You cannot drive a vehicle in any foreign country, even if you have a valid driving license in your country. But you can if you have an International Driving Permit.
What is an International Driving Permit?
A vehicle incorrectly referred to an International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License allows you to drive in another country if you have a valid driving license in your country.
IDP is valid in more than 130 countries. If you have an International Driving Permit, you can rent and drive a vehicle in all countries. But for driving abroad, you also need a valid driving license of your country along with IDP. The document is printed in many different languages to make it relevant in countries where English is not a working language.
How to get an International Driving Permit in India
International driving permits are easy to obtain in India. There are three different places to obtain an International Driving Permit.
- Regional Transport Office (RTO head office in your city/district).
- WIAA (Western Indian Automobile Association).
- ITCA (International Traffic Control Association) website
- Important article.
There are also many websites which help you to get this document online. But you need to be extra careful when choosing one for your service. There are a lot of scam websites that are trying to sell International Drivers Permit. There have been some scams, where fake IDPs put passengers in legal issues. You will face serious charges if caught with a fake IDP. Therefore, you need to avoid informal websites to obtain an International Drivers Permit.
1. From Regional Transport Office
You have to apply for it at your local regional transport office and fill a form with the necessary documents.
Required documents
- Valid driving license and 2 copies
- Passport copies
- Copies of address proof and age proof
- Air tickets
- Visa (where applicable)
- Four passport size photos
- You will need to obtain Form 4A from the local RTO. Local RTO here means that you can only apply to the RTO that issued your Indian driving license. If you are currently in a different region. To apply to various Regional Transport Offices, you have to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your original Regional Transport Office.
Form 4A must be duly filled and signed before submission. You also need to obtain a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, who is physically and mentally fit for driving you.
2. From the Western Indian Automobile Association
The Western Indian Automobile Association (WIAA) provides international license service in only three cities: Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. This organization issues international driving permits for WIAA members only. If you have a valid Indian passport and driving license, you can apply through the WIAA website.
The WIAA is the only authorized organization that can issue IDPs in India apart from local RTOs. It has been recognized by the FIA and the state government for the 1949 Convention International Driving Permit.
Visit the WIAA website
3. ITCA (International Traffic Control Association) website
If you want to apply through the ITCA, you will have to pay a few more in a few hours and still process the applications. You need scanned copies of International driving license in India and India passport and other documents.
If you apply to the ITCA, it will cost you $ 34+. The price is high and it is the most expensive way to obtain an international driving permit. ITCA also guarantees 100% refund if it can get you an IDP. All citizens are eligible to apply. You can apply from any country and send it.
Visit ITCA website
- Fee for International Driving Permit
- In India, it is Rs. To obtain 1000 International Driving Permit.
- International Driving Permit Validity
The International Driving Permit remains valid for a period of one year from the date of issue or till the validity of the driving license, whichever is earlier. The IDP cannot be renewed and needs to be reapplied.
points to remember
The International Drivers Permit is an important document, so you need to protect it just like your passport.
If you lose your International Drivers Permit abroad, report it to the Indian Embassy.
If you lose your International Drivers Permit in India, file an FIR at a local police station
You can only apply for an International Drivers Permit unless you have a valid visa for the country you are going to.
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