Driving abroad with an Indian license
🇮🇳 Where your license works on its own, where you need an official IDP, and where a translation helps. Last reviewed November 3, 2026.
Short answer: Most countries let visitors drive on an Indian license for short stays, but many want an official IDP alongside it. You need an official International Driving Permit from your Regional Transport Office (RTO) for countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece and Austria. Where an IDP isn't required, a translation of your license helps rental desks and police read it, for example in Mexico, France, Germany and Iceland.
Where your Indian license is accepted as it is
Your license is in English, so it is generally accepted for visits in:
Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Belize, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia
Where a translation helps
An IDP isn't usually required for short visits, but your license isn't in the local language, so a translation helps rental staff and police read it:
Mexico, France, Germany, Iceland, Costa Rica, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Tanzania
Where you need an official IDP
These countries expect drivers with an Indian license to carry an official International Driving Permit. A translation does not replace it.
Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia (Bali), Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Egypt
How to get an IDP in India
Get it from your Regional Transport Office (RTO). Apply through the Parivahan Sarathi portal or at your RTO. You usually need your license, passport, visa and a medical certificate, and it can take several days. Be wary of websites that sell an "international driver's license": here's why.
Common questions
Where do I get an IDP in India?
From your Regional Transport Office (RTO). Apply through the Parivahan Sarathi portal or at your RTO. You usually need your license, passport, visa and a medical certificate, and it can take several days.
Is a license translation the same as an IDP?
No. An IDP is an official document from your Regional Transport Office (RTO). A translation is a private document that helps people read your license. It doesn't replace an IDP where one is required.
How do I get my Indian license translated?
Order online with instantEDP. It takes about 3 minutes, costs $19.99, and your translation arrives by email within 30 minutes.
Other license countries
- Driving abroad with a UK license
- Driving abroad with a Dutch license
- Driving abroad with a French license
- Driving abroad with a German license
Rules change, and acceptance is up to local authorities and rental companies. Check the official rules for your destination before you travel. instantEDP is a private translation service, not an IDP issuer.