Indian expats overseas can now renew their international driving permits online

Muscat: Indian expats living in Oman and other foreign countries can renew their international driving permits (IDPs) online, or at their embassies in their country of residence.

IDPs from India are valid in 15 countries around the world, including the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and Bhutan. They are valid for one year from the date of their issue.

Applicants for IDPs also no longer need to submit a medical certificate along with their application. The decision to enable online renewal of IDPs for those visiting overseas countries was made, as the required tourist visas were sometimes only issued at the last minute, making it difficult for people to take the time to physically apply for these permits.

“Indian citizens can apply for renewal through Indian embassies and missions abroad, from where these applications will move to the VAHAN portal in India, to be considered by the concerned road transport officers (RTOs),” said India’s state-run broadcaster All India Radio, in this context. “The International Driving Permit will be couriered to the citizen at his or her address abroad, by the respective RTOs.”