Sarathi Parivahan: Complete Guide to DL Services Online

Sarathi Parivahan is the official online portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for all driving licence (DL) related services in India. Whether you want to apply for a new learner licence, renew your DL, book a slot at the RTO, or download your driving licence — everything can be done through sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.

This guide covers every service available on the Sarathi portal with step-by-step instructions.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with MoRTH, NIC, or any government body.

What is Sarathi Parivahan?

Sarathi is the national portal that handles all driving licence services across India. It is part of the Parivahan Sewa ecosystem managed by NIC (National Informatics Centre). Through Sarathi, you can:

• Apply for Learner Licence (LL) and Driving Licence (DL)
• Renew an expired or expiring DL
• Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Add or remove vehicle categories
• Change address on your DL
• Book RTO appointment slots
• Download your DL online
• Check application status

Who is Eligible?

Learner Licence

• Age: 16 years (for gearless two-wheelers up to 50cc), 18 years (for all other vehicles)
• For transport vehicles: Minimum 20 years
• Must be able to read and recognise traffic signs

Driving Licence

• Must hold a valid Learner Licence for at least 30 days (but not more than 180 days)
• Must pass the driving test at the RTO

Documents Required

For Learner Licence

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, or Voter ID
• Address Proof: Aadhaar, Utility bill, Passport, Bank statement
• Age Proof: Birth certificate, Aadhaar, 10th marksheet, Passport
• Passport-size photographs (recent)
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A) — for transport vehicles or applicants above 50 years

For Driving Licence

• Valid Learner Licence
• All documents listed above
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A) if applicable

For Renewal

• Existing Driving Licence
• Address proof (if address changed)
• Medical certificate (for age 40+ or transport vehicles)

Step-by-Step: Apply for Learner Licence Online

1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your State and RTO from the dropdown
3. Click "Apply for Learner Licence"
4. Fill in the application form (Form 2) with personal details
5. Upload required documents (photo, signature, ID proof, address proof, age proof)
6. Book an LL test slot at your chosen RTO
7. Pay the fee online (via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI)
8. Note down your Application Number
9. Visit the RTO on the booked date for the LL test
10. On passing, your Learner Licence is issued (valid for 6 months)

Step-by-Step: Apply for Driving Licence Online

1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your State and RTO
3. Click "Apply for Driving Licence"
4. Enter your Learner Licence number
5. Fill in the DL application form
6. Upload documents and photo
7. Book a DL test slot at the RTO
8. Pay the fee online
9. Visit the RTO on the booked date for the driving test
10. On passing, your DL is dispatched to your address

Step-by-Step: Renew Driving Licence Online

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select State and RTO
3. Click "DL Renewal"
4. Enter your DL number and date of birth
5. Verify your details and update if needed
6. Upload medical certificate (if required)
7. Pay the renewal fee online
8. Book a slot (if biometric verification needed)
9. Your renewed DL is dispatched after processing

Tip: You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before expiry and up to 1 year after expiry without penalty.

RTO Slot Booking

Most services on Sarathi require an RTO appointment. Here's how to book:

1. After submitting your application, the portal shows available slots
2. Select your preferred date and time
3. Confirm the booking
4. Download the appointment slip
5. Carry the slip along with original documents to the RTO

Fee Structure

Note: Fees vary by state. Check the exact fee on the Sarathi portal after selecting your state and RTO.

Processing Time

Other Services on Sarathi

• Download DL: Enter your DL number and date of birth to download a digital copy
• Check Application Status: Track your DL/LL application using the application number
• Duplicate DL: Apply if your DL is lost, stolen, or damaged
• Change of Address: Update address on your DL online
• Surrender DL: Surrender your licence if no longer needed
• NOC (No Objection Certificate): Apply for NOC when shifting to another state
• Aadhaar Authentication: Link your Aadhaar to DL for e-KYC verification

Important Tips

1. Keep your LL handy — You cannot apply for a DL without a valid Learner Licence
2. Apply for DL within 180 days of getting your LL, otherwise you'll need a fresh LL
3. Renew before expiry — Late renewal (after 1 year of expiry) requires fresh DL test
4. Carry original documents to the RTO along with the appointment slip
5. Use the mParivahan app to carry a digital copy of your DL on your phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I check my driving licence status online?

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, click on "Application Status," and enter your application number or DL number to check the current status.

Q2: Can I apply for a driving licence without visiting the RTO?

No. While the application, document upload, and fee payment are done online, you must visit the RTO for the driving test and biometric verification.

Q3: What if I fail the driving test?

You can rebook a test slot on the Sarathi portal after 7 days. You do not need to submit a fresh application.

Q4: Can I renew my driving licence from a different state?

Yes, you can apply for renewal at any RTO in India. Select the RTO of your current residence on the Sarathi portal.

Q5: How do I download my driving licence online?

Go to the Sarathi portal, click "Print Driving Licence," enter your DL number and date of birth, and download the PDF. You can also use the mParivahan app.

Q6: Is the Sarathi portal available 24/7?

The portal is generally available 24/7 for applications and payments. However, slot availability depends on your chosen RTO's working hours.

Q7: What is the validity of a driving licence in India?

A driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 50, whichever is earlier. After age 50, it is valid for 5 years at a time.

For vehicle registration and RC-related services, see our VAHAN Parivahan guide. For Aadhaar-related services, check our Aadhaar guide.