Parivahan Sewa 2026: Vahan, Sarathi, Driving Licence, RC & e-Challan Guide
The Parivahan Sewa Portal, developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is India’s centralized digital transport platform. It links more than 1,300 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across all 36 States and Union Territories into a unified database.
Citizens can now access transport services—from applying for a Learner’s Licence (LL) and renewing a Driving Licence (DL) to checking vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) status, transferring ownership, paying road taxes, and clearing traffic e-Challans—online through Contactless/Faceless (Aadhaar e-KYC) verification without visiting an RTO in person.
Driving License Related Services On Sarathi Parivahan Sewa
Access driving licence services online including LL/DL apply, appointments, renewal, duplicate licence, and application tracking.
Vehicle Related Services On Parivahan Sewa
Parivahan Sewa provides online vehicle services through the Vahan portal including registration, RC services, ownership transfer, fancy number booking, eChallan check, permit services, and vehicle dashboard access.
Parivahan Sewa Core Portals
The centralized transport platform operates through three primary subsystems:
| Sub-Portal | Operational Scope | Key Services Provided | Official Portal Link |
| SARATHI 4.0 | Driver Licensing Framework | Learner’s Licence, Permanent Driving Licence, DL Renewal, Duplicate DL, International Driving Permit (IDP), Slot Booking | Sarathi Portal |
| VAHAN 4.0 | National Vehicle Registry | Vehicle RC Status, Ownership Transfer, NOC, Duplicate RC, Hypothecation (HP) Addition/Removal, Fitness Certificate | Vahan Portal |
| e-Challan Portal | Traffic Violation & Fines | Checking pending challans, online fine payment, evidence review, and Virtual Court settlement | eChallan Portal |
1. Sarathi Parivahan: Driving Licence Services
Obtaining an Indian driving licence involves two successive stages: Stage 1 (Learner’s Licence) and Stage 2 (Permanent Driving Licence).
Eligibility Criteria by Vehicle Category
| Vehicle Class | Minimum Age | Eligibility & Prerequisites |
| Motorcycle without Gear (up to 50cc) | 16 Years | Written consent of parent or legal guardian |
| Motorcycle with Gear (MCWG – Two-Wheeler) | 18 Years | General physical and mental fitness; self-declaration via Form 1 |
| Light Motor Vehicle (LMV – Private Car) | 18 Years | General physical and mental fitness; self-declaration via Form 1 |
| Commercial / Heavy Transport Vehicle | 20 Years | Must hold a valid LMV licence for at least 1 year; medical Form 1A required |
Step-by-Step: Apply for a Learner’s Licence (LL) Online
Most states now offer online Faceless Aadhaar Authentication, allowing applicants to complete the LL test from home.
- Access the Portal: Navigate to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your State from the dropdown menu.
- Start Application: Click on “Apply for Learner Licence” on the dashboard and click “Continue”.
- Choose Authentication Mode:
- Submit via Aadhaar Authentication: Recommended. Your personal details, address, and photograph are fetched directly from the UIDAI database. You can take the LL exam online from home.
- Submit without Aadhaar: Required if your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar card. You will need to upload scanned documents and visit your local RTO for verification.
- Select Vehicle Classes: Select the categories you wish to apply for (e.g., MCWG for two-wheelers, LMV for four-wheelers).
- Fill Form 1 (Self-Declaration): Complete the physical fitness questionnaire online.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee (₹150 per category + ₹50 online test fee) via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card.
- Watch Road Safety Tutorial: Watch the mandatory road safety awareness video module on the portal.
- Take the Online Test: You will receive an SMS containing your Application ID and Exam Password. Log in with your webcam active and answer 15–20 questions regarding road signs, driver duties, and traffic regulations (passing score: 60%).
- Download LL: Upon passing, your computer-generated Learner’s Licence (Form 3) is immediately available for download. It remains valid for 6 months across India.
Step-by-Step: Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence (DL)
- Mandatory Waiting Period: You must hold a valid Learner’s Licence for a minimum of 30 days (and maximum 180 days) before applying for a permanent DL.
