Soon, Indians overseas can renew international driving permits

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Indians whose international driving permits (IDPs) expired while they were abroad can now renew them from overseas. The new system will come into effect from February 15.

Maharashtra State transport commissioner Avinash Dhakne said, It is a good step and will benefit scores of Indians abroad during the pandemic. Indian students based abroad are facing problems with renewal of IDP, and this will help them. The IDP will be couriered to the citizens at their addresses abroad and such couriers will be sent on priority. This notification also removes the conditions of a medical certificate and a valid visa at the time of requesting the IDP in India.

So far, there was no mechanism to renew IDPs while citizens were abroad. Now, it is proposed that Indian citizens can apply for renewal through the Indian Embassies/Missions abroad, from where these applications would move to the VAHAN portal in India, to be considered by respective RTOs. The fees for renewal will be Rs 2,000, which the applicants will have to furnish online. They will also have to provide proofs with the application which includes proof of valid driving licence, three copies of passport photographs, proof of nationality and proof of valid passport. There are countries where visa is issued on arrival or visa is issued at the last moment. The application can now be made without a visa now.