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🚗 DRIVING LICENCE — FREE GUIDE

Driving Licence & Vehicle Services Guide

Apply for new DL, check status, renew, pay challan, transfer RC — all via the official Sarathi & Vahan portals. Direct links and step-by-step guides for every service.

The Sarathi portal has made applying for a driving licence genuinely online — but the process still has enough steps and waiting periods that most people give up or pay an agent. This guide maps every step so you don't need to. The biggest thing most people miss: you can complete the learner licence test online now, from home.

— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026

Check DL Status →Apply New LL →Pay E-Challan →Check RC Status →Renew DL →

All DL & Vehicle Services

📋▼ Steps
Apply for New Learner's Licence
🪪▼ Steps
Apply for Permanent DL
🔍▼ Steps
Check DL / RC Status Online
🔄▼ Steps
Renew Driving Licence
⚠️▼ Steps
Check Vehicle Challan / Fine
🔁▼ Steps
Transfer Vehicle RC (Ownership)

Documents Required

✓
Aadhaar Card
Address proof + identity
✓
Age Proof
Birth certificate / 10th marksheet
✓
Passport-size Photos
2 recent photos, white background
✓
Form 1 (Medical Certificate)
Self-declaration of fitness, signed by doctor
✓
Learner's Licence
For permanent DL application only
✓
Existing DL
For renewal / duplicate applications
✓
Address Proof
Aadhaar / Voter ID / Electricity bill

Fee Structure (Approximate)

Learner's Licence
₹150–200
Permanent DL (non-transport)
₹200–400
DL Renewal
₹200–400
Duplicate DL
₹300–500
International Driving Permit
₹500–1,000
Driving Test Fee
₹300 (approx.)

Official Portals

Sarathi — DL Services
LL, DL, renewal, endorsement
Vahan — Vehicle Services
RC, ownership transfer, fitness
E-Challan
Check and pay traffic fines
Parivahan.gov.in
Central transport services hub
mParivahan App
Carry DL/RC on your phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My DL is expired — can I still drive?
A: No. Driving with an expired DL is an offence under MV Act. Apply for renewal immediately at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in. You can renew up to 1 year before expiry and up to 1 year after expiry without penalty (beyond that, you may need a fresh LL + test).
Q: Can I drive in other states with my state DL?
A: Yes. A driving licence issued in any state is valid across all of India. You don't need to transfer your DL when you move states.
Q: How do I add a new vehicle class (like LMV) to my existing DL?
A: Visit your state RTO with your current DL, fill the applicable form for adding endorsement, give the driving test for the new class, and the updated DL will be issued.
Q: Can I apply for DL without visiting the RTO?
A: The learner's licence test and the permanent DL driving test require a physical visit to the RTO. But all paperwork and appointment booking can be done online at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
Q: My vehicle challan is showing but I didn't commit the offence — what to do?
A: If you disagree with a challan, you can contest it in court. Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in, click 'Objection' against the challan, and follow the process to contest it.

📞 Helpline & Support

Transport Department Helpline: 1800-180-2511 (toll-free)
Email: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
For mParivahan app: Download from Google Play Store / App Store — carry your DL/RC digitally on your phone (legally valid under Rule 139A of CMV Rules).