An International Driving Permit (IDP) from India requires a passport-size photo — 35×35mm print, white background, 413×413 pixels for digital upload. The specs match an Indian passport photo exactly. You apply through the Sarathi portal (parivahan.gov.in), and you must already hold a valid Indian driving licence.
An IDP is not a standalone licence. It's a translation document — issued in nine languages under the 1949 or 1968 Vienna Conventions — that lets foreign authorities verify your Indian driving licence. Most countries require it when driving with an Indian licence abroad.
India IDP Photo Specifications (35×35mm)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35×35mm |
| Digital size | 413×413 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | White (255, 255, 255) |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral |
| File format | JPEG |
These are the same dimensions as an Indian passport photo. If you have compliant passport photos from a recent session, they'll work for the IDP application.
Get a compliant passport photo online
IDP Photo vs Passport Photo vs Driving Licence Photo
The IDP and passport share the 35×35mm spec in India. However, the Indian driving licence uses a different 35×45mm format — slightly taller. Do not assume all Indian documents share the same size.
| Document | Print Size | Digital Size |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Passport | 35×35mm | 413×413px |
| Indian Driving Licence | 35×45mm | 413×531px |
| International Driving Permit | 35×35mm | 413×413px |
The IDP and passport share the same square format. The driving licence is taller — do not use driving licence photos for an IDP application or vice versa.
How to Apply for an Indian International Driving Permit
Applications go through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' Sarathi portal at parivahan.gov.in.
The online process:
- Log in to the Sarathi portal with your driving licence number
- Select "International Driving Permit" from the application menu
- Fill personal details and travel information (countries you plan to drive in, travel dates)
- Upload your photo — 413×413px JPEG, white background
- Upload supporting documents (see below)
- Pay the application fee of ₹1,000
- Submit and schedule an appointment at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO)
At the RTO appointment, bring originals of all uploaded documents. The IDP is typically issued on the day of the appointment or within a few working days.
Documents Required for an Indian IDP Application
Carry originals and photocopies to the RTO:
- Valid Indian driving licence (original)
- Valid Indian passport (you must have a passport for international travel)
- Visa or travel itinerary for the countries you'll be driving in
- Aadhaar card or other address proof
- Passport-size photos (2-4 copies, 35×35mm) for the physical application form
- Application fee receipt
Some RTOs still require physical photos stapled to the application form, even if you've uploaded them digitally. Bring 2-4 printed copies at 35×35mm just in case.
IDP Fees, Processing Time, and Validity
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ₹1,000 |
| Processing time | 7-14 days |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Issued by | Regional Transport Office (RTO) |
The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you must apply fresh each time you need one.
Common Indian IDP Photo and Application Mistakes
Using a foreign-spec photo. If you've recently applied for a Schengen visa or US visa, your photos from those applications (35×45mm for Schengen, 51×51mm for US) won't match the 35×35mm Indian standard. Use the correct dimensions.
Expired driving licence. The RTO will not issue an IDP against an expired licence. Renew your licence first if it's expired or about to expire.
No passport. An IDP application requires a valid passport — you need it for international travel anyway, but some applicants attempt to apply without one. This will be rejected.
Wrong travel information. The IDP application asks for destination countries and travel dates. These should match your visa and itinerary documents. Inconsistencies cause delays at the RTO.
Applying too far in advance. The IDP is valid for 1 year. Apply no more than 2-3 weeks before you travel. Applying months in advance just shortens the usable window.
Countries That Accept Indian IDPs
Most countries accept an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, which India follows. This includes the US, UK, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the majority of Southeast Asian countries.
A few countries also accept or require the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. India's IDP is issued under the 1949 convention. Check the specific requirement of your destination country before applying — some countries (Germany, for example) accept 1949 IDPs for up to 6 months, while others may have different rules.
Countries that are parties to neither convention — a very small number — won't recognise an IDP at all. Renting a car abroad is always worth double-checking with the rental company.
Verifying Your Photo Before Upload
The Sarathi portal accepts JPEG uploads within standard file size limits. Before uploading, verify that your photo meets the 35×35mm / 413×413px spec, has a clean white background, and has no glasses. Use the passportsize-photo.online checker to confirm compliance before submission.
For the Indian passport, the same 35×35mm file works. For the Indian driving licence, you will need a separate 35×45mm photo — the driving licence uses a taller format.
Expression and Appearance Rules for IDP Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned without exception, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — permitted for religious reasons (turban, hijab, patka); full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Indian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | 35×35mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Indian Passport | 35×35mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| PAN Card | 25×35mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Driving Licence | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Voter ID (EPIC) | 50.8×50.8mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
The IDP and passport share the 35×35mm format. Other Indian documents use different sizes — do not mix them across applications.
Common IDP Photo Rejection Reasons on the Sarathi Portal
- Glasses present — even clear prescription lenses are rejected
- Non-white background — off-white, light blue, or grey backgrounds fail
- Wrong dimensions — submitting 35×45mm driving licence photos instead of 35×35mm
- File too large — the Sarathi portal has upload size limits; compress before submitting
- Photo too old — must resemble your current appearance
Quick Checklist for India IDP Photo Submission
- Size: 35×35mm print (413×413px digital)
- Background: plain white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Valid Indian driving licence in hand
- 2–4 printed copies (for physical form if needed)
- Passport copy ready
- Application fee (₹500–₹1,000) ready
