How to Apply for Driving Licence Online in India 2026 – Step-by-Step Process, Documents, Fees and Eligibility
Getting a Driving Licence (DL) in India has become easier with online services provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Now, applicants can apply for a Learner’s Licence, book driving test appointments, pay fees and check their application status through the official Parivahan website.
If you want to drive a bike, scooter, car or other eligible vehicle legally, you must obtain a valid Driving Licence from the Transport Department.
In this article, we explain how to apply for a Driving Licence online in India in 2026, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application procedures, fees and other important information.
Driving Licence Online Apply 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Service Name | Driving Licence |
| Department | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | Parivahan |
| First Step | Learner’s Licence |
| Second Step | Permanent Driving Licence |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible Indian applicants |
| Application Fee | As per government fee structure |
| Test | Learner’s test and driving test |
Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence
Before applying for a Driving Licence, applicants must satisfy the age and other eligibility requirements.
The general age requirements in India are:
- 16 Years: Applicants aged 16 years can apply for an eligible gearless two-wheeler category, subject to applicable conditions and parental consent.
- 18 Years: Applicants aged 18 years or above can apply for a motorcycle with gear and private light motor vehicle (LMV) licences.
- 20 Years: Applicants generally need to be at least 20 years old for a transport vehicle licence, subject to additional requirements.
Applicants must also understand traffic rules, road safety regulations and basic vehicle operation.
Documents Required for Driving Licence Online Apply
Keep the following documents ready before starting your application.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Address Proof.
- Age Proof.
- Passport-size Photograph, if required.
- Signature, if required.
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A), where applicable.
- Mobile Number.
- Learner’s Licence details for a permanent DL application.
The exact document requirements may differ depending on your state, age and application category.
How to Apply for a Learner’s Licence Online in India?
The first step towards getting a permanent Driving Licence is obtaining a Learner’s Licence (LL).
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
First, open the official Parivahan website:
https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Select Your State
Select your state from the available list. For example, applicants from Karnataka should select Karnataka.
Step 3: Select Learner’s Licence
On the homepage, select the Learner’s Licence section and click on “Application for New Learners Licence”.
Step 4: Fill in Applicant Details
Enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, mobile number and other required details.
Make sure that all information matches your supporting documents.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload the necessary documents according to the instructions displayed on the website.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable Learner’s Licence fee through the available online payment options.
Step 7: Complete the Learner’s Test
Book your test appointment if required by your state. You must pass the Learner’s Licence test, which covers traffic signs, road safety and driving rules.
Some states provide online test facilities, while others may require applicants to attend an authorised test centre.
Step 8: Download Your Learner’s Licence
After successful completion and approval, you can access your Learner’s Licence through the Parivahan portal, subject to the services available in your state.
How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence Online?
After obtaining your Learner’s Licence, you can apply for a permanent Driving Licence.
You can generally apply after completing 30 days from the date of issue of your Learner’s Licence. The Learner’s Licence is valid for six months.
Follow the steps below.
- Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
- Select your state.
- Open the Driving Licence section.
- Click on “New Driving Licence”.
- Enter your Learner’s Licence number and date of birth.
- Click on the Submit or Proceed option.
- Fill in the required application details.
- Select the appropriate vehicle category.
- Pay the prescribed Driving Licence fee.
- Book your driving test appointment.
- Download or print the application acknowledgement and fee receipt.
After completing the online application, visit the concerned RTO on your scheduled date with the required original documents.
Driving Licence Test Procedure
The driving test is an important part of obtaining a permanent Driving Licence.
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to operate the selected vehicle safely and follow traffic rules.
For a two-wheeler licence, applicants may be tested on vehicle control, balance and riding skills.
For a car licence, applicants may need to demonstrate steering control, reversing, turning, parking and other driving skills.
The RTO examiner will evaluate your driving ability. If you pass the test, your application can proceed for approval and licence issuance.
If you fail, you may need to book another test appointment and pay the applicable retest fee.
Driving Licence Application Fees in India
The government charges fees for different Driving Licence services. The amount depends on the service and vehicle category.
Some common fee components include:
| Service | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner’s Licence Issue | ₹150 |
| Learner’s Licence Test | ₹50 |
| Driving Licence Issue | ₹200 |
| Driving Test | ₹300 per vehicle class |
| Driving Licence Renewal | ₹200 |
These are commonly listed central fee amounts. Additional charges, including service, postal or state-specific charges, may apply. Check the final amount on the official Parivahan payment page before making payment.
How to Check Driving Licence Application Status?
After submitting your application, you can check its status online.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Parivahan Sarathi website.
- Select your state.
- Click on “Application Status”.
- Enter your application number.
- Enter your date of birth.
- Complete the verification process.
- Click on Submit.
Your application status will be displayed on the screen.
You can check whether your application is pending, under verification, approved or dispatched.
How to Download Your Driving Licence Online?
Once your Driving Licence is approved, you can access its digital version.
You can check the available download services on the Parivahan portal. You may also access eligible digital Driving Licence documents through DigiLocker or the mParivahan application.
A valid digital Driving Licence available through authorised government platforms is legally recognised.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Always use the official Parivahan website.
- Enter your correct personal details.
- Upload clear and valid documents.
- Follow the RTO appointment instructions.
- Learn traffic signs and road safety rules before the test.
- Do not drive without the appropriate valid licence.
- Never provide your OTP or payment details to unknown agents.
Official Website: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
Applying for a Driving Licence online in India in 2026 is a straightforward process through the official Parivahan portal. Applicants must first obtain a Learner’s Licence, complete the required waiting period and then apply for a permanent Driving Licence.
By following the correct application procedure, uploading the required documents and passing the driving test, eligible applicants can obtain their Driving Licence.
If you are planning to apply for a bike or car Driving Licence, visit the official Parivahan website and start your application today.