Driving LicenceInternational Driving Permit: how to apply in India
An International Driving Permit lets you drive abroad on the strength of your Indian licence. It is issued by your own RTO, and the paperwork is short if your passport and visa are ready.
Who can get one
Parivahan puts it in one line: the permit is issued to an applicant who holds a valid Indian licence and is a resident of India. The Central Motor Vehicles Rules describe it as a licence issued to an Indian national to drive the categories of vehicle shown on it in other countries.
So two things come first: a driving licence that is valid now, and proof that you are travelling.
Where and how to apply
- Apply to the RTO in whose area you live. Parivahan says the application is made in Form 4A, or in writing, naming the countries you will visit and how long you will stay.
- On Sarathi, the permit is one of the services under "Services on Driving Licence". Enter your licence number and date of birth, then choose it from the list.
- Fill in the passport and visa details, upload the papers and pay the fee.
- Visit the RTO on the booked date with the originals, if your state asks for a visit.
Papers to keep ready
Parivahan's list:
- Your valid driving licence, and copies of it.
- Copies of your passport, visa (where one applies) and air ticket, for verification.
- The fee, plus user charges.
Rule 14 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules adds passport size photographs, a medical certificate in Form 1A and proof of Indian nationality to the list that goes with Form 4A. Your acknowledgement slip on Sarathi shows exactly which of these your state wants.
Fee
Rs 1,000, in the central fee table on Parivahan. States add their user charges, so the receipt may show a little more.
How long it is valid
Rule 16 says the permit is valid for not more than one year from the date of issue, or until your driving licence expires, whichever comes first. If your licence is due to expire in four months, the permit ends in four months too. In that case renew the licence first, then apply for the permit.
Things people get stuck on
- Visa on arrival. Parivahan's answer is that visa details are mandatory to issue the permit. If your destination gives the visa at the airport, speak to your RTO before you apply online.
- Which vehicles it covers. The permit has its own categories, based on the weight of the vehicle. It covers what your Indian licence covers; it does not add a class you do not hold.
- Licence not showing online. If your licence details are missing on the national register, the state transport department has to update them first. Old licences that were never computerised need this step.
- Doing it with a renewal. Renewal, duplicate, added class and the permit are all chosen from the same Services menu, so they can be applied for in one visit to the site.
- Motoring clubs. The rules allow automobile associations authorised by a state to issue permits to members and others, countersigned by the authority. Whether one does so in your city is a local matter.
Using it abroad
Carry the permit together with your Indian driving licence and passport; the permit is read alongside the licence, not in place of it. Each country decides how long a visitor may drive on a foreign permit and whether it accepts one at all. That is the destination country's rule, not India's, so check with that country's transport authority or embassy, and with the car hire company, before you travel. We do not list country rules here because they change and we cannot verify each one.
Questions people ask
What is the fee for an International Driving Permit in India?
Rs 1,000 in the central fee table on Parivahan, plus state user charges.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
Not more than one year from the date of issue, or until your driving licence expires, whichever is earlier (rule 16 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules).
Which form is used for an International Driving Permit?
Form 4A. Parivahan says the application can also be made in writing to the RTO where you live.
Is a visa needed to apply?
Parivahan lists a copy of the visa where applicable, and its FAQ says visa details are mandatory on Sarathi. For visa on arrival countries, ask your RTO.
Can I get the permit if my licence is about to expire?
You can, but the permit will end when the licence does. Renew the licence first to get the full period.
Check before you go. These facts were read on the official Parivahan website and the Delhi Transport Department website on 11 November 2026. Rules and fees change, and states add their own charges and steps. Your state's page on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in is the final word. This is not a government site.