📌 In this guide
- What is Sarathi Parivahan? (Sarathi vs Vahan vs mParivahan)
- Eligibility, age limit and documents
- Learner licence: home (faceless) vs RTO route
- Permanent driving licence and test slot booking
- Application status, renewal, duplicate, address change
- Download licence (DigiLocker / mParivahan)
- Fees 2026 (Rule 32)
- New rules and updates
- Common errors and how to fix them
- People also ask: quick answers
- State links, helpline and sources
| Portal | Sarathi Parivahan (licence services) |
| Run by | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India |
| Main services | Learner licence, driving licence, renewal, duplicate DL, address change, add class, IDP, slot booking, status |
| Official links | parivahan.gov.in | sarathi.parivahan.gov.in |
What Is Sarathi Parivahan?
Sarathi is the national software used by State Transport Departments and RTOs to issue and manage driving licences. Because all states work on a common national database, a licence issued in one state is valid across India. Many people confuse the three Parivahan platforms, so here is the difference:
| Platform | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Sarathi | Anything about a person: learner licence, DL, renewal, duplicate, IDP, conductor licence |
| Vahan | Anything about a vehicle: RC, tax, fitness, permits, hypothecation |
| mParivahan app | Digital DL and RC on your phone, QR verification, vehicle details, challan info |
Benefits of Sarathi Parivahan
- Apply, pay fees, book slots and track applications from home.
- Aadhaar-based faceless services reduce or remove RTO visits for many tasks.
- Digital licence in DigiLocker/mParivahan is accepted as a valid document.
- One national database across states, which helps catch duplicate records.
Eligibility, Age Limit and Documents
| Vehicle type | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Gearless motorcycle up to 50cc | 16 years (parent/guardian consent) |
| Geared motorcycle, car and other light motor vehicles | 18 years |
| Commercial / transport vehicles | 20 years (in most cases) |
Medical certificate: applicants for transport vehicles and anyone aged 40 or above must upload a medical certificate (Form 1A). Others submit a self-declaration of physical fitness (Form 1).
Licence categories
Documents checklist
- ✅ Age proof: birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, passport or Aadhaar
- ✅ ID proof: Aadhaar, PAN, passport or voter ID
- ✅ Address proof: Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill or rent agreement (as accepted by your state)
- ✅ Passport-size photo and scanned signature (check the size limits shown on the portal)
- ✅ Mobile number (and email) that you can access for OTPs
- ✅ Form 1 or Form 1A, as applicable
Learner Licence Online: Faceless (Aadhaar) vs Regular Route
On Sarathi you choose between two routes after selecting “Applicant does not hold Driving/Learner Licence”.
Route A: Submit via Aadhaar Authentication (faceless)
- Your Aadhaar must be linked to your mobile number (OTP is needed).
- State transport manuals say you need a computer/laptop with a web camera and internet.
- If your present address matches Aadhaar and no medical certificate is needed (under 40, non-transport), you need not visit the RTO for document verification.
- You can then appear for the LL test online and download the licence as PDF.
Route B: Without Aadhaar / regular route
- Fill the form and upload ID, age and address proofs.
- Documents are verified by the RTO; you may need to visit with originals.
- Required also if you upload a different address proof or a medical certificate (age 40+ or transport vehicle).
- Test is taken at the RTO or as per your state’s process.
Source: state transport faceless-LL user manuals (Maharashtra and Punjab Transport Departments). Exact steps can differ slightly by state.
Step-by-step: learner licence
Learner licence test tips
- The test is made of multiple-choice questions on road signs, traffic rules and road safety. The number of questions, time per question and pass mark are set by each state, so read the instructions on your test screen.
- Study the road-sign chart and your state’s learner guide before attempting the test.
- Keep your application number handy and use a stable internet connection and a working camera for the online test.
- If you fail, a repeat test fee (Rs. 50 centrally) applies in most states.
Permanent Driving Licence and Test Slot Booking
You must hold the learner licence for at least 30 days, and apply for the permanent licence within its 6-month validity.
- On Sarathi choose Apply for Driving Licence, enter your LL number and date of birth.
- Select the vehicle class and confirm the details.
- Pay the driving test and licence fees online.
- Go to Application Services → Slot Booking, choose Driving Licence Test, enter your application number and date of birth, then pick the RTO, date and time.
- Download the slot receipt and carry it with your original documents on test day.
- Pass the driving test. After approval the smart card is issued and a digital copy becomes available in DigiLocker/mParivahan.
