Driving Licence — Learner’s, Permanent, Renewal and Duplicate

A permanent driving licence cannot be applied for directly. You must first hold a learner’s licence, and it must have been held for at least thirty days before the permanent licence test.

The learner’s licence is valid for six months. If you do not obtain a permanent licence within that window, you have to apply for a fresh learner’s licence.

1. Apply for a learner’s licence on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, selecting your State.
2. Fill in Form 2, upload proof of age, proof of address and a photograph, and submit Form 1 — the self-declaration of physical fitness. Applicants above the prescribed age, and those applying for a transport licence, need Form 1A signed by a registered medical practitioner.
3. Pay the fee online and book a slot for the learner’s licence test.
4. Take the test, which covers traffic signs and rules. It is usually computer-based at the RTO.
5. Once issued, hold the learner’s licence for at least thirty days before applying for the permanent licence.
6. Apply for the permanent licence on the same portal, book a driving test slot, and take the test with a vehicle of the class applied for.

A driving licence must be renewed before it expires. Renewal is permitted for a period after expiry with a late fee, but if the licence has been expired beyond that window, you may be required to take the driving test again.

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select Apply for DL Renewal.
2. Enter your licence number and date of birth to retrieve your record.
3. Update your details and upload a recent photograph and signature.
4. Applicants above the prescribed age must attach Form 1A, the medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner.
5. Pay the fee online and book an RTO appointment if your State requires one.

• A duplicate can be applied for on the same portal if the licence is lost, stolen or damaged. A police report may be required where it was stolen.
• Adding a vehicle class — a two-wheeler licence holder adding a car, for instance — requires a fresh learner’s licence and driving test for that class.
• An International Driving Permit can be obtained from your RTO if you hold a valid Indian licence and a passport with a valid visa.
• Address changes and name corrections are handled through the same portal, with supporting documents.