How to Get International Driving Permit Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide
How to Get International Driving Permit Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide
An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows Pakistani licence holders to drive legally in over 150 countries. Whether you are travelling abroad for tourism, business, or an overseas assignment, an IDP is the internationally recognised translation of your Pakistani driving licence. This guide covers the complete application process in 2026.
Planning a road trip abroad? Check the latest fuel prices in Pakistan if you plan to drive through Iran or Afghanistan as part of your journey — cross-border fuel planning requires knowing your departure cost baseline.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is an official document issued under the 1949 and 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic. It contains your name, photo, and driving licence details translated into multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German). It is not a standalone document — it must always be carried alongside your original Pakistani driving licence.
Pakistan is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, so IDPs issued in Pakistan are recognised internationally. The IDP is issued for 3 years or until your Pakistani driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
Who Issues IDPs in Pakistan?
The National Transport Research Centre (NTRC) under the National Highways Authority (NHA) and the provincial driving licensing authorities are the primary IDP-issuing bodies in Pakistan. The Automobile Association of Pakistan (AAP) — affiliated with the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) — also issues IDPs recognised under the 1949 Convention.
Documents Required for IDP Application in Pakistan
| Document | Specification |
|---|---|
| Valid Pakistani Driving Licence | Original + photocopy. Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| CNIC | Original + photocopy |
| Passport | Original + photocopy (bio-data page) |
| Passport-size photographs | 2–4 recent colour photos, white background |
| Application form | Available at issuing office or online (varies by province) |
| Fee payment receipt | Bank challan or bank draft |
IDP Application Fees in Pakistan 2026
| Province/Authority | IDP Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab (Lahore office) | Rs 800–1,500 | 1–3 working days |
| Sindh (Karachi) | Rs 1,000–2,000 | 2–5 working days |
| KPK (Peshawar) | Rs 800–1,500 | 2–4 working days |
| Islamabad (ICT) | Rs 1,000–1,800 | 1–3 working days |
| Automobile Association of Pakistan | Rs 2,000–3,500 | Same day to 2 days |
Step-by-Step IDP Application Process
- Gather documents: Collect your driving licence (valid, not expired), CNIC, passport, and photographs
- Visit the office: Go to your provincial licensing authority, NTRC office, or Automobile Association of Pakistan office in your city
- Fill application form: Complete the IDP application form available at the counter
- Submit documents: Hand over all documents to the licensing officer
- Pay the fee: Pay at the designated bank counter or via bank draft
- Collect IDP: Same-day or within 1–5 working days depending on the office
Where to Apply for IDP in Major Cities
Lahore
Punjab Traffic Police Headquarters, Qartaba Chowk, Lahore. Phone: 042-99230641. Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Karachi
Sindh Traffic Police (STP) headquarters, Civil Lines, Karachi. The Automobile Association of Pakistan also has an office in Karachi that offers faster processing.
Islamabad
ICT Traffic Police headquarters, Sector G-9/4, Islamabad. Processing is typically faster than other cities at 1–2 working days.
Countries That Accept Pakistani IDP
Pakistani IDPs are recognised in 150+ countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK (for up to 12 months), USA (varies by state), all EU countries, Australia, Canada, China, Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia. Always verify specific country rules before travel — some countries have additional requirements for specific vehicle categories.
| Country | IDP Duration Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Until IDP expiry | Very commonly used by Pakistani expats |
| Saudi Arabia | Until IDP expiry | Required with local permit for iqama holders |
| United Kingdom | 12 months | Must apply for UK licence after 12 months residency |
| USA | Varies by state (6–12 months) | Some states require local licence quickly |
| EU Countries | Until IDP expiry | For tourists — residents must convert within 6 months |
IDP vs International Licence — What Is the Difference?
There is no such thing as a standalone international driving licence. An IDP is a companion document to your national licence. Anyone advertising a standalone international licence is misleading you — it has no legal validity. Your Pakistani driving licence + valid IDP together constitute the legal requirement for driving abroad.
Validity and Renewal
Pakistani IDPs are valid for 3 years from date of issue, or until the expiry of your underlying Pakistani driving licence, whichever is earlier. To renew, you must apply fresh — there is no online renewal process as of 2026. The entire process must be repeated at the issuing office.
For complete information on Pakistani driving licences, token tax, and vehicle ownership, also see our guides on token tax in Pakistan and car insurance in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an International Driving Permit cost in Pakistan?
The IDP fee in Pakistan ranges from Rs 800 to Rs 3,500 depending on the issuing authority and province. Provincial traffic police offices are cheapest; the Automobile Association of Pakistan charges more but may offer faster service.
How long is an IDP valid in Pakistan?
Pakistani IDPs are valid for 3 years from the date of issue, or until your Pakistani driving licence expires — whichever comes first. If your licence has less than 3 years left, the IDP will expire with it.
Can I drive in Dubai with a Pakistani driving licence and IDP?
Yes. UAE recognises Pakistani IDPs for tourist and visitor driving. However, if you are an iqama holder (resident), you may need to obtain a UAE driving licence after a certain period.
Is the IDP available online in Pakistan?
As of 2026, there is no fully online IDP application and delivery service in Pakistan. You must physically visit the provincial licensing authority or Automobile Association office.
Do I need an IDP to drive in Saudi Arabia as a Pakistani?
Yes, Pakistani drivers in Saudi Arabia (on visit or with Iqama) should carry their IDP alongside the Pakistani licence. Some emirate-specific rules vary, so check current Saudi transport authority requirements before travelling.
