International Drivers Licence in India

An Indian driving licence is valid only within India and can be used as legal proof for driving only in the country. You should be aware that an Indian driving licence is not enough to drive a car in a foreign country. You must have an international driver’s licence if you’re planning to rent a car to drive around on a foreign vacation. Over 163 countries around the world recognise an international driver’s licence. It allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country without any hassles. Here is how to apply for an international driver's licence.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it extremely simple and easy for individuals to get a hold of an international driving licence in India. Here’s what you would have to do to apply for this licence.

1. Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).

2. Submit a duly filled Form 4A, which is basically the application for an international driver’s licence.

3. You will also be required to submit a host of other supporting documents along with the application form as well.

4. Pay the licence fee of Rs. 1,000 at the counter.

5. Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the requisite fee, the RTO will issue the international driver’s licence after thorough scrutiny and verification.

Now that you know how to apply for an international driving licence, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria that you would have to satisfy to be able to do it.

1. You must possess a valid driving licence issued in India.

2. You must be above 18 years of age.

3. You must submit all of the documents, duly filled and signed.

Being aware of the list of documents that you’re required to submit to apply for an international driving licence in India can help prevent unnecessary delays and speed up the process. Check out the list of documents that you need to submit down below.

• Duly filled application for an international driver’s licence in Form 4A

• Medical fitness certificate in Form 1A, signed by a doctor after a preliminary health checkup

• A copy of a valid Indian driving licence

• A copy of your passport, flight tickets, and visa

• 5 passport size photographs

• Proof of Indian citizenship

• A copy of your address proof

• A copy of your age proof

The international driving licence validity is one year from the date of issuance or till the date of expiry of your Indian driving licence, whichever is earlier. If you’re nearing the date of expiry of the permit, you can choose to renew it. Here’s what you would have to do in this case.

1. Download the application form for re-issuance of international driving permit from the website of the respective Indian embassy.

2. Visit the Indian embassy counter along with the following documents for verification.

    

   1. Your Indian driving licence

   2. Your passport and visa

   3. Your original international driving permit

3. Pay the requisite fee for verification and get the payment receipt from the embassy.

4. Apply for a fresh issue of an international driver’s licence through the Parivahan portal.

5. Upload all the necessary documents including the receipt issued by the embassy.

6. Pay the fee for re-issuance of the permit online.

7. After verification of all the documents, your renewed permit will be sent directly to the address mentioned by you.

If you’re planning to visit a foreign country for a vacation, having an international driver’s licence can benefit you immensely. Here are a few of the advantages that you’re likely to enjoy.

• It acts as a proof of your identity.

• It acts as proof of your driving abilities.

• You don’t have to take any driving tests while visiting foreign countries.

• You can freely rent cars as a tourist.

• Claiming insurance in the case of an accident abroad would be much easier.

The international driver’s licence is globally recognized in as many as 163 countries, allowing you to rent a vehicle and drive it within the foreign country without getting into any legal trouble or hassles.

However, before applying for an international driving permit, make it a point to check if the country you’re visiting recognises the permit. This way, you won’t be in for any unexpected surprises.

And just like how it is important to obtain an international driver’s licence when visiting a foreign country, it is equally crucial to get comprehensive travel insurance. It provides coverage to risks like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage, among others.

If you wish to take a look at the different travel & motor insurance plans available, simply head on over to Bajaj Markets. You can get more in depth information on their features, benefits, and receive a quote instantly.