An IDL is a translation of your valid national driving license that allows you to drive in many foreign countries. It acts as an official document verifying your driving qualifications.
How to Get an International Driving License in Pakistan?
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for an IDL in Pakistan, you must have a valid Pakistani driving license. The process varies slightly by province, so here’s a breakdown for each major region:
Benefits of Obtaining an IDL
- Facilitates Car Rental: Many car rental agencies in foreign countries require an IDL alongside your national license to rent a vehicle.
- Serves as Temporary ID: An IDL can act as temporary identification in some countries, displaying your basic information in case you lose your passport. (Note: This is for temporary situations and doesn’t replace a proper ID.)
Punjab
- Book an Appointment (Recommended): Use the Rasta App (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) to schedule an appointment at your nearest licensing center.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Obtain a free application form from the licensing center and complete it.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Two attested passport-sized photographs.
- Attested photocopy of your valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
- Photocopy of your valid passport.
- Photocopy of your valid national driving license.
- Medical certificate (if applicable for applicants over 50 years old).
- Rs. 66 court fee ticket.
- Rs. 450 fee voucher to be paid at Habib Bank Limited (HBL) branch.
- (Optional) Original documents for verification.
- Submit Application: Present the completed application form with all required documents at the licensing center.
Islamabad
- Visit Citizen Facilitation Center: Applicants can visit the center in G-11/4 for processing.
- Standard vs. Urgent Processing:
- Standard processing takes 7 days and costs Rs. 1050.
- Urgent processing takes 24 hours and costs Rs. 2050.
- Required Documents:
- Copy of valid driving license issued by Islamabad Traffic Police.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Photocopy of valid passport with a valid visa.
- Photocopy of CNIC.
- Proof of residence in Islamabad.
- Rs. 30 driving stamp from the Post Office.
- Medical certificate (if applicable for applicants over 50 years old).
- Application form (downloadable from https://ictadministration.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/International-Driving-Permit-Form.docx) with attested documents attached.
Sindh
- Book Appointment Online: Visit https://dls.sindhpolice.gov.pk/home/app to book an appointment and select a center (e.g., Nazimabad or Clifton branch in Karachi).
- Required Documents:
- Two to three passport-sized photographs.
- Photocopy of Pakistani driving license issued by Sindh Police.
- Photocopy of valid passport with a valid visa.
- Photocopy of CNIC.
- Medical certificate (if applicable for applicants over 50 years old).
- Proof of residence.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Visit Designated Office: Applicants in Peshawar can visit Room No. 11, Second Floor, Tasneem Plaza near Benevolent Fund Building.
- Required Documents:
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Photocopy of valid driving license.
- Photocopy of valid passport with a valid visa.
- Photocopy of CNIC.
- Proof of residence.
- Postal driving stamp.
- Medical certificate (if applicable for applicants over 50 years old).
Important Note:
- This information is for general guidance only. It’s advisable to check with the relevant traffic police department in your province for the latest requirements and fees.
- Processing times may vary depending on location and workload.
By following these steps and gathering the necessary documents, you can obtain your International Driving License in Pakistan and ensure a smoother car rental experience during your travels abroad.
Short Visit
Pakistani tourists can apply for an international driving license before taking a trip to a foreign country. It will allow them to easily rent and drive cars.
Most countries do not allow visitors or foreigners to buy or even drive vehicles unless they have state-issued international driver’s licenses. So an international driving license can also help save a lot of money and time instead of taking public transport and paying huge amounts for short journeys.
Permanent or Long Stays
An international driving license is extremely necessary for nationals who plan to relocate permanently to or stay for a long period in a foreign country. Such individuals need to get a permanent driving license for the specific country they have relocated to but this does not mean that the Pakistan-issued international driving license is of no use as it can aid in various situations.
Some of its advantages include reducing the driving classes that a Pakistani expatriate or immigrant is required to take on account of being a license holder of Pakistan.
Furthermore, after a visa, the international driving license is the most crucial element for Pakistanis who relocate to earn a living as heavy transport vehicle (HTV) or taxi drivers.