- Application Procedure:
- Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select “Apply for Driving Licence”.
- Enter your Learner’s Licence number and Date of Birth.
- Select the vehicle class and book an appointment slot at an RTO Automated Driving Testing Track (ADTT).
- Pay the permanent DL smart card fee and driving test fee online.
- Visit the testing track on the scheduled date with your vehicle. You must demonstrate parking proficiency, figure-8 maneuvers, reverse driving, and hill-stop control.
- Upon evaluation by the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), your licence is approved and the physical smart card is dispatched to your registered address via Speed Post.
Driving Licence Renewal & Duplicate DL
- DL Renewal: You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before expiry and within 1 year after expiry without having to retake the driving test. If delayed beyond 1 year, late penalties apply; after 5 years of expiry, you must apply as a fresh applicant. Applicants aged 40 or above must upload a medical certificate (Form 1A) signed by an authorized medical practitioner.
- Duplicate Driving Licence: If your licence is lost, stolen, or mutilated:
- File a Lost Property Report or e-FIR with your local police department (mandatory for lost/stolen cards).
- Visit the Sarathi portal, select “Services on DL”, and choose “Issue of Duplicate DL”.
- Upload the police report copy along with proof of identity and pay the prescribed fee. The duplicate smart card will be issued and delivered to your registered address.
2. Vahan Parivahan: Vehicle Registration (RC) Services
The vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) serves as legal proof that a motor vehicle is registered with the government and complies with motor vehicle standards.
How to Check Vehicle Details (RC Status) Online
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal.
- Navigate to “Informational Services” and select “Know Your Vehicle Details”.
- Log in with your mobile number and OTP (or register an account if using the service for the first time).
- Enter the vehicle registration number (e.g., DL01AB1234) along with the verification Captcha.
- The screen displays the masked owner’s name, vehicle make and model, fuel type, registration date, fitness expiry, insurance validity, and PUC status.
Vehicle Ownership Transfer (RC Transfer)
When purchasing or selling a used vehicle, ownership transfer must be reported to the RTO within 14 days (or 45 days if the vehicle is transferred to another state):
- Seller’s Step (Form 29): The registered owner submits a notice of transfer online through the Vahan portal, entering the buyer’s details and generating the transaction token.
- Buyer’s Step (Form 30): The buyer submits the transfer report online, uploading the vehicle sale certificate, valid insurance certificate, address proof, and PUC certificate.
- Once fee payment and Aadhaar e-Sign or physical document verification are completed, a new RC is printed in the buyer’s name.
High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)
Under Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), all registered vehicles must be equipped with tamper-evident High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) featuring a chromium-based hologram, laser-etched serial numbers, and non-reusable snap locks:
- Blue stickers denote petrol and CNG passenger vehicles.
- Orange stickers denote diesel-powered vehicles.
- Green stickers denote zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs).
- HSRP bookings can be scheduled online via authorized state-specific booking portals (such as BookMyHSRP or MakeMyHSRP) for dealership collection or home fitment.
Bharat Series (BH Series) Number Plates
Introduced to simplify interstate mobility for frequent relocations:
- Eligibility: Defence personnel, Central/State Government employees, and private-sector employees whose employers have branch offices in at least 4 States or Union Territories (supported by Form 60).
- Advantage: No need to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or re-register the vehicle when moving to a new state. Road tax is paid in 2-year increments rather than a 15-year lump sum.
3. e-Challan: Check & Pay Traffic Fines Online
The digital e-Challan system records traffic violations captured by speed sensors, automated red-light cameras, and handheld traffic police devices.
How to Check and Pay Pending Challans:
- Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
- Click on “Check Online Services” and select “Check Challan Status”.
- Look up your records using any of the following parameters:
- Challan Number
- Vehicle Number (plus the last 5 digits of the Chassis or Engine number)
- Driving Licence Number
- If a violation is active, review the offense details, date, location, photographic evidence, and fine amount.
- Click “Pay Now”, choose your preferred payment method (Net Banking, UPI, or Debit/Credit Card), and complete the transaction.
