Planning to drive abroad, whether it’s a car or a motorbike? Then you’ll probably need an international driving license, officially known in most countries as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Think of it as a companion to your Pakistani driving license, not a replacement — it simply helps traffic authorities abroad recognize your credentials.
If you’re looking into getting an international driving license in Pakistan, this guide covers what an IDP actually is, who’s eligible, which documents you’ll need, how the application works, what the fees look like, and where Islamabad residents can apply.
What Is an International Driving License?
An International Driving Permit is an official document that backs up your existing driving license in countries that recognize IDPs.
Keep in mind, though — an IDP is not a replacement for your Pakistani driving license. You still need to carry your original license along with the IDP whenever you drive abroad.
Rules vary from country to country, so before you travel, check what your destination actually requires — whether it accepts an IDP, and whether you’ll need extra documents, insurance, or local licensing.
If you’re curious about the legal framework behind IDPs, you can read more about the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
Who Can Apply for an International Driving License in Pakistan?
As a general rule, you need to already hold a valid Pakistani driving license before applying for an IDP.
For applicants using the Islamabad process, the current ICT Administration guidance asks for:
- A valid Pakistani computerized driving license
- Original valid passport
- Valid visa
- Original CNIC
- Personal appearance for document submission and verification
Requirements aren’t identical everywhere — they can shift depending on the issuing authority and your location, so it’s worth confirming the latest details before you visit an office.
If you don’t have your Pakistani driving license yet, it’s worth sorting that out first. Iqra Driving School can help you get there with its license preparation and maneuver training.
International Driving License Requirements in Pakistan
Before you head to a licensing or facilitation centre, it helps to have your documents ready in advance.
1. Valid Pakistani Driving License
Your Pakistani driving license is the backbone of the whole application — an IDP was never meant to stand on its own.
2. CNIC
Bring your original CNIC along, since it’s what officials use to confirm your identity.
3. Valid Passport
Make sure your passport is valid. For the Islamabad process specifically, you’ll need the original passport plus a valid visa.
4. Personal Appearance
You can’t send someone on your behalf for the Islamabad process — you need to show up in person to submit your documents, since it includes biometric checks and live-camera verification.
5. Additional Documents
Depending on your specific situation — the issuing authority, your destination, or your license category — you might be asked for extra documents. It’s best to check with the relevant authority before you go.
How to Apply for an International Driving License in Pakistan
The exact steps depend on your province or issuing authority. If you’re applying through the Islamabad Capital Territory, here’s roughly how the current process works:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your original Pakistani driving license, CNIC, passport, and valid visa. Make sure everything is current and easy to read.
Step 2: Visit the Relevant Office
If you’re in Islamabad, the ICT Administration points to the Citizen Facilitation Center at G-11/4, Islamabad for IDP services.
Islamabad Police also currently offers IDP services at a few Police Khidmat Markaz locations, including PKM Gulberg Green and PKM F-6. It’s worth checking the latest official information before you go, since these details can change.
Step 3: Get a Token
Once you’re at the centre, take a token and wait your turn like everyone else.
Step 4: Complete Data Entry and Verification
Your details get entered into the system, followed by biometric and live-camera verification where it’s required.
Step 5: Submit Your Documents
Hand over your original documents to the official handling your case for processing.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fee
After your application is submitted, pay the fee and hold on to your e-receipt — you’ll need it later.
Step 7: Collect Your IDP
Your e-receipt tells you when to come back and collect your IDP. You can also track its status through the City Islamabad mobile app.
International Driving License Fee in Pakistan
A question that comes up a lot: How much does an international driving license cost in Pakistan?
Honestly, there’s no single fee that applies to everyone. The cost changes depending on the issuing authority, your province, the vehicle category, the type of service, and the current government fee schedule.
Because of that, it’s best not to trust old blog posts or social media claims quoting a specific number.
For Islamabad specifically, the ICT Administration’s IDP page confirms you’ll pay a fee and get an e-receipt, but it doesn’t publish an exact number. Your safest bet is confirming the current fee directly with the office before you apply.
