I want to apply for international driving permit because I am travelling to US and I want that I should be able to drive in US. I am an Indian passport holder and I have an Indian driving licence as well. And I have heard that I need to apply through MParivahan, is that right? And I don't need any agent, I think. So, can you tell me what are the charges and how much it is or should I need an agent or I can do it directly using MParivahan? Just tell me that.
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IDP international driving permit India MParivahan apply online charges 2025
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international driving permit valid in USA for Indian licence holders 2025
Here's everything you need to know:
IDP for Driving in the USA — Indian Passport & Licence Holder
Does an Indian IDP work in the USA? ✅ Yes
The USA recognises IDPs issued by countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic — India is one of them. You can legally drive in the US using your Indian driving licence + IDP together (you must carry both). Most states allow this for short visits/tourism; if you're relocating or taking up employment, they'll eventually ask you to get a local state licence.
Do You Need an Agent? ❌ No
You can apply 100% yourself through the official government portal. No agent needed or recommended — using one just adds unnecessary cost.
How to Apply — via MParivahan / Parivahan Sewa Portal
Yes, your understanding is correct. The official route is through the Parivahan Sewa portal (Sarathi section), which is the government's MParivahan platform.
Steps:
- Go to parivahan.gov.in → Driving Licence → Services on Driving Licence
- Select your state
- Choose "Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)"
- Fill in the application form (you'll need your visa details — the portal requires them, so keep your US visa handy)
- Upload documents and pay the fee online
- In many states this is a faceless/paperless service — no RTO visit needed; the IDP is mailed to you
Important: The portal asks for visa details mandatorily. If you have a visa-on-arrival country, there's a workaround via your Zonal Transport Office, but for the US you'll have a standard visa, so this won't be an issue.
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Indian Driving Licence | Original + photocopy |
| Passport | For identity + visa details |
| US Visa copy | Mandatory on the portal |
| Passport-size photographs | 2–3 recent photos |
| Application form | Filled online |
Fee
₹1,000 — that's the official government processing fee. No hidden charges. Pay online through the portal.
Validity
IDP issued in India is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Key Reminders
- Always carry both your Indian DL and IDP while driving in the US — the IDP alone is not valid.
- The IDP is essentially a multilingual translation booklet of your Indian licence; it is not a standalone licence.
- Apply well before your travel date — processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks depending on your state.
What to select in this B, yes or no?
Question (b) asks:
"Are you able to distinguish with each eye?"
This is asking whether your vision is normal/functional in each eye. If you have normal eyesight (with or without glasses/lenses), select YES.
So select YES for (b).
Should I select A or B in this for four-wheeler license, normal cars, passenger cars?
Select B.
The two options are:
- A — Motor cycles category L1 and L2 (two-wheelers/motorcycles)
- B — Motor vehicles other than those in category A, having a permissible maximum weight not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than 8 seats (this covers normal cars, passenger cars, SUVs)
B is the correct choice for a standard four-wheeler/passenger car.
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