- Download and save the payment receipt for your records.
Virtual Court Settlement: If your challan has been marked as “Sent to Virtual Court”, visitvcourts.gov.in. You can view the fine proposed by the Metropolitan Magistrate, accept the reduced penalty online, and settle the violation without appearing physically in court.
4. Digital Documents: mParivahan & DigiLocker Legal Status
Under Rule 9A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and the Information Technology Act 2000, physical carrying of original documents is no longer mandatory:
- NextGen mParivahan App: The official mobile application of MoRTH. Users can link their Driving Licence and Vehicle Registration to generate Virtual DL and Virtual RC profiles equipped with real-time verification QR codes.
- DigiLocker App: Documents pulled directly from the MoRTH database into DigiLocker hold equal legal status to physical documents issued by transport authorities. Traffic enforcement personnel cannot demand physical cards if electronic copies are presented via these authorized applications.
5. Parivahan Application Status Decoder
When tracking your application on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, understand the exact meaning of each system message:
| Status Message | Practical Meaning | Recommended Next Action |
| Application Under Scrutiny | The RTO clerk is reviewing your submitted documents and forms. | Allow 3–7 business days for initial processing. |
| Pending for Approval at Level 1 | Document scrutiny is complete; final sign-off by the Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) is pending. | System approval typically completes within 48 hours. No action required. |
| Deficiency Noted / Documents Incomplete | An uploaded document is illegible, mismatched, or missing. | Log in, go to “Upload Outstanding Documents”, and re-upload the corrected scan. |
| Smart Card Printed | Your physical licence or RC card has been printed and encoded. | The postal consignment tracking ID will be generated within 2–3 days. |
| Dispatched Through Speed Post | The package has been handed over to India Post for delivery. | Use the provided tracking number on the India Post Tracking portal. |
| Returned to RTO / Undelivered | The postman could not locate your address or the recipient was unavailable. | Visit your local RTO dispatch counter in person with your application receipt and ID proof to collect the physical card. |
6. Official RTO Forms Directory (Forms 1 to 35)
Common statutory application forms under the Motor Vehicles Act:
| Form Number | Form Name | Primary Purpose |
| Form 1 | Physical Fitness Declaration | Self-declaration of physical fitness for Learner’s Licence applications. |
| Form 1A | Medical Certificate | Mandatory medical fitness certificate for commercial drivers and applicants over 40. |
| Form 2 | Grant/Renewal of Learner’s & Driving Licence | Standard application form for new LL/DL or adding a new vehicle class. |
| Form 4 | Permanent Driving Licence Application | Formal application submitted after completing the 30-day learner period. |
| Form 9 | Application for DL Renewal | Application to renew an expiring or expired driving licence. |
| Form 20 | Vehicle Registration Application | Standard form used for registering a newly purchased motor vehicle. |
| Form 25 | Renewal of Registration Certificate | Application for vehicle re-registration and fitness renewal after 15 years. |
| Form 26 | Duplicate RC Application | Application for a replacement RC in case of loss, theft, or damage. |
| Form 28 | No Objection Certificate (NOC) | Mandatory clearance certificate for transferring a vehicle to another state. |
| Form 29 | Notice of Ownership Transfer | Formal notification by the vehicle seller confirming transfer of ownership. |
| Form 30 | Report of Ownership Transfer | Application by the buyer requesting registration transfer to their name. |
| Form 33 | Change of Address in RC | Application to record a new permanent or temporary address in vehicle records. |
| Form 34 | Hypothecation Addition | Form to record a bank vehicle loan lien on the Registration Certificate. |
| Form 35 | Hypothecation Termination | Form to remove a bank lien upon full repayment of vehicle financing. |
7. Official RTO Fee Schedule (Rule 81)
Standard statutory fee rates prescribed under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules:
| Service Category | Standard Government Fee |
| Learner’s Licence Issue (Per Class) | ₹150 |
| Learner’s Licence Online Test Fee | ₹50 |
| Permanent DL Issue (Smart Card) | ₹200 |
| Driving Skill Test Fee | ₹300 |
| Driving Licence Renewal (On Time) | ₹200 |
| Driving Licence Renewal (Late Penalty) | ₹300 + ₹1,000 per year of delay |
| Duplicate DL Issue | ₹200 |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | ₹1,000 |
| Motorcycle Registration (RC) | ₹300 |
| Private Four-Wheeler (LMV) Registration | ₹600 |
| RC Renewal (Private Car) | ₹600 (Fitness inspection fee extra) |
| Ownership Transfer | 50% of the standard registration fee |
| Hypothecation Removal (HP Cancellation) | ₹100 |
(Note: State-level road taxes, postal delivery charges, and local automated testing fees may cause final totals to vary slightly by location.)
