Driving around by yourself, whether you’re burning up the rubber or cruising along, is a feeling many car lovers long for. While the roads in your own country are open to you whenever the need to drive takes hold of you, those traveling to a foreign country on business or holiday are often unable to rent a car or drive as they do not have a license accepted in that country.
Those seeking to drive overseas can apply for an International Driver’s license. The International Driver’s license is an official travel document authorized by the United Nations issued to tourists traveling to foreign countries. It is a translation of your driver’s license issued in your country. The document states that you have a valid driver’s license and translates your license documents into multiple languages, so authorities abroad can verify and understand your driving credentials.
The document is created in several different languages, such as English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian, as well as German, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, and Scandinavian.
This allows authorities in those countries to understand your driver’s license. This is crucial in any emergency since it will prove your driving credentials.
An IDP is usually valid for one year from its issue or till the driving license expires, as mentioned in the informative front of the International Drivers Association forum on various occasions.
How to apply for an international driving permit?
Applying for an international driving permit is now convenient because of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
An individual who desires to drive in a foreign country must apply for an international driving license, which acts as a driving permit in that particular country.
Individuals can visit the nearest RTO with the required documents and the fee required for application.
The license would be handed over to the individual on the processing of the application, which usually takes a week.
International driving license fees
The processing fee for an international driving license is a fixed value of Rs. 500 per license. The applicant must pay the amount when submitting the documents and application form.
Eligibility and documentation
The International Driving Permit eligibility is the same across all the signatory countries. Many countries levy a small fee to issue them, which varies from country to country. Applicants must fulfill the criteria as mentioned below:
- Should be more than 18 years of age.
- Should possess a Driving license.
- Submit an official form issued by the concerned authority with 3 passport-sized photographs.
Indian applicants have to submit additional documentation listed below:
- Form 4
- Copy of driver’s license
- Copy of passport and visa
- Copy of flight tickets
- Medical certificate as per the form
- Application fee
- 5 passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of Indian citizenship.
- Address proof
- Age proof.
Renewal of IDL
According to current Indian laws, an International Driving Licence issued from India is valid for one year.