Driving Licence in India Apply, Renew, Download & More
Step-by-step guide for driving licence online apply, status check, RC renewal, eChallan, and all Parivahan Sewa services. Latest rules, eligibility, and FAQs for every Indian citizen.
Unofficial, up-to-date guide for all Indian citizens.
Start Application GuideWhat is a Driving Licence?
A driving licence (sometimes called driver's license) is an official document issued by the Indian government. It allows you to drive a car, bike, or other vehicle on public roads. It is also a valid ID proof, like a PAN card or passport. You must have a valid driving licence to drive legally in India.
- It proves you know the traffic rules and can drive safely.
- It is required for insurance claims and police checks.
- You can download driving licence PDF or use the mParivahan app for a digital copy.
RTO office in India where driving licences are issued
Types of Driving Licence in India
- Learning Licence (LL): For beginners, valid for 6 months.
- Permanant Driving Licence (DL): For those who pass the driving test.
- Commercial Driving Licence: For commercial vehicles (trucks, taxis, etc.).
- International Driving Permit (IDP): For driving abroad.
- Four wheeler driving licence: For cars, jeeps, etc.
- Car driving licence: For private cars.
You can get driving licence online for most types using Parivahan Sewa.
Vehicle Categories & Codes
| Category | Vehicle Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MC 50CC | Motorcycle 50cc | Up to 50cc engine |
| MCWG | Motorcycle With Gear | All motorcycles with gear |
| LMV | Light Motor Vehicle | Cars, jeeps, vans |
| HMV | Heavy Motor Vehicle | Trucks, buses |
| TRAILER | Trailer | Vehicles with trailers |
For more details, check Vahan Parivahan or your local RTO.
Screenshot: driving licence online apply on Parivahan Sewa portal
Eligibility & Qualification for Driving Licence in India
- Age for driving licence in India: 16 years (gearless bike), 18 years (car/four wheeler), 20 years (commercial).
- Must know basic traffic rules and signs.
- Should be physically and mentally fit.
- For commercial licence, 1 year of LMV experience and medical certificate needed.
Check driving licence in India age and qualification for driving licence in India before you apply for driving license.
Documents Needed for Driving Licence Apply
- Filled application form (Form 2 or online form)
- Proof of age: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, birth certificate
- Proof of address: Aadhaar, passport, utility bill, rental agreement
- Passport size photos
- Learner's Licence (if applying for permanent DL)
- Medical certificate (Form 1A, if required)
- Fee payment receipt
You can download driving licence form from Parivahan Sewa or get it at the RTO.
How to Apply for Driving Licence (Online & Offline)
Driving Licence Online Apply (Parivahan Sewa)
- Go to parivahan.gov.in or use the parivahan-gov-in app.
- Select your state and click on driving licence online apply.
- Fill the online form, upload documents, and book a test slot.
- Pay the fee online.
- Appear for the driving test at your RTO.
- After passing, download driving licence PDF or get the smart card by post.
Offline Driving Licence Apply
- Visit your nearest RTO office.
- Collect and fill the driving licence form (Form 2).
- Submit documents and photos.
- Book a test slot and pay the fee at the RTO.
- Appear for the driving test.
- Get your driver's license by post or collect from RTO.
You can get driving licence online for most states using Sarathi Parivahan.
mParivahan app: driving licence download, status check, and more
Driving Licence Fees in India (2025)
| Service | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Learner's Licence (LL) | ₹200 |
| Permanent Driving Licence (DL) | ₹200 |
| Driving Licence Renewal | ₹200 |
| Duplicate Driving Licence | ₹250 |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | ₹1000 |
| Adding a Vehicle Class to DL | ₹500 |
| Driving Licence Test | ₹300 |
| Late Renewal of DL | ₹300 + applicable fees |
Always check the latest fees on Parivahan Sewa or your state RTO website.
How to Check & Download Driving Licence Online
- Go to parivahan.gov.in or open the mParivahan app.
- Click on driving licence check online or driving licence download.
- Enter your DL number, date of birth, and captcha.
- View your driving licence application status and download your driving licence PDF.
You can also use parivahan driving licence and vahan parivahan for other vehicle services.
How to Renew Driving Licence in India
- Go to Parivahan Sewa or your state RTO website.
- Click on how to renew driving licence or "DL Renewal".
- Fill the online form and upload documents.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Book an appointment if required.
- Get your renewed driver's license by post or download PDF.
Check new driving licence rules in India for 2025 before you renew.
International Driving Licence & Foreign Nationals
- Apply for international driving license at your RTO with valid Indian DL, passport, visa, and photos.
- Permit is valid for 1 year, not renewable.
