Instrument Rating Requirements FAR 61.65:

Must hold a current private pilot certificate

Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language

Receive Flight and Ground instruction with appropriate sign-offs

Pass the written exam and the practical.

Experience requirements FAR 61.65(d):

40 hours of instrument time

15 hours instrument instruction

50 hours of cross country flight time as PIC

10 hours must be in airplanes

3 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor within 2 calendar months before the date of the practical test

One cross country flight in an airplane of at least:

250 nautical miles along airways or by direct routing from air traffic control.

An instrument approach at each airport.

3 different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems