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Global Travel Permit

International Driving Permit (IDP) Guide

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Planning an overseas trip? Learn how to legally drive abroad by securing an International Driving Permit online through Sarathi Parivahan.

RS
Expert Reviewed & Verified
Rajesh Sharma, Chief Transport Consultant

This IDP application protocol is cross-verified against current guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic rules.

The 3-Step IDP Acquisition Workflow

Step 1: Prep Documents

Get your valid Indian driving licence, passport copy, active visa (or flight ticket), medical certificate Form 1-A signed by a registered doctor, and 3 passport-sized photos.

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Step 2: Submit on Sarathi

Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal, choose your state, select **'Apply for International Driving Permit'**, fill Form 4A, upload document scans, and pay the ₹1,000 fee online.

Step 3: Collect Permit

In most states, the physical IDP booklet must be collected from the RTO to match biometrics, or it is dispatched via Speed Post. It is legally valid for 1 year.

🌍 Interactive Country IDP Validity Checker

Search countries to verify if they recognize the Indian International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention.

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Mandatory Document Checklist for IDP

To ensure your application is approved on the first attempt, prepare high-quality digital scans of these mandatory documents:

  • Valid Indian Driving Licence: Your home address on the DL must match the RTO's jurisdiction.
  • Valid Indian Passport: Original passport copy along with visa endorsement page.
  • Form 1-A Medical Certificate: Duly signed and stamped by a registered government doctor.
  • Valid Air Tickets: Flight booking confirmation showing travel within 90 days.
  • Form 4A: The IDP application form, pre-filled automatically on the portal.

How to Apply Online via Sarathi (Step-by-Step)

01

Visit Sarathi Portal

Visit the official portal at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your State of residence.

02

Select IDP Service

Click on 'Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)' under the driving licence menu services list.

03

Authentication & Form 4A

Enter your DL Number and Date of Birth. Select the target countries you plan to travel to, upload scanned documents, and download the prefilled Form 4A.

04

Pay Fee & Book Appointment

Pay the official fee of **₹1,000** online. In states that require physical document checks, book your RTO slot to submit your passport for verification.

Common Questions on International Driving Permit

What is the fee for an International Driving Permit in India?

The official processing fee for issuing an International Driving Permit (IDP) is ₹1,000 across all RTOs in India, as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

What is the validity of an Indian IDP?

An International Driving Permit issued in India is valid for a maximum period of one year from the date of its issuance, or until the driving licence expires, whichever is earlier. It cannot be renewed; a fresh application must be submitted once it expires.

Is a physical driving test required for an IDP?

No, a separate driving skill test is not required for an IDP. Because you already hold a valid permanent domestic Indian driving licence, the permit is issued based on your active credentials.

Which countries accept the Indian International Driving Permit?

More than 100 countries accept the Indian IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, UAE, and Singapore. The permit is printed in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, etc.) for international compliance.

Is medical certificate Form 1A mandatory for an IDP?

Yes, a physical fitness certificate in Form 1-A signed by a registered government doctor is strictly mandatory for all applicants applying for an IDP, regardless of age.

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