Renewing International Driving Licence: Complete Guide

If your international driving licence is expiring or has expired, the process to renew it may vary from one country’s transport authority to another. However, it is always good to renew your licence on time to continue driving legally in foreign countries. Renewing the international driving licence (IDL) shows that you follow all the rules and helps avoid penalties.

This article explains how to renew your IDL with recent updates, ensuring an easy process for legal driving abroad, and provides information about the four-wheeler insurance.

Can you renew an expired international driving permit?

You can renew an expired IDP, but the procedure depends on the country where you are. Many countries won’t allow you to renew an IDP directly, as you have to go through the process from the beginning, like after submitting a new application form. You must first submit your documents, like a domestic driving licence (DL), recent passport-sized photographs, and pay an application fee. Some countries also ask you to return the old IDP. You must also check your IDP expiring date before driving in other countries.

Documents required for IDP renewal

To renew your IDP, you must submit a filled-out IDP application, a valid DL, usually 2 passport-size pictures, an ID card, a visa copy, a copy of the old IDP, address proof, and the receipt of the application fee. However, these requirements of the document may vary from country to country.

How to renew IDP online (via Parivahan portal)

Usually, a driver's permit is valid for one year from the date it was issued. In the past, renewing this permit was quite the challenge. However, recent updates to the Motor Vehicle Act have made the IDL renewal process much simpler. Here's how you can renew your IDP:

Step 1

Go to the official Parivahan portal website. Select the “driving license-related issue.”

Step 2

Choose your state where your DL was issued. It opens the main page of your state transport department.

Step 3

Click on the services for the driving licence and select the option for applying for an IDP. Then, fill out your application form online with your date of birth, DL number, and other required documents.

Step 4

Next, submit the application form with all necessary documents like DL, passport and visa, passport-size pictures, and medical form (form 1-A) signed by your doctor.

Step 5

Pay the application fee and book a slot, or go directly to an RTO office with original documents. After passing the test drive, you will be able to get an IDL within 4-5 days.

Can you renew an IDP from abroad?

Yes, it is possible to renew your IDP from abroad, but it depends on the rules of your home country’s transport department. An Indian citizen can apply for the new IDP through the Indian embassy by submitting a few documents to the Indian RTO. The documents required for this are mentioned above. Later, the embassy forwards all the documents to RTO in India, and once approved, the IDP will be mailed to your country of residence.

When should you renew it?

It is best that you check the expiry date of your IDP and renew it before it expires, especially when you are driving in foreign countries. Many countries issue IDPs for 1 year, so you must always start the renewal process a few weeks before the expiration date. If your IDP has already expired, you may have to follow the entire process again by filling out the new application form.

What is the cost of IDP renewal?

Renewal of the IDP may cost you around ₹2,000, which includes all the official booklets plus the additional cost. However, if you want to renew outside India, the charges will vary depending on the country where you are staying.

Conclusion

The process of renewing the IDP is straightforward, especially when you have all the required documents ready. When you are applying from the official website or through the Indian embassy, knowing the steps and cost involved in the process in prior makes your job easy, and prevents the violation of rules. Additionally, remember to ensure that your vehicle is adequately insured with car insurance for peace of mind while travelling.

You can also apply for the no-claim bonus in car insurance with a good insurer, where you can get an extra discount from the insurer for not claiming that year. Fill out the form on this page to learn more and get help from an expert according to your needs.

FAQs

• Can an IDP be renewed online?

Yes, you can renew your IDP online.

• Can you renew the expired IDP?

Usually, you have to apply for the new one as the direct renewal is not available.

• Can an IDP be renewed outside India?

Yes, you can renew it abroad after submitting a few documents through the Indian embassy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.