Application Status, Renewal, Duplicate DL and Address Change
Check application status
Select your state on Sarathi → Application Status → enter application number and date of birth plus captcha → Submit. You do not need a login for this.
Renew driving licence
- Sarathi → your state → Apply for DL Renewal.
- Enter DL number and date of birth. Choose Aadhaar authentication where offered for a faceless flow.
- Check details, upload photo/signature, and Form 1A if you are 40+ or hold a transport licence.
- Pay the fee and submit.
You can apply early.
Renew after expiry without late fee.
Rs. 300 + Rs. 1,000 per year (or part) of delay. Over 1 year after expiry, a fresh test may be required.
A private-vehicle licence is generally valid until age 40 or 20 years from issue, whichever is earlier. After that, renewals are for shorter periods.
Duplicate licence and address change
- Duplicate DL: Sarathi → Apply for Duplicate DL → enter DL number and date of birth → fill details → pay fee. Some RTOs ask for an FIR copy or affidavit for a lost licence.
- Address change: available online under DL services. It is one of the services covered by Aadhaar-based contactless authentication, so with a correct Aadhaar-linked mobile number it can often be done without visiting the RTO.
- Add another class: Sarathi → Driving Licence Services → Add Class of Vehicle (Rs. 500 central fee plus test fee).
Per MoRTH’s Aadhaar-authentication notification (reported by Deccan Herald), 18 services including learner licence, DL renewal, address change, duplicate DL and IDP can be availed contactless.
Download Your Driving Licence (DigiLocker & mParivahan)
DigiLocker
- Open digilocker.gov.in or the app and sign in.
- Go to Issued Documents / search Driving Licence.
- Enter your DL number to fetch it, then download the PDF.
mParivahan app
- Install and open the mParivahan app.
- Add your DL number and date of birth to the dashboard.
- Show the virtual DL with QR code when asked.
Digital copies from these apps are accepted as valid documents by traffic authorities, so you do not have to carry the plastic card at all times.
Driving Licence Fees 2026 (Rule 32, CMV Rules)
These are the central fees notified under Rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as shown on state transport department websites. States add a smart-card fee and may add service charges, so always trust the amount on your payment page.
| Service | Central fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Learner licence (per class) | 150 |
| Learner licence test / repeat test | 50 |
| Driving test / repeat test (per class) | 300 |
| Issue of driving licence | 200 |
| Smart card (additional) | 200 |
| Renewal of driving licence | 200 |
| Renewal after grace period | 300 + 1,000 per year (or part) of delay |
| Add another class of vehicle | 500 |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | 1,000 |
| Driving school licence – issue / renewal | 10,000 |
New Rules and Updates (2026)
Note: some websites quote different effective dates (such as 2022, June 2024 or August 2025) for the driving-school test rule. The official framework is the 2021 ADTC notification; check the PIB links above and your state’s notices for what applies locally.
Common Sarathi Errors and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| OTP not received | Mobile not linked to Aadhaar, or old number in Sarathi record | Update mobile in Aadhaar (UIDAI) for the faceless route; use the mobile update facility on the portal or ask your RTO to update the DL record |
| “Invalid application number” | Wrong portal, state or number | Track licence applications on Sarathi with the correct state selected |
| Payment deducted but status pending | Bank/treasury confirmation delay | Wait a day or two, then use the payment verification option on the portal. If still stuck, contact the helpdesk with your transaction details |
| Documents show “pending” | RTO verification not completed, or unclear upload | Re-upload clear scans if asked, and visit the RTO with originals if you uploaded address proof or a medical certificate |
| Application held back / rejected | Name or date-of-birth mismatch across documents | Correct Aadhaar/other proof first so all documents match, then reapply |
| Faceless option fails | eKYC failed, camera not working, address differs from Aadhaar | Use a laptop with web camera and good internet; if eKYC keeps failing, use the regular route |
People Also Ask: Quick Answers
Tap a question to see the answer.
Is Sarathi Parivahan the same as Parivahan Sewa?
Parivahan Sewa is the umbrella portal of MoRTH (parivahan.gov.in). Sarathi is its licence-related system, and Vahan handles vehicle services.
Do I need to log in to apply or check status?
No account is needed to apply or to check status. You use your application number, date of birth and (for faceless services) your Aadhaar OTP.
Can I get a learner licence without visiting the RTO?
