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World Driving Permit

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

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

Yes — to drive in India you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. India recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

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
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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. India recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. 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 where India requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in India?
Because India follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in India?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in India; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

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

Driving to India from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries