If you plan to drive in another country using your Nepal driving license, you will almost certainly need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document translates your license credentials into multiple languages and is recognized in over 150 countries under the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. In Nepal, IDPs are issued by the Department of Transport Management (DOTM). Here is how to apply in 2026.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is a supplementary document — not a standalone license. It is always used together with your valid Nepal smart card driving license. The IDP contains your name, photo, and license category information translated into the 9 official UN languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, Italian, and Portuguese). Traffic authorities abroad can verify your credentials without needing to read Nepali.
Important: An IDP is only valid when accompanied by your original Nepal driving license. Carrying only the IDP without the original license is not acceptable.
Which Countries Accept the Nepal IDP?
Nepal's IDP is recognized in countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention. This includes most countries in Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and the Americas. Always verify with the specific country's transport authority before travelling, as rules change.
Notable destinations where Nepal IDP holders commonly drive:
- India (check state-level rules — some states require additional documentation)
- UAE and Gulf countries
- Most European Union countries
- Australia and New Zealand (for short stays)
- Japan (requires JAF-issued IDP; Nepal IDP alone may not be sufficient)
Documents Required for IDP Application
- Valid Nepal smart card driving license — original + photocopy
- Citizenship certificate — photocopy
- Passport — photocopy of the biographic page (required as proof of travel)
- Passport-size photographs — 2 recent copies, white background
- IDP application fee receipt — NPR 5,000 paid at DOTM
- Completed IDP application form — available at the DOTM office or via the portal
IDP Fee
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | NPR 5,000 |
| IDP Validity | 1 year from issue date |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for IDP in Nepal
Step 1: Confirm Your Nepal License Is Valid
Your Nepal driving license must be valid at the time of IDP application and throughout the period you plan to use the IDP abroad. An IDP issued on an expiring license creates problems if your Nepal license expires while you are overseas.
Step 2: Visit the DOTM Central Office
IDP applications are processed at the DOTM central office in Kathmandu (Ekantakuna, Lalitpur). Unlike regular license applications, IDPs are not available at all provincial transport offices — confirm with your nearest office before travelling to avoid a wasted trip.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application form along with all required documents at the IDP section counter. Staff will verify your original Nepal license and documents.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay NPR 5,000 at the designated counter or via the payment method accepted at the office. Keep the receipt — it is your proof of payment.
Step 5: Collect Your IDP
Unlike the smart card printing process, IDPs are typically issued on the same day or within 1–3 working days. The document is a standardized booklet printed and stamped by DOTM.
IDP Validity and Renewal
An IDP issued by Nepal DOTM is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If your stay abroad exceeds one year, you must return to Nepal and apply for a fresh IDP. There is no remote renewal option.
Important Tips Before You Travel
- Always verify IDP recognition rules for your specific destination country before departing
- Some countries require you to convert your Nepal license to a local license after a certain number of months — the IDP only covers the transition period
- Keep your IDP and original Nepal license together at all times when driving abroad
- Make a photocopy of both documents and keep them separately as backup
- Scan and email both documents to yourself as a digital backup in case of theft or loss abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an IDP online?
As of 2026, IDP applications require physical submission at a DOTM office. There is no fully online IDP application process in Nepal.
Does an IDP allow me to drive any vehicle abroad?
Your IDP covers the same vehicle categories as your Nepal driving license. If you hold Category A only, the IDP covers motorcycles only. If you hold both A and B, the IDP covers both.
Is an IDP the same as a foreign license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your Nepal license. It does not function as a standalone foreign license and does not grant driving rights beyond what your Nepal license allows.
Can I use an IDP in India?
Yes, Nepal IDP holders can generally drive in India. However, some Indian states have specific rules about foreign license holders. It is advisable to confirm with the state transport authority of the Indian state you plan to drive in.
What happens if my Nepal license expires while I am abroad with an IDP?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your underlying Nepal license expires. You would no longer be legally permitted to drive on the IDP even if the IDP itself has not yet expired. Renew your Nepal license before departure if it is approaching expiry.
