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How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence Online in India

Once you have held your Learner's Licence for at least 30 days, you can apply for a permanent Driving Licence through the Sarathi Parivahan portal and book your driving test at the RTO.

May 26, 2026
5 min read

Quick Info

Fee

₹500 – ₹900 (varies by state)

LL Wait Period

Min 30 days, max 180 days

DL Validity

20 years or till age 50

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements before the Sarathi portal will let you apply for a permanent Driving Licence:

Valid Learner's Licence

Must be at least 30 days old and not older than 180 days

Minimum age met

18 for LMV/motorcycle, 20 for commercial vehicles

Application fee paid

₹500 to ₹900 depending on state and vehicle class

Medically fit

Form 1A required if age 40+ or applying for transport vehicles

If your LL has expired (older than 180 days), the portal will not accept your application. You will need to apply for a new Learner's Licence and start the process again.

Documents Required

Keep scanned copies of these documents ready before starting. The portal will also auto-fill some details from your LL and Aadhaar records.

Mandatory

Learner's Licence (original)
Proof of age (Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate)
Proof of address (Aadhaar, voter ID, or utility bill)
Passport-size photograph and signature scan
Form 1 (self-declaration of fitness)

If Applicable

Medical certificate, Form 1A (if age 40+ or transport vehicle)
Driving school certificate (optional, some states accept in lieu of test)
Experience certificate (for commercial vehicle categories)

How to Apply Online

The application is done through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. The portal will verify your LL details automatically before letting you proceed.

1

Go to the Sarathi portal

Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown.

2

Select "Apply for Driving Licence"

Find this under the Driving Licence menu. The portal will check your LL eligibility automatically.

3

Enter your LL number and date of birth

The system fetches your LL details and auto-fills personal information. Review everything for accuracy.

4

Authenticate via Aadhaar

Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP. Your name, DOB, and address are pulled from Aadhaar records.

5

Fill the application form

Confirm vehicle class (LMV, MCWG, etc.), upload any additional documents, and review all details.

6

Pay the fee

Pay ₹500 to ₹900 via UPI, net banking, or card. The exact amount depends on your state and vehicle class. A smart card fee of around ₹200 is included.

7

Book your driving test slot

Select your preferred RTO, pick an available date and time, and download the appointment slip.

Tip: You can select any RTO within your state for the driving test, not just the one nearest to your address. This is useful if your local RTO has a long backlog.

The Driving Test

The driving test is a practical, in-person test conducted at the RTO. Unlike the LL test, this one cannot be taken online. Here is what to expect:

1

Document verification

RTO staff check your original LL, ID proof, medical certificate, and appointment slip.

2

Vehicle inspection

Your vehicle's RC, insurance, and fitness are verified. You can use your own vehicle or one from a driving school.

3

Driving test

An inspector evaluates your driving on the RTO track or public road. You will be tested on basic manoeuvres, traffic awareness, and vehicle control.

4

Result

The result is updated on the Sarathi portal. If you pass, the DL is processed. If you fail, you can rebook after 7 days.

Bring to the RTO on test day

Printed appointment slip
Learner's Licence (original)
Age and address proof (originals)
Medical certificate, Form 1A (if applicable)
Application fee receipt
Vehicle with valid RC and insurance

Arrive at the RTO at least 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may lose their slot. For details on booking, rescheduling, or cancelling your test slot, see our Slot Booking Guide.

After the Test

Here is what happens once you clear the driving test:

Result updated

The test result is updated on the Sarathi portal. You can check your application status online.

Smart card dispatched

Your DL smart card is typically dispatched within 7 to 30 days by post to your registered address.

Download digitally

Download your DL from the Sarathi portal or access it via DigiLocker and the mParivahan app. Both are legally valid.

If you fail the test: You can rebook a retest after 7 days. Your LL remains valid for retesting as long as it has not crossed the 180-day mark. There is no limit on attempts, but you may need to pay the test fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a DL without a Learner's Licence?
No. A valid LL is a mandatory prerequisite under the Motor Vehicles Act. There are no exceptions, including for people with foreign driving licences or prior experience.
How much does the permanent DL cost in total?
The total fee is typically ₹500 to ₹900 depending on your state, vehicle class, and smart card charges. The exact amount is shown on the Sarathi portal before payment.
Can I use a driving school vehicle for the test?
Yes. You can use your own vehicle, a vehicle from a driving school, or in some states, an RTO-provided vehicle. The vehicle must have a valid RC and insurance.
How long is the permanent DL valid?
A permanent DL is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until you turn 50, whichever comes first. After that, it needs to be renewed.

Ready to apply?

Head to the Sarathi portal to start your permanent DL application. Keep your LL number and Aadhaar ready.

Visit Sarathi Portal Slot Booking Guide