International Driving License in India

As more and more Indians are travelling globally, for both work-related opportunities and leisure activities, they are seeking avenues to experience a country differently. One such way to explore a different place is too self-drive across the country rather than using public transport, as road tripping brings a completely different kind of exposure. Renting a self-driving car outside India is easy; you cannot drive a vehicle without proper documentation, especially a licence.

Although the Indian driving licence is not valid outside India, the international driving licence can be used to drive cars in different countries on a short-term basis. Getting an IDP (Indian Driving Permit) is not as difficult and you can do so at your local regional transport office. There are some procedures and documents to obtain IDP.

Here is a systematic guide or do-it-yourself guide to implementing and obtaining an International Driving Permit.

Required documents

1) Valid Indian Driving Licence - Without a valid Indian driving licence, you cannot apply for an IDP. Your licence should be valid until you return to India with more than a month.

2) Valid Indian passport - Must have a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity before returning to India.

3) Flight tickets - RTO officials can ask for the country and confirm the return ticket from the country of travel.

4) Visa - A copy of the visa of the country you are running will be attached to the form. If the host country is offering 'Visa-on-Arrival' facility to Indians, then you will have to attach a printout from the official website, which will mention the provision of 'Visa-on-Arrival facility for Indians'.
5) Photograph - Four passport size photographs required.


Fill out the form

1) CMV4 Form - For Regional Transport Office you have to fill the CMV4 form available in the local RTO. The form must be duly filled in and signed.

2) Medical - On the same CMV4 form, one has to sign and get a registered medical practitioner stamped, stating that you are physically and mentally fit for driving.

3) NOC - IDP is to be implemented in the same RTO from where your Indian driving licence is issued. However, if you are residing in a different city or state than the one mentioned in your licence, then 'O Objection Certificate (NOC)' is required from your original licence issuing authority, applying for IDP in a separate RTO. Issues to do. With centralized VAHAN4 in the process, things have become easier in some states.

Fees

The RTO officer has to deposit a fee of Rs 500 along with all the above-mentioned documents.


IDPs are delivered in a day or two, but depend on the efficiency of the local RTO. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of its issue.

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