NRIs Allowed To Renew Driving Permits From Embassies; No Need To Visit India (How Does It Work?)

As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Jan 7, Indian citizens in foreign lands will now be allowed to renew their expired International Driving Permit (IDP) expired through Indian embassies or missions, from the respective countries they are in. 

The citizen’s renewed IDP will be couriered to their respective addresses abroad, by the respective RTOs.

Furthermore, the amendment has now allowed an Indian citizen applying for an IDP in the country, to omit submission of a valid visa and medical certificate, as compulsory documents.

No Need to Travel to India for IDP Renewal Now

The MoRTH has issued a notification on Jan 7, as per which Indian citizens living abroad can now apply for renewal of IDP through embassies or missions, from their respective countries.

Until now, there was no working system for renewal of IDP for citizens abroad.

The changes made in the Motor Vehicle Rules, will bring a huge relief to many Indian citizens living abroad, facing problems for renewing their driving document, while not in the country.

There are 15 countries, which accept the IDPs issued in India, which include the USA, UK Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Bhutan.

Renewal Application through VAHAN Portal

Such Indian citizens will need to apply for renewal of their IDPs through the portals of Indian embassies or missions abroad, which will then be transferred to the VAHAN portal in India, for considerations by the respective RTOs. 

The applicants will have to pay a fee of Rs 2,000 for the renewal of IPD. They will also be required to submit the proof of valid driving license, three passport sized photos, valid proof of nationality and proof of valid passport.

Once their applications get the clearance, the IDP would be couriered to the address provided by the applicant at their address abroad, by the respective RTOs.

Valid Visa and Medical Certificate No Longer Required

In this amendment, the government has also done away with submissions of medical certificate and a valid visa as compulsory documents, while applying for IDP in India.

The idea stated for doing away with the requirement of a medical certificate is that a citizen with a valid driving license does not need another medical certificate.

There is also no need for a visa to apply for the IDP in India before travel as there are countries where the visa is issued on arrival or visa is issued at the last moment.

In such cases, visa is not available when applying for the IDP in India before travel.