8. Troubleshooting Common Portal Issues
- Amount Deducted but Payment Status Shows “Pending” or “Failed”:
- Do not make an immediate second payment. Go to the “Fee Payments” menu on the Sarathi or Vahan portal and select “Verify Payment Status”. Enter your Application ID and Date of Birth. The gateway usually reconciles the transaction within 24 to 48 hours.
- Aadhaar OTP Not Received:
- Ensure that your mobile number is actively registered with UIDAI. If cellular delays persist, you may proceed using the “Non-Aadhaar Mode” to submit documents manually for RTO counter verification.
- Vehicle RC Shows “Blacklisted”:
- A vehicle is blacklisted if there are prolonged unpaid challans, unpaid road taxes, or open police investigations. Clear all pending fines at echallan.parivahan.gov.in and submit the clearance receipt to your local RTO to lift the restriction.
9. State-Wise Transport Support Directory
Contact directory for national and state transport departments:
| Jurisdiction | Official Portal | Helpline Number | Email Support |
| All India National Helpdesk | parivahan.gov.in | 0120-4925505 (6 AM – 10 PM) | helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | upmotortrans.gov.in | 1800-1800-151 | tc-up@nic.in |
| Delhi | transport.delhi.gov.in | 011-23996268 | ddrc-tpt@delhi.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | transport.maharashtra.gov.in | 1800-120-8040 | dycomm.lic-mh@gov.in |
| Bihar | state.bihar.gov.in/transport | 0612-2546055 | transport-bih@nic.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | transport.mp.gov.in | 0751-2423249 | dcmp-transport@mp.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | transport.rajasthan.gov.in | 0141-2740021 | helpdesk.transport@rajasthan.gov.in |
| Gujarat | cot.gujarat.gov.in | 079-23251367 | cot-trans-guj@gujarat.gov.in |
| West Bengal | transport.wb.gov.in | 1800-345-5192 | wtc-wb@nic.in |
Important Online Portals of Other States
If you want to check your state’s land or other records alongside transport services, you can use online platforms:
- For Bihar: To view land and Jamabandi-related records, you can use the biharbhumi.guide portal.
- For Madhya Pradesh: For land-related information, Khasra-Khatauni, and records, you can visit the mplandrecordguide.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a permanent driving licence without visiting an RTO?
No. While a Learner’s Licence can be obtained entirely online using Aadhaar e-KYC, obtaining a permanent driving licence requires attending an in-person practical driving test at an authorized RTO testing track (unless certified by an accredited government driver training school).
How long is a Learner’s Licence valid?
A Learner’s Licence is valid for 6 months (180 days) from the date of issue. You are eligible to apply for a permanent driving licence 30 days after the LL issuance date.
What is the grace period for renewing an expired driving licence?
The grace period is 1 year from the date of expiry during which standard renewal fees apply. Beyond 1 year, late penalties apply. If the licence has remained expired for more than 5 years, the applicant must take both the theory and practical driving tests again.
Are virtual documents on mParivahan valid during police checks?
Yes. Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 and IT Act rules, digital vehicle records presented through the official mParivahan or DigiLocker apps carry full legal validity across India.
What is the deadline to complete vehicle ownership transfer after a sale?
Ownership transfer must be filed within 14 days if the buyer and seller reside in the same state, and within 45 days if the vehicle is transferred to a different state.