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Ireland licence India

Driving in India with a Ireland license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in India on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. India expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisIndia recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskSelf-drive desks require an IDP plus passport.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for India Full India guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in India

Drive on the left amid dense, unpredictable traffic.
Horn use is routine.
0.03% alcohol limit.
Inter-state toll plazas common.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in India with a Ireland license?

Yes — to drive in India on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. India expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does India accept?

India recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

Carry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.