International Driving Licence - Application Procedure

An Indian citizen planning to travel abroad and drive a car or motorbike in a foreign country can obtain an International Driving Licence or International Driving Permit from the local RTO office. International Driving License is a translated copy of the original driver's Licence that is issued by State transport licensing authority in India. In all states of India, International Driving License is issued by the concerned RTO office or Motor Vehicle Department. With an international driver’s Licence, an Indian can rent/drive vehicles when they are visiting a foreign country. All foreign nationals visiting our country are also requested to apply for this licence. A foreigner with a valid International driving licence can drive in India during their stay here. In this article, we look at the procedure for obtaining an International Driving Licence in India.

Advantages of International Driving Licence

International Driving Licence has many advantages, which are listed below:

International driving licence can be used as proof of identity documents in many countries.
International Driving Licence is proof that a person has a valid driver’s licence in the country in which it was issued. It also certifies that he/she can drive in a foreign country.
Multiple languages printed in International Driving Licence make it very useful for other country authorities to verify the holders' information.
International Driving Licence can help Indians rent a car and drive in a foreign country.

International Driving Licence is printed in various languages including English, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Scandinavian languages and others.

International Driving Licence Validity

Over 150 countries in the world accept the International Driving Licence and allow Indians to rent and drive vehicles in their country. International Driving Licence will be valid for a period of one year from the date of issue, as the case may be, or till the validity of the driving licence, whichever is earlier. Both the International Driving Licence and a valid India driving license would be required to drive abroad. International Driving Licence issued in India cannot be renewed, a new application is required.

International Driving Licence Application

International Driving Permit can be issued to a person who holds a valid Indian Licence and valid Indian Passport. The fee for an international driving licence in most States is fixed at Rs. 1000 per licence and also Rs.200 to be paid as processing fee. The applicant will have to make the payment at the time of submitting the documents and application form. A sample application form for international driving license is reproduced below:

International Driving Licence - Document Required

The below-required documents are to be submitted to RTO to get International Driving Licence.

Valid driving Licence and its copies.
Recent passport size photographs – 3 Nos.
Valid proof such as Passport and its copies
Proof of Visa and its copies
Copy of Air ticket for verification
Receipt for payment of fees
An application for IDL in Form – 4A
Medical certificate in Form 1A

Procedure to Apply for International Driving Licence Online

The Kerala Government has made the application process for International Driving Licence online. You can follow the steps below to prepare the application. However, the application must be submitted in person to the concerned RTO office. In most states, the applicant would have to appear at the RTO office for issue of International Driving Licence. Step 1: For apply online visit Kerala’s Motor Vehicle Department official website. Step 2: Select the RTO name for which the application is to be filed. Step 3: Enter your licence number in the given boxes correctly Step 4: Select the date of birth or enter in the format ‘dd/mm/yyyy’ Step 5: Click on the ‘GO’ Button Your Licence details will be displayed. If any serious mistakes other than spelling mistakes are found or your Licence details are not displayed you should contact the concerned RT/Sub RT Office immediately for correction. Step 6: Click Next Button Step 7: Fill up additional requirements if any asked by the computer and click apply Step 8: Get an application Number and take the printout of a full set of applications (Form 4A & Form 1A) Step 9: Submit the printed forms with fee/pay receipt at concerned RT Office along with the document mentioned above.