An International Driving Permit (IDP) lets a Nepali licence holder drive legally in many foreign countries by translating your national driving licence into a globally recognised format. In Nepal, the IDP is not issued by the Department of Transport Management (DoTM); it is issued by the Nepal Automobile Association (NASA), the officially authorised body under the international road traffic conventions. To apply, you must already hold a valid smart-card Nepali driving licence, submit the required documents, pay the applicable fee, and collect the booklet-style permit. This guide explains eligibility, the exact document checklist, the step-by-step process, and how to avoid the fake-IDP scams that are common online.

Quick answer

To get an International Driving Permit in Nepal you must hold a valid Nepali smart-card driving licence, apply through the Nepal Automobile Association (NASA) with your licence, passport, photos and the prescribed fee, and receive an IDP booklet valid for the category of vehicle on your existing licence. The IDP is only a translation of your licence — it is not a standalone licence and is invalid without your original Nepali licence. Always verify current fees and validity directly with NASA before paying anyone.

Table of contents

• What is an International Driving Permit?
• Who issues the IDP in Nepal (and who does not)
• Eligibility requirements
• Documents checklist
• Step-by-step application process
• Fees and validity
• Countries where the IDP is accepted
• Common IDP scams and how to spot them
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Security warning
• Frequently asked questions

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit is an internationally recognised document that translates the details of your national driving licence into multiple languages. It is designed under United Nations road traffic conventions so that police and rental agencies abroad can read your driving credentials in a standard format. The IDP does not replace your Nepali licence — you must always carry both the IDP and your original smart-card licence together when driving overseas.

Who issues the IDP in Nepal (and who does not)

Many applicants wrongly assume the IDP comes from the Department of Transport Management, the same office that issues the smart-card licence. It does not. In Nepal the authorised issuer is the Nepal Automobile Association (NASA). The DoTM (Minbhawan, Kathmandu) issues and prints your national smart-card driving licence, and that national licence is the prerequisite for an IDP. If any agent, website or shop claims to issue a “government IDP” through DoTM directly, treat it as a red flag and verify with NASA first.

Eligibility requirements

• You must hold a valid Nepali smart-card driving licence (not expired).
• The IDP is issued only for the vehicle categories already endorsed on your licence.
• You must generally be at least 18 years old (matching the minimum age of your existing licence category).
• You must hold a valid passport, since the IDP is intended for travel abroad.

Note: exact age and category rules follow your existing licence. Confirm the current eligibility criteria directly with NASA before applying.

Documents checklist

• Original valid Nepali smart-card driving licence (and a photocopy).
• Valid passport (original and photocopy of the details page).
• Recent passport-size photographs (typically two to four — confirm the exact number required).
• Completed IDP application form.
• Applicable fee (verify the current amount with NASA before payment).

Step-by-step application process

1. Confirm your licence is valid. Make sure your smart-card Nepali licence is current and covers the vehicle category you intend to drive abroad.
2. Gather documents. Prepare your original licence, passport, photographs and the completed application form.
3. Apply through NASA. Submit your application at the authorised Nepal Automobile Association office/counter. Confirm the current submission point, as offices and procedures can change.
4. Pay the fee. Pay the prescribed IDP fee at the official counter and keep your receipt.
5. Verification. Your licence details are checked and translated into the IDP booklet format.
6. Collect your IDP. Receive the IDP booklet. Check that your name, licence number, categories and validity are printed correctly before leaving the counter.

Fees and validity

IDP fees and validity periods are set by the issuing authority and can be revised. An IDP is typically valid for a limited period (commonly one year in many jurisdictions), and it is only valid while your underlying national licence remains valid. Because published amounts change, we are not quoting a specific rupee figure here — always confirm the exact current fee and validity directly with the Nepal Automobile Association before you pay.

Item	What to confirm with NASA
Fee	Current official IDP fee (verify before paying)
Validity	Length of validity from date of issue
Categories	Vehicle categories carried over from your licence
Processing time	Same-day vs multi-day issuance

Countries where the IDP is accepted

An IDP is recognised in a large number of countries that are party to the international road traffic conventions. However, acceptance rules vary — some countries require the IDP alongside your national licence, some have their own local conversion rules, and a few do not recognise the IDP at all. Before you travel, check the specific driving rules of your destination country and any car-rental company’s requirements.

