Foreign travelers from Pakistan can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which serves as an official document permitting them to operate a private motor vehicle in countries recognizing IDPs. The IDP adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Vienna Convention of 1968 and is only valid when presented alongside a current driving license. If you are wondering how to get an international driving license in Pakistan, then this article is for you!
Sindh
To book an appointment and select centers in Sindh, applicants should head to the Driving License Sindh website. For those in Karachi, the options for appointment booking online are available for Nazimabad or Clifton branches.
Required Documents:
Bring along two passport-sized photos (it’s better to have three on hand).
Make sure to carry a photocopy of the Pakistani Driving License issued by Sindh Police.
Bring a photocopy of a valid passport along with a valid visa.
Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of the applicant’s CNIC.
For those aged 50 and above, a medical certificate may be necessary (if applicable). Bring proof of residence.
Punjab
Book an Appointment on Rasta App
It’s strongly advised to pre-book appointments using the Rasta App by the Punjab IT Board, available for download from both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Once applicants enter their CNIC details and necessary information, they can schedule an appointment, picking the nearest licensing center and selecting their preferred time slots. The app offers a range of purposes for the visit that applicants can choose from.
Additionally, the app facilitates appointments for multiple services, such as applying for a learner’s driving permit or obtaining a national or international driving license.
Filling out the Application Form
Applicants should obtain a free application form from the licensing center and complete it. Attach the following documents to the form:
Two attested passport-sized photographs.
An attested photocopy of a valid CNIC.
One photocopy of the applicant’s passport.
One photocopy of the applicant’s valid national driving license.
A medical certificate (if applicable, for individuals aged 50 and above).
Purchase a Rs. 66 ticket from the District Court.
Acquire a fee voucher of Rs. 450 to be paid at a Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Branch. Note: There might be an additional charge for expedited processing.
Applicants must carry their original NICs and passports along with their original local driving license to prevent any inconvenience.
The direct application process for an international driving license is lengthier compared to applying for it alongside a local driving license, which includes home delivery of the international license within 24 hours.
Islamabad
Citizens residing in the Federal Capital can apply for the international driving permit at the Citizen Facilitation Center in G-11/4. The standard procedure costs Rs. 1050 and typically takes 7 days, while an urgent processing option is available, taking only 24 hours for an increased fee of Rs. 2050.
Documents Needed:
A copy of a valid driving license issued by Islamabad Traffic Police.
Two passport-sized photographs.
A photocopy of a valid passport along with a valid visa.
A photocopy of the applicant’s CNIC.
Proof of residence in Islamabad.
A driving stamp worth Rs. 30 from the Post Office.
A medical certificate (if applicable, for individuals aged 50 and above).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Individuals residing in Peshawar can visit Room No. 11, Second Floor, Tasneem Plaza near Benevolent Fund building, Peshawar along with the required attested documents.
Documents Required:
Two Passport-Sized Photographs.
One photocopy of a valid driving license.
One photocopy of a valid passport along with the valid visa.
One photocopy of the applicant’s CNIC.
Residential proof.
Postal driving stamp.
Medical certificate (if applicable, for age 50 and above).
Countries where Pakistan’s International Driving License is accepted
Afghanistan
Djibouti
Kiribati
New Guinea
Turkey
Algeria
Dominica
Korea (South)
Paraguay
Uganda
Angola
Dominican Republic
Kuwait
Philippines
Ukraine
Argentina
Egypt
Laos
Portugal
United Arab Emirates
Armenia
El Salvador
Lebanon
Qatar
USA
Australia
Equatorial Guinea
Lesotho
Russian Federation
UK
Bahamas
Eritrea
Liberia
Rwanda
Yemen
Bahrain
Ethiopia
Libya
Sabah (Malaysia)
Zambia
Bangladesh
Gabon
Macao (Macau)
Sao Tome and Principe
Zimbabwe
Belarus
Gambia
Macedonia
Saudi Arabia
Benin
Georgia
Madagascar
Senegal
Bhutan
Ghana
Malawi
Serbia
Bolivia
Guadeloupe
Malaysia
Seychelles
Bosnia
Guatemala
Maldives
Sierra
Botswana
Guinea Bissau
Mauritania
Singapore
Brunei
Guinea Republic
Mauritius
South Africa
Bulgaria
Guyana
Mexico
Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles)
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Montenegro
Sri Lanka
Cameroon
Honduras
Mozambique
St. Lucia
Canada
Hong Kong
Myanmar (Burma)
St. Vincent
Cape Verde
Hungary
Namibia
Sudan
Central African Republic
Iceland
Nepal
Surinam
Chad
India
New Caledonia
Swaziland
Chile
Indonesia
Nicaragua
Sweden
Colombia
Iran
Niger
Syria
Comoros
Italy
Nigeria
Tanzania
Congo (Democratic Republic of congo)
Japan
Oman
Thailand
Congo
Jordan
Pakistan
Togo
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Kazakhstan
Panama
Trinidad & Tobago
Czech Republic
Kenya
Papua
Tunisia
Advantages of an International Driving License
Losing your ID card or needing a replacement can cause inconvenience, but an international driver’s license can temporarily help continue your activities during the wait or when the ID card is lost. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that while the international license serves as temporary identification, it doesn’t eliminate the necessity for a proper ID card, particularly in countries with stringent regulations.
Short Visit
Before traveling abroad, Pakistani tourists can obtain an international driving license to facilitate car rentals and driving in foreign countries. Many nations require visitors to possess this license to purchase or drive vehicles, ensuring compliance with state regulations. This license not only enables convenient car rentals but also helps save substantial time and money by avoiding expensive public transport for short trips.
Permanent or Long Stays
An international driving license is crucial for Pakistani nationals planning long-term stays or permanent relocation abroad. While acquiring a permanent driving license in the new country is necessary, the Pakistan-issued international driving license remains beneficial in multiple scenarios.
It helps in reducing the number of driving classes required for Pakistani expatriates or immigrants due to their possession of a Pakistani license. Additionally, after obtaining a visa, the international driving license becomes essential for Pakistanis relocating abroad to work as heavy transport vehicle (HTV) or taxi drivers.
Conclusion
This article is a comprehensive answer to how to get an international driving license in Pakistan. Apart from this, NADRA card users can also check NADRA ID card status and NADRA family tree in detailed blogs.