- NRIs and foreign nationals need extra documents (visa, residence proof).
- Check driving licence in the United Kingdom or Qatar driving licence rules if moving abroad.
Tips for a Smooth Driving Licence Application
- Double-check all documents before submitting.
- Use the mParivahan app or Parivahan Sewa for updates.
- Prepare for the driving test by practicing on the RTO track.
- Keep your passport and PAN card handy for ID proof.
- Check driving licence application status regularly online.
- For change of address in driving license, submit new address proof.
- For HSRP number plate and Vahan 4.0 info, visit the official portals.
Conclusion
Getting a driving licence in India is now easier with driving licence online apply and digital services like Parivahan Sewa and mParivahan app. Always follow the latest rules, keep your documents ready, and check your driving licence application status online. For any help, visit your RTO or the official Parivahan portal.
Digital Driving Licence & mParivahan App
The mParivahan app and Parivahan Sewa portal let you access your digital driving licence anytime, anywhere. You can download driving licence PDF, check your driving licence status, and even show your digital DL to traffic police. The digital DL is legally valid across India.
- Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register with your mobile number and set a PIN.
- Click on "Driving Licence" and enter your DL number and date of birth.
- Your digital driving licence will appear. You can download driving licence PDF or show the QR code.
- Use the app to check online challan check, pay eChallan, and access other Parivahan Sewa services.
- mParivahan also lets you store your vehicle RC and check vahan parivahan details.
- For hsrp number plate status, use the app or Vahan 4.0 portal.
- All digital documents are accepted by RTO and police as per the Motor Vehicle Act.
Vahan Parivahan & Vehicle Services
Vahan Parivahan is the government portal for all vehicle-related services in India. You can check your vehicle registration, hsrp (High Security Registration Plate), number plate status, and more. Vahan 4.0 is the latest version, offering faster and more secure services.
- Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details".
- Enter your vehicle number and captcha.
- See details like owner name, registration date, hsrp number plate status, insurance, and more.
- Use Vahan 4 or Vahan 4.0 for the latest features.
- For online challan check, use the "eChallan" section on Parivahan Sewa or mParivahan app.
- All vehicle and DL data is linked for easy access and verification.
Driving Licence in Hindi & Regional Languages
You can use Parivahan Sewa and mParivahan app in Hindi and other regional languages. This makes it easy for everyone to apply for driving license, check driving licence status, and download driving licence in their preferred language.
- On the Parivahan Sewa website, look for the language option at the top.
- Select "Hindi" or your regional language.
- All forms, instructions, and status checks will appear in your chosen language.
- For driving licence in Hindi, select Hindi before starting your application.
- Regional support is available for most Indian states and union territories.
- Helpline numbers and FAQs are also available in Hindi and English.
International Driving Licence: UK, Qatar & More
If you want to drive outside India, you need an International Driving License (IDP). The process is simple and can be started online on Parivahan Sewa or at your RTO. Many countries, including the United Kingdom and Qatar, accept the Indian IDP for short stays.
- Apply for IDP at your RTO or on Parivahan Sewa.
- Submit your valid Indian driving licence, passport, visa, and photos.
- Pay the fee and collect your IDP after verification.
- Check the rules for driving licence in the United Kingdom, Qatar driving licence, or your destination country before travel.
- NRIs and foreign nationals can also apply for IDP in India with extra documents.
- Always carry your Indian DL and IDP when driving abroad.
- For long-term stays, you may need to apply for a local driver's license in that country.
New Driving Licence Rules in India (2025)
The Motor Vehicle Act and Parivahan Sewa have introduced new rules for driving licence apply and renewal in 2025:
- Online application and document upload is now mandatory for most states.
- Smart card DL (Form 7) is standard across India.
- Medical certificate (Form 1A) required for all applicants above 40 years and for commercial DL.
- HSRP number plate is compulsory for all vehicles.
- All DL and vehicle data is linked with Aadhaar and PAN card for security.
- Instant driving licence check online and status updates via mParivahan app.
- Strict penalties for fake or duplicate licences.
Always check the latest updates on Parivahan Sewa or your state RTO website before you apply for driving license.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Driving Licence (and How to Avoid Them)
- Not checking driving licence application status regularly.
- Uploading unclear or incorrect documents (Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, etc.).
- Missing your driving test appointment or not preparing for the test.
- Not paying the correct fee or losing the payment receipt.
- Forgetting to download driving licence PDF or digital copy.
- Not updating address after moving (use change of address in driving license feature).
- Not using the mParivahan app or Parivahan Sewa for updates and downloads.
- Not checking online challan check for pending fines.
Tip: Always use official portals like Parivahan Sewa, Vahan Parivahan, and mParivahan app for all services.
