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Form 4A - International Driving Permit (IDP)
Driving a car in a foreign country is a dream for many of us. However, it requires you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can apply for an IDP easily with the Form 4A. This form ensures that drivers are medically fit and legally authorised to drive in foreign territories. Read on to know all about Form 4A.
What is Form 4A?
Form 4A is the official application form for the issue of an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is essentially a certificate that confirms you hold a valid driving licence in India and are competent to drive the categories of vehicles mentioned in your domestic licence. It is particularly crucial for travellers visiting countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention of Road Traffic.
Who Needs to Submit RTO Form 4A for IDP?
Any Indian citizen who holds a valid permanent driving licence and intends to drive a vehicle in a foreign country must submit Form 4A. This requirement applies to:
Tourists who are planning to rent four-wheelers or motorcycles while vacationing abroad.
Individuals traveling for work who may need to drive between cities or to various offices.
Those moving abroad temporarily who need a legal driving solution before they can apply for a local licence in their host country.
What is the Difference Between Form 4A and Form 4?
These are the significant differences between Form 4A and Form 4:
| Feature | Form 4A | Form 4 |
| Primary Purpose | Application for an International Driving Permit (IDP) | Application for a permanent driving licence |
| Usage | Driving in foreign countries | Driving within India |
| Prerequisite | Valid Indian driving licence | Valid Learner's Licence (Form 3) |
| Validity | Usually 1 year | Valid for 20 years or until the holder turns a certain age |
What Details are Included in Form 4A?
These are the details included in the Form 4A:
Personal Details: Applicant's name, father's or husband's name, place of birth/country, residential address, mobile number, email ID, date of birth, educational qualification, identification marks, and blood group/RH factor.
Driving Licence Details: The number of your current Indian Driving Licence, its date of expiry, and the RTO that issued it.
Vehicle Category: The specific class of vehicle the applicant is authorised to drive.
How to Apply for Form 4A?
You can apply for the Form 4A or your IDP using the steps given below:
Step 1: Go to the Parivahan Sewa website and click on the 'Driving Licence Related Services' option under the 'Online Services' tab.
Step 2: Choose the state where your domestic DL was issued.
Step 3: Click on 'Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)' under the 'Driving Licence' menu and review the information presented there. Click on 'Continue' to proceed.
Step 4: Fill out Form 4A accurately and attach the scanned copies of the required documents.
Step 5: Enter the required details in all the necessary sections.
Step 6: Make a payment of the applicable fees through an online payment method.
Step 7: On successful verification, the IDP will be issued.
Documents Required to Apply for Form 4A
Here are the documents you must submit with the Form 4A:
Permanent Driving Licence
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Flight Ticket (for verification)
Form - 1A (medical certificate)
Three Passport-sized Photographs
Required IDP Fees
Form 4A Fees
The fee for processing Form 4A and issuing an International Driving Permit is generally standardised across most Indian states at ₹1,000. But, extra costs may apply as per the state you are applying in.
Importance of Form 4A
Submitting Form 4A is important for any international traveler for the following reasons:
Legal Protection: It ensures you are not driving illegally, which could result in massive fines or detention by foreign police.
Identity Proof: In many countries, the IDP serves as a secondary form of identification.
Car Rentals: Most international rental agencies will refuse to lease a vehicle to you without a valid IDP.
Insurance Validity: If you meet with an accident abroad, your insurance claim may be rejected if you were driving without a valid international permit.
Common Reasons for Form 4A Rejection
Here are some of the common reasons why your Form 4A could be rejected:
Expired Licence: If your driving licence is set to expire within the next few months, the RTO may reject the IDP application.
Mismatched Details: The name or address on your DL might not match the details on the Passport that you have.
Invalid Medical Certificate: If Form 1A is not properly signed by a registered medical practitioner or lacks the doctor's registration number on the form.
Incomplete Documentation: If you fail to upload a clear copy of the documents that are required.
Wrong Jurisdiction: The application can be rejected if you are applying at an RTO that did not issue your original existing DL.
Frequently asked question
Go to the 'Driving Licence Related Services' page, which is available on Parivahan Sewa, under the 'Online Services' section. Select 'Apply for International Driving Permit' and fill out the digital version of Form 4A to apply for an IDP.
It usually costs ₹1,000 to apply for and get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in India. However, the exact cost might include additional figures, as per the state you are applying in.
It usually takes 3 to 7 working days to get an International Driving Permit after you have submitted the Form 4A.
Anybody above the age of 18 with a valid Indian Driving Licence (DL) can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). The applicant must be medically fit to drive and have the proper required documentation.
As per the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention of Road Traffic, the Indian International Driving Permit (IDP) is accepted in over 150 countries. Some of these countries include the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and more.
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