Common IDP scams and how to spot them

Because the IDP is needed quickly by travellers, fraudsters target applicants online. Watch for these red flags:

• “Instant online IDP” websites. Sites that issue a printable “IDP” in minutes for a card fee are almost always selling worthless documents. A genuine IDP is tied to a verified national licence.
• Agents promising an IDP without a valid Nepali licence. This is impossible legally — the IDP only translates an existing licence.
• “Government IDP through DoTM” claims. The IDP is issued by NASA, not DoTM directly. Such wording signals a scam or an uninformed middleman.
• Prices far above or far below the official fee. Verify the real fee with NASA first.
• No official receipt. Never pay without a proper receipt from the authorised counter.
• Requests to pay to a personal wallet or bank account. Pay only through official channels.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the IDP replaces your national licence — it does not; carry both.
• Applying with an expired Nepali licence.
• Leaving IDP application to the last day before travel.
• Not checking the destination country’s specific driving rules.
• Buying a fake “online IDP” instead of applying through NASA.

Security warning

⚠️ Never share scanned copies of your passport and driving licence with unverified agents or websites. Identity documents can be misused for fraud. Apply only through the official Nepal Automobile Association, pay only at the official counter, obtain a receipt, and verify current fees and requirements before handing over any money or documents.

Frequently asked questions

Is the International Driving Permit issued by DoTM in Nepal?

No. In Nepal the IDP is issued by the Nepal Automobile Association (NASA). The Department of Transport Management issues your national smart-card licence, which is the prerequisite for an IDP.

Can I get an IDP without a Nepali driving licence?

No. The IDP only translates an existing valid national licence. You must already hold a valid Nepali smart-card licence.

How long is the IDP valid?

Validity is set by the issuing authority and is limited (commonly around one year in many jurisdictions). It is only valid while your national licence is valid. Confirm the current period with NASA.

How much does an IDP cost in Nepal?

Fees are set by the issuing authority and change over time. We do not quote a fixed figure here — verify the current official fee directly with NASA before paying.

Do I need to carry my Nepali licence abroad with the IDP?

Yes. The IDP is not a standalone licence. You must carry both the IDP and your original Nepali smart-card licence together.

Are online ‘instant IDP’ websites legitimate?

Generally no. A genuine IDP is tied to a verified national licence and issued by the authorised body. Instant printable ‘IDPs’ sold online are usually invalid.

Which countries accept the Nepali IDP?

Many countries that are party to international road traffic conventions accept it, but acceptance rules vary by country. Always check the destination’s specific driving rules before travelling.

What documents do I need for an IDP?

Typically your valid Nepali licence, passport, passport-size photos, a completed application form and the fee. Confirm the exact list with NASA.

Can I apply for an IDP if my licence is expired?

No. Your national licence must be valid at the time of application and during the IDP’s use.

What if my IDP has a printing error?

Check all details at the counter before leaving. If your name, licence number or categories are wrong, request a correction immediately from the issuing office.

Conclusion

Getting an International Driving Permit in Nepal is straightforward once you understand two key points: you need a valid national smart-card licence first, and the IDP is issued by the Nepal Automobile Association rather than by DoTM directly. Prepare your documents, apply through the official channel, verify the current fee, and always carry both your IDP and your original licence abroad. Most problems come from fake online “IDPs” and last-minute applications — plan ahead and use only official sources.

Need help with documents and digital government services?

At Digital Solution Pvt. Ltd. (Pokhara-17, Birauta, Kaski), we help individuals understand and prepare paperwork for government and travel-related services. We can guide you through document preparation and point you to the correct official channels — though we cannot issue permits or guarantee approval, which rests solely with the authorised government and issuing bodies. Message us on WhatsApp at +977 9705433699.

Disclaimer: Digital Solution Pvt. Ltd. is an independent private company. We are not the Department of Transport Management, the Nepal Automobile Association, or any government agency, and we do not issue driving licences or International Driving Permits. Fees, validity, eligibility and procedures change over time. Always verify current requirements directly with the official issuing authority before applying or paying.

Official references

• Department of Transport Management (DoTM) — www.dotm.gov.np (national driving licence)
• Nepal Automobile Association (NASA) — authorised IDP issuing body (verify current office and fees)

Last updated: July 2026.