The International Driving License (IDL) / International Driving Permit (IDP) Thread

mohit · 25th April 2006, 14:09

Quote:

I was wondering how much time does it take to get IDP

You don't need one! You can drive in california on an Indian licence. I did so for about 6 weeks. Search for info on http://www.dmv.ca.gov/. I will try and see if I can get to the page. Some info that I found

Quote:

Adults Visiting California

Visitors over 18 years old with a valid driver license from their home state or country may drive in California without getting a driver license as long as their home state license remains valid.

src:http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs0...m#visitorstoca

mohit · 25th April 2006, 14:12

Here you go!

Quote:

International Driving Permits

The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database.

The IDP is also called an International Driver License, International License, etc.

For more information about travel and driver licensing requirements outside of the US, visit the US State Department Road Safety Overseas website at: http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html

src http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

tsk1979 · 25th April 2006, 15:20

Is there a list of states which recognize the indian license?

Neel · 25th April 2006, 15:31

If you have a valid indian license and you are travelling on business, i supose you can use the same. You will not need a IDP. If you are travelling on any other work visa, you will need to apply for one at the DMV.

Incase you have the Drivers License Card, make sure the photo, details are clearly visible and readable.

Carry a copy of your passport while driving locally. Carry your passport while driving interstate.

paharino1 · 25th April 2006, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neel

If you have a valid indian license and you are travelling on business, i supose you can use the same. You will not need a IDP. If you are travelling on any other work visa, you will need to apply for one at the DMV.

Incase you have the Drivers License Card, make sure the photo, details are clearly visible and readable.

Carry a copy of your passport while driving locally. Carry your passport while driving interstate.

100 % correct...Additionally..ur license will not be checked if u dont commit these 2 sins :
1. Exceed Speed Limit
2. Drink & Drive & get caught...

Committing blunders like driving on wrong side of the road..will get u swears, horns & middle fingers...

raihan · 26th April 2006, 00:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsk1979

San jose. I was wondering how much time does it take to get IDP

Am currently working at San Jose too, don't even bother to get the IDP if you are going to be staying here 3-4 months. My colleagues have been driving rental cars with their Indian license for ~ 1 yr now with no probs.
hope this helps.

cheers,
Raihan

RJK · 26th April 2006, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by paharino1

Committing blunders like driving on wrong side of the road..will get u swears, horns & middle fingers...

hahahaa..almost did that once...

raihan · 28th April 2006, 00:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJK

hahahaa..almost did that once...

Me almost twice but luckily there was no traffic & my co driver immediately remined me..... . I guess it happens 2 most Indians at least once

ritik123 · 28th April 2006, 19:21

I got my IDL from this site: http://idl-iaa.com/

Whether its required or not, its always better to have one to be on the safer side.

Advantage of getting it from US, rather than India, is that u will get a smart chip embedded card. It will look more "in" than a booklet issued by RTO. Atleast thats how its issued in blr.

They ship to India, but if you want to save on the shipping charges, you might want to have it mailed to your office in US or some frnds in US.

vivaid · 25th May 2006, 10:50

Hi guys..

need some help here.... what is the process for getting an IDL in Mumbai? What are the documents required? how much time would it take?

I did try some searches for any previous threads on this topic but couldnt find one... in case there is one already.. please do guide me..

cheers

Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff: Threads Merged. Continue discussion here.

Wheeliej · 25th May 2006, 10:55

During a couple of my trips to Germany, I had hired a car from Hertz. I was living in Singapore then and had not yet received my Singapore driving license. Hertz accepted my Indian driving license. If you are going on a short trip and you havent got an international driving license, then you can try to get by with your Indian driving license

Boom Shiva · 25th May 2006, 11:09

Vivaid, go to a good driving school in your area and tell them you want an IDL. Give them whatever 500-1000 bucks and they'll do everything. You'll just have to go on one day to the RTO along with them, and they'll take you to the right officer, get your documents done etc.

That's how I got mine at least...

autozealot · 25th May 2006, 11:53

Hi Vivaid,

A very simple procedure for a IDP (International Driving Permit).
Become a member of W.I.A.A. (Western India Automobiles Association) fees will be according to the class of membership (you can become a non-car member for a minimal fee)
WIAA Address:- Indian Merchant Chambers Bldg., near Suryodaya Super Market, oppo Churchgate stn. or log on to www.wiaaindia.com

Once you are a member they will carry out all the formalities for you. You just have to give them a signed form with the fees (about INR 1000) along with a few other documents and without any running about, you will get the IDP in your hand within a weeks time.

