Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇮🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in India?

IDP required· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 13 Jun 2026

Short answer

Yes — to drive in India you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself.

Driving in India: the rule explained

India requires an IDP for foreign licence holders wishing to drive on Indian roads. Police checks can be frequent on major highways. Self-driving is less common; many tourists hire a car with a driver.

Renting a car in India

Self-drive rental available via Zoomcar and Myles but requires an IDP. Driver-with-car services widely available and often preferred for safety.

What to carry when driving in India

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • 1968 IDP from your home country's authorized issuer
  • Consider hiring a driver for safety in dense traffic

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

India: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in India?
Yes — to drive in India you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself. India requires an IDP for foreign licence holders wishing to drive on Indian roads. Police checks can be frequent on major highways. Self-driving is less common; many tourists hire a car with a driver.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in India?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in India read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in India?
Self-drive rental available via Zoomcar and Myles but requires an IDP. Driver-with-car services widely available and often preferred for safety.
Which IDP convention does India use?
India recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries