | Delhi lists four photographs; on Sarathi you upload what the form asks for |
| Fee | Paid online |
Delhi Transport's page still lists Form 1A (medical certificate) and a visa. Both were dropped by the January 2021 rules, so that part of the page is out of date.
International driving permit fees
The central fee for an International Driving Permit under Rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules is ₹1,000.
States add service or user charges on top. As an example of a state total, Puducherry's transport department lists ₹1,500 for an IDP. The amount you pay is shown on the Sarathi payment page for your state. For all licence fees, see driving licence fees.
How to apply for an IDP on Sarathi
- Open Sarathi and pick your state. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose the state where your licence is held. The IDP service is in Sarathi's list of driving licence services.
- Fetch your DL details. For services on an existing DL, you enter your DL number, date of birth and a captcha, confirm your details and verify with an OTP.
- Choose the IDP service and fill Form 4A. Fill in the details the form asks for.
- Upload documents and pay. Upload your passport and photo, then pay the fee online.
- Complete verification. IDP is one of the services MoRTH made available online with Aadhaar authentication, on a voluntary basis. If you do not use Aadhaar, or your state asks for it, you may need to visit the RTO.
- Track and collect. Check progress under Application Status with your application number, then collect or receive the IDP as your RTO advises.
States list IDP among their online services: Uttarakhand handles IDP on Sarathi, and Rajasthan lists IDP issuance among its faceless services. The status steps are explained on DL status.
IDP validity and renewal from abroad
- Validity: one year, as stated by Delhi Transport.
- Renewal from abroad: under the January 2021 rules, Indian citizens abroad whose IDP has expired can apply for renewal through Indian Embassies or Missions. The application goes to the RTO through the VAHAN portal, and the RTO couriers the IDP to you abroad.
- Your DL must stay valid. The IDP depends on your Indian licence. If your DL lapses, renew it first.
The standard IDP format and QR code
On 26 August 2022 MoRTH standardised the format, size and colour of IDPs across India, in line with the 1949 Geneva Convention on road traffic. The new format includes a QR code that links the IDP to your driving licence.
This followed complaints that some Indian IDPs were not accepted abroad. In a 21 September 2020 advisory, MoRTH asked states and UTs to stamp "International Convention of Road Traffic of 19th September 1949" on the first page of every IDP.
When you receive your IDP, check that the details match your passport and DL exactly. Fix any mismatch before you travel.
Practical tips before you travel
- Apply well before your trip. Processing times differ by RTO and we cannot promise a timeline.
- Rules for foreign drivers are set by the country you visit. Check that country's embassy or official transport site to see whether it accepts an IDP and for how long.
- Keep your Indian DL with your IDP. The MoRTH advisory accepting digital copies in DigiLocker or mParivahan is addressed to Indian states, so carry the physical card abroad (see driving licence download for the digital copy at home).
- If you are going to drive a class of vehicle you do not have at home, add it to your Indian licence first. See LMV driving licence and other classes.
- Use only the official site. The Sarathi state page itself warns users to use DL services only through parivahan.gov.in or the NextGen mParivahan app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee for an international driving permit in India?
The central fee under Rule 32 is ₹1,000. States add service charges; Puducherry, for example, lists ₹1,500 in total.
How long is an IDP valid?
One year, according to Delhi Transport. Your Indian driving licence must also stay valid.
Do I need a visa to apply for an IDP?
No. Rules notified on 7 January 2021 removed the visa requirement and the medical certificate requirement for IDP applications.
Which form is used for an IDP?
Form 4A is the application form, as listed by Delhi Transport. On Sarathi you fill it online.
Can I renew my IDP while abroad?
Yes. Since 2021, Indian citizens abroad can apply through Indian Embassies or Missions; the RTO processes it through VAHAN and couriers the IDP to you.
Can I apply for an IDP online on Parivahan?
Yes. IDP is one of the DL services on Sarathi and is among the services MoRTH made available online with Aadhaar authentication.