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How to Apply for International Driving License in Pakistan

An international driving License is an important piece of paper for any Pakistani who would like to drive a vehicle legally in foreign countries. This document is an official translation of your Pakistani driver’s license, making it comprehensible to authorities around the world and establishing your right to drive in over 130 countries. An IDP serves as an identity document allowing its holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country that recognizes IDPs. Issued under the Vienna Convention of 1968, the Pakistani International Driving Licence must be accompanied by your valid Pakistani driving licence. The IDP translates your license information into 12 languages that facilitate the verification of your credentials by the authorities in other countries. It contains your name, a photograph, and driver information and is accepted by the traffic authorities and car renting agencies, as well as the insurance companies all over the globe.

Why You Should Have an International Driving License from Pakistan?

The significance of obtaining from Pakistan is the following:

  • Legal Protection: Many countries do not recognize even a single document as a driving license unless it is backed up with an IDP for a foreign driver to carry it. If someone drives without an IDP, that person may face fines or legal issues.
  • Advantages of Communication: One great thing about IDP is that it translates your driving license into several languages so that you can speak with foreign authorities without much fuss.
  • Renting vehicles: Quite a lot of car rental companies all over the world would like to see a valid IDP before traveling with a local driving license.
  • Travel Independence: It empowers you to visit foreign destinations leisurely, be it for travel, business, or family visits.

International Driving License Pakistan Document Requirements

One can get it in Pakistan by fulfilling the following requirements:

  • Must possess a valid (unexpired) document issued by the competent authority.
  • Such a person must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a valid Pakistani passport (with at least six months of validity).
  • Must possess a valid visa for the destination country (if applicable).
  • Provide a valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
  • Two or more recent passport-sized photographs attested as per local requirements.
  • Proof of residence in the town in which he is applying, e.g., Islamabad, Lahore.
  • Pay the prescribed fees (which vary from city to city and urgency). 

How to Apply for an International Driving License in Islamabad

You can follow the procedure to obtain this:

Gather Documents:

  • Copy of Islamabad-issued card
  • Copy of a valid passport with a visa.
  • Copy of CNIC.
  • Proof of Islamabad residence.
  • Two attested passport-sized photographs.

Application Center:

Reach the Citizen Facilitation Center (near DC Office G-11/4 Islamabad).

Application Procedure:

  • Collect a token and wait for your turn.
  • Data entry and biometric verification are done, including live photo capture.e
  • Submission of all documents to the official
  • Pay the required Pakistan fees (PKR 500 for regular and PKR 1,050 for urgent)
  • Obtain an e-receipt

Pick-Up:

Collect your IDP on the date written on the receipt (generally within 1-s working day).

Online Verification:

International driving license Pakistan online verification is available on the City Islamabad App.

How To Apply For an International Driving Permit in Lahore

For applicants in Lahore, the local traffic police govern the permit process. 

Essential documents:

  • Attested copy of CNIC.
  • An attested copy of a valid driving license.
  • An attested copy of a passport with a valid visa.
  • Two attested passport-sized photographs.
  • Court fee ticket (Rs. 66).
  • Bank challan fee (Rs. 450).
  • Administrative ticket (Rs. 60).

Submission:

Submit all documents to the Traffic Police Headquarters or authorized branches.

Processing:

It is usually issued within one working day.

Collection:

Collect your IDP as per the date on your receipt.

International Driving Permit Pakistan: Application in Other Cities

The process for it in other cities, such as Karachi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, is the same with minor variations in the fees and document requirements:

Faisalabad:

Requires attested copies of CNIC, driving license, passport, two photographs, and specific fee tickets.

The Pakistani international driving license is typically issued within one day.

Karachi & Peshawar:

Proceed to apply at the respective traffic police rules of licensing branches.

Requirements and fees are comparable to those in Lahore and Islamabad.

Punjab e-Khidmat Markaz:

Apply through e-Khidmat Markaz centers for a smooth and easy process.’

Pakistan International Driving License Verification Online

Islamabad:

  • Download the City Islamabad App
  • Register your account
  • Go to the “International Driving Permit” tab.
  • Into the “Verification” link
  • Enter CNIC and Press “Verify.”

Other cities:

Please check with your local traffic police website or licensing authority for online verification services.

Verifying IDP online is considered to be a genuine and legal before you even travel abroad.

Valid Countries for a Pakistani International Driving License 

With worldwide recognition across countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, both Americas, and Oceania is usable here and in the countries mentioned:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Malaysia
  • Turkey
  • South Africa

More than 140 listed countries are included in a valid list of IDP nations, available from the official government sources. 

Important Factors Regarding Applicants

  • Apply immediately: Start the procedure as early as possible before your travel date to avoid any delays.
  • Documents Attestation: Get all the attested copies from the authorized government official.
  • Documents: Always carry your original CNIC, driving license, and passport when applying.
  • Renewal: When your IDP expires, you will need to go through the same application process for renewal.
  • Lost License: Get it reported to the police and then carry the report for a reissue.
  • Carry Both Licenses: Always take with you the original Pakistani card and your IDP while driving abroad.
  • Valid Check: Use the various online tools to verify the validity of it in Pakistan before traveling.
  • Know the Rules: Know the rules and regulations for driving in the country you’re planning to visit.
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Conclusion

Getting an international driving license in Pakistan is a much simpler process- just obtain a permit and drive legally in over 130 countries. Regardless of whether you apply for an international driving license in Lahore, Islamabad, or whichever city, the process is the same, prepare the necessary documentation, pay the license fees, and complete the formalities. Verify online to avoid  difficulties with online verification. 

FAQs

It varies from city to city and depends on the type of service requested, namely, normal or urgent. In almost all cities, such as Lahore and Islamabad, you may get the Permit within 1-2 working days if all documentation is in order. You may have this sped up for an extra fee.

Yes it is held as valid in the US, most European countries, and over 130 countries where it is recognized under the Geneva or Vienna Conventions from Pakistan. Always check on special requirements in your destination country before departure. 

Presently, the application process for this from Pakistan mandates that you appear in person before the relevant licensing authority for biometric verification and document submission. However, the City Islamabad App does provide online services regarding the issuance of it.

According to the required conditions, one must necessarily have a Pakistani card issued recently, a valid CNIC, a passport with a visa, two recent passport-size photographs, and proof of residence according to city-specific requirements, along with prescribed fees.

Yes, you can renew this just like it is done in the first application. Bring in the updated documents, pay for the renewal fee, and submit your expired IDP if asked to. Some provinces may have a lower renewal fee than other regions.

Using the online verification services available in the local licensing authority of Pakistan, you may check whether your international driving license is valid or not. For example, you can use this service in Islamabad by downloading the City Islamabad App. If you’re from Punjab, do the same using the DLMIS online portal.

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