An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your Indian driving licence into multiple languages, recognised in countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
Indian RTOs issue IDPs to holders of a valid Indian DL, but the application requires Form 1A — even if you obtained your Indian DL recently and Form 1A wasn't required at that time.
Quick facts
Get Form 1A for your IDP application
Open the Form 1A hub to find a registered doctor and get the certificate ready for IDP submission.
Prefer clarity before you pay?
Read the steps + FAQs below. Written for patients, not policy documents.
Choose the closest match so the certificate format and wording fit your use case.
The IDP is essentially a multi-language translation of your Indian DL recognised under the Geneva Convention. The recognising country accepts it on the assumption that you've passed the underlying medical fitness check — that's why a fresh Form 1A is part of the application.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
Form 1A for IDP is the same form used for DL renewal — vision, hearing, BP, urine, and general examination by a registered medical practitioner.
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
If your destination is a 1968 Vienna Convention country, the IDP rules are slightly different. India's IDP is the 1949 Geneva format, which most major destinations accept (USA, UK, Australia, most of EU, Japan, etc.).
Clear guidance and an application flow designed for real-world acceptance.
A simple flow that feels like a modern healthcare app — not a confusing form.
Apply for IDP on Sarathi or in person at your home RTO. Required documents: valid Indian DL, valid passport with visa, recent passport-size photos, Form 1A.
Pick the right option so the certificate matches what your HR/college expects.
Get Form 1A from a registered medical practitioner — online or in-person, both are typically accepted for IDP.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
Pay the IDP fee (₹1,000 typically), submit the application with all documents, and undergo any in-person verification the RTO requires.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
IDP is usually issued within 1–7 working days. Pick up in person or have it dispatched to your address.
Follow the next step and submit complete details to avoid delays.
Clear answers to the questions people have before paying.
IDP requires a current DL
Your underlying Indian DL must be valid throughout your travel. If it expires before your trip ends, the IDP is invalid past that date.
Form 1A is recurring for IDP
Each IDP application needs a fresh Form 1A, even if you've gotten one recently. Plan ahead.
IDP doesn't replace your DL
Always carry your Indian DL with you abroad — the IDP is a translation, not a standalone document.
Written in plain language to reduce doubts.
Yes. IDP application is a separate process and requires a fresh Form 1A regardless of when your underlying Indian DL was issued.
1 year from issue, or until your underlying Indian DL expires — whichever is earlier. Renew the underlying DL first if it's near expiry.
Most states require IDP application at the RTO where your Indian DL is registered. Sarathi typically routes IDP applications accordingly.
In most states, yes — IDP is treated as a non-transport application for medical fitness purposes. Confirm with your specific RTO before booking.
Approximately 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention recognise it — USA, UK, most EU, Australia, Japan, UAE, Singapore, and many more. Check the destination country's specific rules before traveling.
Discover related services and resources.
Get Form 1A for your IDP application
Open the Form 1A hub to find a registered doctor and get the certificate ready for IDP submission.
Get Form 1A for your IDP application
Open the Form 1A hub to find a registered doctor and get the certificate ready for IDP submission.