Other authorities have their own fee structures. For example, the National Highways & Motorway Police licensing website currently lists a Rs. 5,000 fee voucher for an International Driving License card with one-year validity under its own licensing service. Don’t assume this is the same fee charged in Islamabad.
Can You Apply for an International Driving License Online?
It depends on who’s issuing it.
Just because a website lets you check your status online doesn’t mean the entire application can be completed that way.
In Islamabad’s case, you’re required to show up in person with your original documents and go through verification. So if you come across a website claiming you can get an Islamabad IDP fully online with no personal verification, double-check that claim through an official government source first.
Where Can You Get an International Driving Permit in Islamabad?
If you live in Islamabad, official information points to the Citizen Facilitation Center, G-11/4 for the International Driving Permit process.
Islamabad Police also lists IDP services at:
- PKM Gulberg Green
- PKM F-6
Since government offices and services can change over time, it’s worth confirming the latest details before you make the trip.
If you haven’t gotten your first Pakistani driving license yet, take a look at Iqra’s driving school locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and pick whichever branch works best for you.
How Long Is an International Driving Permit Valid?
How long your IDP stays valid depends on the issuing authority along with the applicable international and local rules — don’t assume every IDP issued in Pakistan lasts the same amount of time.
More importantly, your IDP doesn’t extend or replace your Pakistani licence’s validity. Your domestic licence still needs to stay valid on its own while you’re using the permit.
Can You Drive in Every Country With an IDP?
No.
An IDP only works in countries that actually recognize international driving permit arrangements. And even among those, rules can differ — for visitors versus residents, rental cars, insurance, vehicle categories, and how long a foreign license can be used.
Before you travel, check the requirements of both your destination country and whichever car-rental company you plan to use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few things trip people up during this process — keep these in mind:
- Applying with an expired Pakistani driving license.
- Forgetting your original CNIC.
- Not double-checking your passport and visa validity.
- Assuming an IDP replaces your Pakistani license.
- Relying on an old fee you saw online.
- Skipping confirmation of the issuing office before visiting.
- Not checking whether your destination country accepts an IDP.
- Leaving either your IDP or your original driving license behind when driving abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an international driving license the same as an International Driving Permit?
These terms get used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but International Driving Permit (IDP) is the more accurate official term used by Pakistani authorities.
Can I get an international driving license without a Pakistani driving license?
Not really — you need a valid Pakistani driving license before applying for an IDP. Think of the IDP as something that accompanies your domestic license, not something that replaces it.
What documents are required for an international driving license in Islamabad?
Currently, Islamabad’s guidance asks for your original Pakistani computerized driving license, original valid passport with a valid visa, and original CNIC. You’ll also need to appear in person to submit your documents.
How much is an international driving license in Pakistan?
There’s no single fee that applies nationwide — it depends on the issuing authority and the current fee schedule. If you’re in Islamabad, confirm the exact fee with the relevant office directly, since the ICT Administration’s page doesn’t list a specific number.
Can I apply for an international driving license online?
Some services offer online verification or status checks, but a fully online application isn’t available everywhere. In Islamabad’s case, you still need to show up in person and complete verification.
Do I need my Pakistani license when driving abroad with an IDP?
Yes — always carry your IDP together with your valid Pakistani driving license. The IDP isn’t a substitute for the original.
Final Checklist Before You Travel
If you’re planning to drive abroad from Pakistan, here’s a simple checklist to run through:
- Make sure your Pakistani driving license is valid.
- Check whether your destination recognizes an IDP.
- Get your CNIC and passport ready.
- Check your visa requirements and validity.
- Apply through the right issuing authority.
- Confirm the current fee before you pay.
- Keep your IDP and Pakistani license together while travelling.
- Check local driving, insurance, and rental-car requirements at your destination.
And if you’re still working on getting your Pakistani driving license, Iqra Driving School offers hands-on training in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including beginner driving lessons, driving packages, and license preparation training.
A valid local licence is where it all starts. Once you’ve got that sorted, an International Driving Permit can make driving abroad a lot smoother in the countries that recognize it — just always double-check the rules for wherever you’re headed before you go.