Let me know if you need any further help.

az

DaPilot · 25th May 2006, 19:21

Or if you want to save some money then I would suggests go to the RTO... it is a very simple process you'll have to fill up some forms and show them your passport with valid visa (at information ask where do you apply for IDP... they will point you to the window).

Driving school or no driving school you still have to go to the RTO to get your license so might as well take a chance and see if you can get it done yourself... if not then you will find 100's of agents at the RTO who can help you with it for a bargainable fee!

aah78 · 26th May 2006, 04:11

You may also refer to this thread for more information: car in US.

25th April 2006, 15:20	#48
tsk1979 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 23,717 Thanked: 22,826 Times View My Garage	Is there a list of states which recognize the indian license?
	() Thanks

25th April 2006, 15:31	#49
Neel BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 178 Thanked: 35 Times	If you have a valid indian license and you are travelling on business, i supose you can use the same. You will not need a IDP. If you are travelling on any other work visa, you will need to apply for one at the DMV. Incase you have the Drivers License Card, make sure the photo, details are clearly visible and readable. Carry a copy of your passport while driving locally. Carry your passport while driving interstate.
	() Thanks

28th April 2006, 19:21	#54
ritik123 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United States Posts: 123 Thanked: 4 Times	I got my IDL from this site: http://idl-iaa.com/ Whether its required or not, its always better to have one to be on the safer side. Advantage of getting it from US, rather than India, is that u will get a smart chip embedded card. It will look more "in" than a booklet issued by RTO. Atleast thats how its issued in blr. They ship to India, but if you want to save on the shipping charges, you might want to have it mailed to your office in US or some frnds in US.
	() Thanks

25th May 2006, 10:50	#55
vivaid BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 71 Thanked: 3 Times	International driving license in Mumbai Hi guys.. need some help here.... what is the process for getting an IDL in Mumbai? What are the documents required? how much time would it take? I did try some searches for any previous threads on this topic but couldnt find one... in case there is one already.. please do guide me.. cheers Note from the Team-BHP Support Staff: Threads Merged. Continue discussion here. Last edited by aah78 : 26th May 2006 at 04:07.
	() Thanks

25th May 2006, 10:55	#56
Wheeliej BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 284 Thanked: 47 Times	During a couple of my trips to Germany, I had hired a car from Hertz. I was living in Singapore then and had not yet received my Singapore driving license. Hertz accepted my Indian driving license. If you are going on a short trip and you havent got an international driving license, then you can try to get by with your Indian driving license
	() Thanks

25th May 2006, 11:09	#57
Boom Shiva BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,055 Thanked: 18 Times	Vivaid, go to a good driving school in your area and tell them you want an IDL. Give them whatever 500-1000 bucks and they'll do everything. You'll just have to go on one day to the RTO along with them, and they'll take you to the right officer, get your documents done etc. That's how I got mine at least...
	() Thanks

25th May 2006, 11:53	#58
autozealot BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 204 Thanked: 12 Times	Hi Vivaid, A very simple procedure for a IDP (International Driving Permit). Become a member of W.I.A.A. (Western India Automobiles Association) fees will be according to the class of membership (you can become a non-car member for a minimal fee) WIAA Address:- Indian Merchant Chambers Bldg., near Suryodaya Super Market, oppo Churchgate stn. or log on to www.wiaaindia.com Once you are a member they will carry out all the formalities for you. You just have to give them a signed form with the fees (about INR 1000) along with a few other documents and without any running about, you will get the IDP in your hand within a weeks time. Let me know if you need any further help. az
	() Thanks

25th May 2006, 19:21	#59
DaPilot BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Newport (JC), NJ - USA Posts: 187 Thanked: Once View My Garage	Or if you want to save some money then I would suggests go to the RTO... it is a very simple process you'll have to fill up some forms and show them your passport with valid visa (at information ask where do you apply for IDP... they will point you to the window). Driving school or no driving school you still have to go to the RTO to get your license so might as well take a chance and see if you can get it done yourself... if not then you will find 100's of agents at the RTO who can help you with it for a bargainable fee!
	() Thanks

26th May 2006, 04:11	#60
aah78 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NYC / BOM Posts: 4,662 Thanked: 3,258 Times View My Garage	Idp You may also refer to this thread for more information: car in US.
	() Thanks