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Form 6A
Your Indian driving licence (DL) only grants you permission to drive in India. However, what should you do if you wish to drive in a foreign country on a vacation? This is where the Form 6A is helpful. You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally operate a vehicle abroad. Continue reading to know what Form 6A is, how you can obtain it, the documents required, and more.
What is Form 6A?
The Form 6A is the International Driving Permit (IDP), which is only issued after you have successfully submitted the Form 4A, the application form. The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, mandate you to have this document to drive a vehicle abroad. It allows you to drive a vehicle legally in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
Key Features of the International Driving Permit
Here are some of the key details related to the validity, renewal, and booklet of IDP:
Validity: An IDP issued in India is valid for one year from the date of issue or until the expiry of your Indian Driving Licence, whichever is earlier.
Renewal When Abroad: As per the notification released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), you can renew your expired IDP at the Indian embassies.
Physical Document: The IDP is a small booklet. You must carry both your original Indian DL and your IDP booklet when driving abroad.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for Indian citizens in the following situations:
If you plan to rent a vehicle while on a trip abroad.
If you need to commute between offices or travel across cities in a foreign country for work.
If you are moving abroad for a short period, and need a legal solution to drive without having to obtain a local licence.
Form 6A vs Form 4A
While both forms are related to the International Driving Permit, they serve different purposes. Check out the table below to know the difference between Form 6A and Form 4A below:
| Feature | Form 6A | Form 4A |
| Primary Purpose | IDP issued by the licensing authority | Application for an International Driving Permit (IDP) |
| Usage | Driving in foreign countries | Applying for a license to drive in foreign countries |
| Prerequisite | The application form, Form 4A | Valid Indian driving licence |
| Validity | Usually 1 year | Application form only |
Eligibility Criteria for Form 6A
You have to meet the given eligibility criteria to obtain your Form 6A:
You must be a citizen of India.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must hold a valid permanent Indian DL.
Your current address on the DL should match the RTO jurisdiction where you are applying.
You must have a valid Indian Passport and a valid visa for the destination country.
What Details are Included in Form 6A?
The following details are included in Form 6A for identification:
IDP Details: Validity, issuing authority name & designation, place & date of issue, DL number, seal/stamp of issuing authority, and signature of the issuing authority.
Personal Details: Full name of the applicant, father's or husband's name, place of birth/country, residential address, date of birth, signature, and blood group/RH factor.
Vehicle Category: The specific class of vehicle the applicant is authorised to drive internationally (e.g., LMV, MCWG).
Photographs: Passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
How to Apply for an IDP (Form 6A)?
With the digitalisation of RTO services via the Parivahan Sewa portal, applying for an IDP (Form 6A) has become significantly easier. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Go to the 'Driving Licence Related Services' page available under the 'Online Services' section on the Parivahan Sewa website.
Step 2: Select the state where your original DL was issued.
Step 3: Tap on 'Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)', check the information available, and click 'Continue'.
Step 4: Type your driving licence number, date of birth, and verification code to retrieve your record.
Step 5: Enter the details in all the required sections.
Step 6: Upload the copies of essential documents, such as DL, passport, etc.
Step 7: Make the payment using one of the available payment modes.
Documents Required to Obtain Form 6A
To apply for Form 6A through the application form (Form 4A), you need to provide the following documents:
Application Form (Form 4A)
Permanent driving licence
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Air ticket (for verification)
Form - 1A (medical certificate)
Three passport-sized photographs
Required IDP fees
Fee and Charges for Form 6A
You are required to pay the IDP (Form 6A) fee at the time of application. The standard fee is usually ₹1,000 in most states across India, although some RTOs may charge additional fees depending on their local rules.
Importance of Form 6A
Most countries and car rental agencies require an International Driving Permit for the following reasons:
Legal Compliance: It proves you hold a valid driving licence in your home country.
Car Rentals: Most international car rental companies will not provide a vehicle without an IDP.
Insurance Claims: In the unfortunate event of an accident, your travel insurance or car insurance may be void if you were driving without a valid IDP.
Language Barrier: It helps local traffic police understand your licence details, vehicle categories, and expiration dates.
Frequently asked question
Indian citizens aged 18 years or older, holding a valid permanent driving licence (DL), can apply for an IDP to legally drive outside India.
You can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) or Form 6A through the portal of Parivahan Sewa. You have to go to the 'Driving Licence Related Services' section under the 'Online Services' tab, and then tap on the option given for 'Apply for International Driving Permit'. Now, enter all details, upload the required documents, and complete the application process by paying the fee online.
The cost to apply for an IDP in India is generally ₹1,000. However, you must check the exact amount through the official Parivahan Sewa website or visit your Regional Transport Office (RTO).
It generally takes 3 to 5 working days to get your IDP. However, the exact time would differ with the RTO.
Over 150 countries, signatories of the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, accept the Indian International Driving Permit (IDP). Some of these countries include the USA, UK, Canada, etc.
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