Driving Licence in India: Online Apply, Documents, Fees & Process
A Driving Licence (DL) is an important document for anyone who wants to legally drive a motor vehicle on public roads in India. Whether you want to apply for your first licence, get a Learner Licence, check your application status or renew an existing Driving Licence, several services are available through the government’s Parivahan/Sarathi system.
If you are planning to apply for a Driving Licence online, it is useful to understand the complete process before starting your application.
In this guide, you will learn about the Driving Licence application process, required documents, fees, Learner Licence, driving test, renewal and application status.
Important: Government procedures, required documents, appointment requirements and applicable charges can vary by service and State/UT. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Parivahan/Sarathi portal before submitting an application.
What is a Driving Licence?
A Driving Licence is an official licence issued by the competent transport authority that authorizes a person to drive specified classes of motor vehicles, subject to applicable laws and conditions.
The official Parivahan system provides services related to both Learner Licences and Driving Licences, including new applications and several services on an existing licence.
A person applying for a new Driving Licence generally goes through the Learner Licence stage first and then proceeds to the driving test and licence issuance process according to the applicable rules.
Driving Licence Online Apply: Quick Overview
The general process can be understood in these steps:
- Apply for a Learner Licence.
- Complete the required Learner Licence test/process.
- Obtain the Learner Licence.
- Complete the required waiting period before applying for the Driving Licence test.
- Submit the Driving Licence application.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Book the required appointment/test slot, where applicable.
- Appear for the driving test.
- After successful completion of the required process, the Driving Licence is issued.
The Sarathi system provides online services for Learner Licence and Driving Licence applications and related services.
Driving Licence Documents Required
The exact document requirements can depend on the applicant, service and State/UT.
Common documents that may be required include:
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Aadhaar Card, where applicable
- Passport
- Electoral Roll
- Birth Certificate
- School Certificate
- Other documents accepted under the applicable rules
- Medical/fitness-related documents, where applicable
- Applicant photograph/signature or other information required for the online application
The official Form 2 document lists several acceptable proof-of-address and age documents and also provides for additional documents where applicable.
Before applying
Keep your documents ready and make sure that:
- Your name is consistent across documents.
- Your date of birth is correct.
- Your address details are current.
- Uploaded documents are clear and readable.
- The information entered in the application matches your supporting documents.
Learner Licence vs Driving Licence
Many applicants confuse a Learner Licence with a permanent Driving Licence.
Learner Licence
A Learner Licence allows an eligible person to learn driving subject to the applicable conditions and rules.
The official Learner Licence document specifically states conditions applicable to learner driving, including the requirement concerning an accompanying appropriately licensed person and display of “L” plates.
Driving Licence
After completing the applicable Learner Licence requirements and the prescribed process, an applicant can proceed toward the Driving Licence test.
The exact process and timing should be checked through the applicable State/UT Sarathi service.
How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online?
The online application process generally starts through the official Sarathi/Parivahan system.
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to the official Parivahan/Sarathi service and select the relevant State/UT.
Step 2: Select the required service
Depending on your requirement, you may find services such as:
- Learner Licence
- New Driving Licence
- Driving Licence services
- Renewal
- Duplicate licence
- Additional class of vehicle
- Application status
- Other DL-related services
The official Sarathi system provides shortcuts and services for applying for a Learner Licence, Driving Licence, checking application status, fee payments and other DL services.
Step 3: Enter your details
Provide the requested personal and application information carefully.
Step 4: Upload documents
Upload the documents requested for your particular service.
Step 5: Pay the applicable fee
The applicable fee is displayed during the application process.
Step 6: Complete the required test or appointment
Depending on the service and State/UT, you may need to book a slot or visit the concerned licensing authority/RTO.
Step 7: Complete the driving test
For a new Driving Licence, the applicable driving test must be completed as required.
Step 8: Check application status
After submitting the application, use the relevant application-status facility to track progress.
Driving Licence Fees
The official Parivahan fee schedule currently lists several licensing-related charges.
Examples include:
| Service | Listed fee |
|---|---|
| Issue of Learner’s Licence | ₹150 |
| Learner’s Licence test/repeat test | ₹50 |
| Driving competence test | ₹300 per class |
| Issue of Driving Licence | ₹200 |
| Addition of another vehicle class | ₹500 |
| Renewal of Driving Licence | ₹200 |
The official fee schedule also contains additional charges for other services and late renewal situations.
Note: The amount applicable to your particular application can depend on the service and circumstances. Always verify the amount shown on the official portal before making payment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Driving Licence?
