By Muhammed Hashim 
As more and more Indians keep travelling to foreign destinations for work or leisure, the need for an international driving license is evident
In this post, I shall try to cover every aspect of how to get an International Driving License in India. Domestically, we understand how critical a document the Driving License (DL) is. It is not only limited to verification regarding driving cars or two-wheelers but also serves as a poignant identification proof which can be used for other things. You might have used it as a substitute for documents like the Aadhaar Card. Similarly, an International Driving License (IDL) becomes an imperative piece of document for those who wish to drive outside India. Even there, you can use it as an identification certificate. For now, let us delve into the specifics of this license.
What is an International Driving License?
As the name suggests, the International Driving License (IDL) is a document which lets the foreign authorities know that you are a certified driver in your own country. With this document, you can land in another nation and drive a car or a two-wheeler. Technically, the IDL is a United Nations-approved certificate which is an official translation of the driver’s license he/she possess in their home country. In fact, in order for the foreign authorities to confirm your identity and experience as a driver, this document can be translated into many foreign languages including German, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and Scandinavian languages. As per the Geneva Convention 1949 (also known as the International Driving License), the validity of an International Driving License in India is 1 year. Thereafter, you need to apply for it afresh.
How to Apply for an International Driving License in India?
There are two routes you can adopt to acquire an International Driving License in India – offline and online. Using the former method, you will need to physically visit your local RTO and complete the formalities. This includes filling in Form 4 – ‘Form for the Issue of International Driving Permit’ and submitting other documents which I will get to in a minute. On the other hand, you can also apply for the IDL online by visiting the GOI’s Parivahan App or website. You will need to upload the same documents as you would submit in the offline method. In this case, the process is as follows:
- Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en.
- Click on ‘Driving License Related Services‘. The option can be found under ‘Online Services’.
- Choose the state on the next page.
- Click on ‘Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)’.
- Click on ‘Continue’.
- Enter the DL number, date of birth, and captcha.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and click on ‘Proceed’.
- Fill in the application form.
- Upload the relevant documents.
- Upload your recent photograph and signature.
- Pay the fee which is generally Rs 1,000 per license
- You will receive a confirmation about your application within 3-5 working days after submitting the documents
Which Documents are Required for an International Driving License in India?
Now, the most important step to getting an IDL is knowing which documents you need to submit to the authorities. You need to ensure that cross every document on this checklist prior to commencing the application process. Note that failing to provide these documents will instantly lead to rejection of the application process. Therefore, you need to take these certificates seriously and have them handy before you apply online or offline. If you are going for the online route, make sure to have clearly scanned copies of the original documents. You must provide high-quality scans where the information is easily readable. The list of documentation and other information you need to submit includes:
- Form 4 – Application for the issue of IDL
- 5 Passport-sized Photographs
- Copy of a valid driving license (Indian DL)
- Copies of your valid passport and Visa
- Copy of air tickets of the destination you are travelling to
- Form 1 – Medical Certificate as mentioned in the application form
- Certified proof of Indian citizenship (this could be your birth certificate or school documents)
- Copy of address proof
- Copy of proof of your age (it could be Aadhaar Card)
- Birthplace and country
- Country for which IDL is to be issued
- Whether or not you were disqualified for DL in the past
- Whether or not you were barred from driving in that country
- Category of vehicle your IDL should be valid for (Car, Bus, Truck, Two-Wheeler, etc.)
What if You Lose Your IDL?
Once you have received the IDL, you need to carry it to the destination country in the original. However, it is advisable to carry multiple copies, as well as digital copies of your original document. Also, you need to have international travel insurance when travelling to a foreign land. While I don’t wish this to anyone, but if you somehow lose your IDL in a new country, you must immediately inform the local authorities including the Police and get a report. You must keep a copy of that report and get in contact with the consulate or embassy in that country. They will guide you regarding the future process which could vary depending on the country you are in. In such situations, the Xerox and digital copies will come in handy. They will make the entire process much smoother. Also, in some situations, the insurance company could bear the expenses of applying for the new IDL.
What if the International Driving License Gets Expired?
This is a critical case where you need to know what to do once your IDL expires. First of all, you will need to keep the duration of the validity of your IDL in mind and not use it after it has expired. After the validity of 1 year, you don’t have the option of renewing the International Driving License. Instead, in fact, you need to make a fresh application and repeat the entire process all over again including the application fee and documentation. Also, you will need to make sure to recheck the list of documents needed for the application. It is possible that in one year, there might be a few changes to the process or documents. Hence, be sure to remain vigilant and perform deep research before submitting the application form.
In Inference
These are all the steps and requirements to acquire an International Driving License in India. Note that the information and procedure regarding such documents can keep changing at any time. Hence, you need to cross-check this list whenever you wish to apply for the IDL. Having said that, most of these certificates and requirements are universal and will be valid for years to come. Therefore, this article can serve as a great guide if you are planning a foreign trip where you wish to drive vehicles. Don’t think of the IDL as a sole document just for getting a car, but as an identification certificate which can have a wide range of applications. I would like to advise our readers to always ensure that you have all these documents prior to starting the application process. Don’t rely on luck by sending an incomplete form. International procedures are very strict regarding such aspects. Staying on top of the entire procedure is the way to go!
Also Read: Indian Tells How to Get Driving License in 1st Attempt in USA