Yes, in states that offer the faceless service. Choose “Submit via Aadhaar Authentication”. Your Aadhaar must be linked to your mobile, your present address should match Aadhaar, and no medical certificate should be required (under 40 and non-transport). Otherwise an RTO visit for document verification may be needed.
How many questions are in the learner licence test?
It differs by state. The test is a set of multiple-choice questions (commonly between 10 and 20) with a state-defined pass mark. The instructions on your test screen show the exact format.
How long is a learner licence valid?
Six months. Apply for the permanent licence after 30 days and before the learner licence expires.
What if my learner licence expires before I take the driving test?
An expired learner licence cannot be used for the permanent licence application. You need to apply for a new learner licence.
Can I renew my driving licence after it has expired?
Yes. There is a 30-day grace period. After that a late fee of Rs. 300 plus Rs. 1,000 per year (or part) of delay applies, and if more than a year has passed you may have to take the driving test again.
Is a digital driving licence valid during a traffic check?
Yes. A licence displayed through DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as a valid document.
Can I apply at an RTO in another state?
Licences are valid across India, but you generally apply in the state of your residence or work and must provide acceptable address proof for that RTO’s jurisdiction. Check your state’s rules on Sarathi.
Do I still have to take the driving test at the RTO?
Yes, unless you pass the test at an Accredited Driver Training Centre and receive a Form 5B certificate. Not every driving school is accredited.
What is the difference between Form 1 and Form 1A?
Form 1 is a self-declaration of physical fitness. Form 1A is a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner, needed for transport vehicle applicants and those aged 40 or above.
How do I get an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Apply on Sarathi under the IDP service with a valid driving licence, passport details and visa/travel details as asked. The central fee is Rs. 1,000. IDP is one of the services available through contactless authentication.
How can I update my mobile number or address on my licence?
Address change is available online under DL services. For mobile number, use the mobile update option on the portal where available, or request your RTO to update it.
What if my licence is lost or damaged?
Apply for a duplicate DL on Sarathi, pay the fee and upload the documents. Some RTOs ask for an FIR copy or affidavit in case of loss.
State Transport Links and Helpline
All states use the Sarathi portal for licence services. For state-specific notices and fees, use the State Transport Department website:
| State | Official website |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | https://www.aptransport.org/ |
| Assam | https://transport.assam.gov.in/ |
| Bihar | http://transport.bih.nic.in/ |
| Chhattisgarh | http://www.cgtransport.gov.in/ |
| Delhi | https://transport.delhi.gov.in/ |
| Gujarat | http://rtogujarat.gov.in/ |
| Haryana | https://haryanatransport.gov.in/ |
| Jharkhand | http://jhtransport.gov.in/ |
| Karnataka | https://www.karnatakaone.gov.in/Info/Public/RTO |
| Kerala | https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/ |
| Madhya Pradesh | http://www.transport.mp.gov.in/ |
| Maharashtra | https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/ |
| Odisha | http://odishatransport.gov.in/ |
| Punjab | https://punjabtransport.org/ |
| Rajasthan | https://transport.rajasthan.gov.in/ |
| Tamil Nadu | https://tnsta.gov.in/ |
| Telangana | https://www.transport.telangana.gov.in/ |
| Uttar Pradesh | http://uptransport.upsdc.gov.in/ |
| Uttarakhand | https://transport.uk.gov.in/ |
| West Bengal | http://transport.wb.gov.in/ |
For other states and union territories, choose your state on the Sarathi portal.
📞 0120-2459169 | ✉️ helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
Contact details can change. Confirm them on the portal’s Contact Us page.
Conclusion
Sarathi Parivahan lets you handle learner licence, driving licence, renewal, duplicate DL, address change and downloads from home, especially if your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number. Keep your documents consistent, pay only on the official portal, and check whether your state offers faceless services or accredited driver training centres to save trips to the RTO.
Sources and references
- Official portals: parivahan.gov.in, sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
- Rule 32 fee schedule: Telangana Transport, Haryana Transport
- Combined LL and test fee example: Delhi Transport (Learner Licence), Permanent Driving Licence
- Faceless learner licence manuals: Maharashtra Transport, Punjab Transport
- Accredited Driver Training Centres: PIB (2021 notification), PIB clarification
- Aadhaar-based contactless services (18 services): Deccan Herald report on the MoRTH notification
Disclaimer: This is an informational article, not an official government website. Fees, rules and available services can change and vary by state. Please verify the latest details on parivahan.gov.in or your State Transport Department website before applying or paying.