The processing time is not necessarily the same for every applicant.
It can depend on factors such as:
- State/UT
- RTO/licensing authority
- Type of application
- Document verification
- Appointment availability
- Test completion
- Printing and dispatch
- Any issue with the submitted application
Therefore, applicants should use the official application-status facility rather than relying on a fixed number of days.
Driving Licence Application Status
If you have already submitted a DL application, you can check its status through the official Parivahan/Sarathi system.
Keep your application number and other requested details available.
Application-status services can help applicants determine whether their application is under processing, pending for a particular action, approved or at another stage of the process.
Driving Licence Renewal
An existing Driving Licence can also require renewal.
The official licensing fee schedule lists a separate fee for Driving Licence renewal and additional charges can apply in cases where an application is submitted after the applicable grace period.
If your DL is approaching expiry, check the applicable renewal requirements for your State/UT rather than waiting until the last moment.
Read also:
👉 Driving Licence Renewal Online: Documents, Fees & Complete Process
What If You Need a Learner Licence?
If you are applying for your first Driving Licence, the Learner Licence stage is an important part of the process.
The official Form 2 covers applications for a Learner’s Licence and Driving Licence and identifies different vehicle classes that may be relevant to an application.
Read the complete guide:
👉 Learner Licence Online Apply: Eligibility, Documents, Fees & Process
What Vehicle Classes Can Be Included?
The application process can involve selecting the applicable class of vehicle.
The official Form 2 includes categories such as:
- Motorcycle without gear
- Motorcycle with gear
- Light Motor Vehicle
- Adapted vehicle
- Medium or heavy goods/passenger transport vehicle
- E-Rickshaw
- E-Cart
- Other specified vehicle categories
The applicable category depends on the vehicle and the type of licence being applied for.
Important Things to Check Before Applying
Before submitting your Driving Licence application, check the following:
1. Personal details
Make sure your name, date of birth and other personal information are correct.
2. Address
Use the appropriate current address information and supporting proof.
3. Vehicle class
Select the correct vehicle category for your application.
4. Documents
Upload clear and valid documents.
5. Fee
Verify the applicable fee before payment.
6. Appointment
If your service requires a test or appointment, check the available slot carefully.
7. Application number
Save your application number and payment details for future reference.
Is Driving Licence Application Completely Online?
Not necessarily.
Many parts of the application can be handled online through the Parivahan/Sarathi system, but certain services may still require an applicant to appear before the concerned authority for verification, testing or other formalities.
The government portal itself notes that requirements can differ depending on whether a service is contactless/eKYC or requires physical verification.
So, online application does not always mean that no physical visit will be required.
Official Driving Licence Portal
For Driving Licence-related services, applicants should use the official Parivahan/Sarathi system.
Official Sarathi / Parivahan Portal
Always check the official portal for the latest instructions before paying a fee or submitting personal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Driving Licence online?
Yes. The government’s Sarathi/Parivahan system provides online services for Learner Licence and Driving Licence-related applications. Some parts of the process may still require a physical visit depending on the service and State/UT.
What documents are needed for a Driving Licence?
Common requirements include proof of age and address, while additional documents can be required depending on the applicant and service. The official application form lists several accepted documents.
How much does a Driving Licence cost?
The official fee schedule lists ₹200 for issue of a Driving Licence, while other fees can apply for the Learner Licence, tests, vehicle-class additions and other services.
Is a Learner Licence required before a Driving Licence?
For the normal process of obtaining a new Driving Licence, the Learner Licence stage is part of the process. Applicants should follow the current requirements displayed by the official Sarathi system for their State/UT.
Can I renew my Driving Licence online?
Driving Licence renewal services are available through the Parivahan/Sarathi system, subject to the applicable State/UT process and requirements.
How can I check my Driving Licence application status?
Use the official Sarathi/Parivahan application-status facility and enter the requested application details.
Related Driving Licence Guides
🔹 Learner Licence Online Apply
Eligibility, documents, fees, test and application process.
🔹 Driving Licence Renewal
How to renew an expired or expiring Driving Licence.
🔹 Driving Licence Status Check
How to track your DL application online.
🔹 Driving Licence Documents
A detailed guide to documents required for different DL services.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes. Driving Licence procedures, document requirements, fees, appointment requirements and other conditions can change and may vary by State/UT and type of service. Readers should verify the latest information on the official Parivahan/Sarathi portal before submitting an application or making payment.
BahujanMedia is not a government website and is not affiliated with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways or any State Transport Department.
