Driving in India: Who Needs an International Driving Permit?

Foreign visitors with a valid home-issued driver’s license may drive in India for up to one year from the date of entry. For longer stays or for residents, conversion to an Indian driver’s license is required. The key factor is the language of your native license. An IDP (or an official translation) is needed only if your license is not in English or Hindi.

Language Criteria and Documentation

Exemption from IDP:
If your driver’s license is issued in English — or if it comes with a certified translation in either English or Hindi — you do not need to carry an IDP.
Example: Licenses from countries like the United States or the United Kingdom generally meet this criterion.

Requirement for IDP:
If your license is in any language other than English or Hindi, you must obtain an International Driving Permit or carry a certified translation along with your original license.
Rationale: The IDP serves as an official translation that allows local authorities to verify your driving credentials.

Country-Specific Considerations

Countries Typically Issuing Licenses in English

Foreign drivers from these nations usually have licenses that satisfy India’s language requirement:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada (English version)
Australia
New Zealand
Ireland
Singapore
Hong Kong
South Africa (if issued in English)
Other predominantly English-speaking jurisdictions

Countries Whose Licenses Are Typically Not in English

Drivers from these regions usually require an IDP or certified translation. But you should take into account, in most countries the license is duplicated in English along with the national language and in this case it is fine. But if the license is issued only in the national language, you should renew it or get an IDP:

1. European Nations

Licenses are usually issued in the native language

2. Latin American Countries

Licenses are typically in Spanish or Portuguese:

Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uruguay

3. Asian Countries

Licenses are commonly issued in the local language:

Japan, China, South Korea
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh
Pakistan and Sri Lanka (when not issued in English)

4. Middle Eastern Countries

Licenses are generally in Arabic or another local language:

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iran

5. African Countries (Non-Anglophone)

Licenses often appear in French, Arabic, or other local languages:

Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
Plus other non-Anglophone nations in the region

If you find out that you need an IDP, find out how to get an International Driving License in your country before traveling to India.

Additional Considerations

Enforcement Note:
While the law specifies that only licenses not in English/Hindi require an IDP or certified translation, local enforcement may advise carrying an IDP as an extra precaution.


Recommendations:
Even if your license meets the language requirement, verify current local regulations or consult with the Indian consulate prior to travel, as rules can be updated.


Documentation:
Always carry your original driver’s license along with the IDP or certified translation (if applicable) when driving in India.

Summary

Foreign Driving License in India: Valid for up to one year from entry.
No IDP Needed: If your license is in English or comes with an official translation in English/Hindi.
IDP Required: For licenses issued in any other language.
Country Lists Provided: Separate lists for countries with English licenses versus those that typically require translation.