A driving licence is a mandatory legal document for anyone who drives a motor vehicle in India. It serves not just as driving authorisation but also as a widely accepted photo identity and address proof. In 2026, the entire process of applying for a driving licence in India — from the learning licence (LL) to the permanent driving licence (DL), renewal, and duplicate — can be done online through the central Parivahan Sewa portal (parivahan.gov.in).
This guide explains the types of driving licences in India, documents needed, the online application process, fee structure, and how to access your driving licence on DigiLocker without carrying the physical card.
Types of Driving Licences in India
| DL Type | Purpose | Validity | Key Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Licence (LL) | Allows learning to drive under supervision | 6 months | ₹150–₹200 (varies by state) |
| Permanent Driving Licence | Full authorisation to drive independently | Till age 40, then 10 years; till age 50 for transport vehicles | ₹200–₹300 |
| DL Renewal | Renew expired or near-expiry DL | Renewed for 20 years (non-transport) or 5 years (transport) | ₹200–₹300 + late fee if expired |
| Duplicate DL | Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged DL | Same as original validity | ₹200–₹300 |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | Drive in foreign countries | 1 year or period of regular DL, whichever is earlier | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Adding Vehicle Class | Add a new vehicle category (e.g., adding HMV to existing MCWG licence) | Same as existing DL | ₹200–₹300 |
Documents Required for Driving Licence
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Age Proof | Aadhaar card, Birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet, Passport |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, Utility bill (electricity/water) — must show current address |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar card (Aadhaar is accepted for all three — age, address, identity) |
| Passport-size Photo | Recent colour photograph, white background, 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm |
| Medical Certificate (Form 1A) | Required for transport vehicle licences and for applicants above 40 years |
| Learning Licence (for Permanent DL) | Valid LL number (minimum 30 days old before applying for permanent DL) |
How to Apply for Learning Licence Online (Parivahan Portal)
Step 1 – Register on Parivahan Sewa
Visit parivahan.gov.in and click on "Driving Licence Related Services." Select your state from the dropdown. Click "Apply for Learner Licence" and register with your mobile number to create an account.
Step 2 – Fill the Application Form
Enter your personal details — name (as per Aadhaar), date of birth, address, and vehicle class(es) you want to drive. Upload scanned copies of your age proof, address proof, and photo.
Step 3 – Pay the Fee and Book a Slot
Pay the learning licence fee online (₹150–₹200 depending on the state and number of vehicle classes). Book a slot at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the Learning Licence test.
Step 4 – Pass the LL Test
The Learning Licence test is a computer-based multiple-choice test (20 questions in 20 minutes) on traffic signs, road rules, and driving regulations. You need to score at least 60% to pass. Some states allow online testing from home with video proctoring. After passing, your LL is generated digitally and can be downloaded from the Parivahan portal.
How to Apply for Permanent Driving Licence
You can apply for a permanent DL 30 days after your Learning Licence is issued (and before it expires at 6 months). Steps:
- Log in to parivahan.gov.in and click "Apply for Driving Licence."
- Enter your LL number and date of birth to link the application.
- Fill in personal details, vehicle class, and upload documents.
- Pay the fee and book an appointment at your RTO for the driving skill test.
- Appear for the driving test at the RTO test track. The examiner will assess your driving skill, knowledge of traffic rules, and vehicle control.
- If you pass, the DL is printed and dispatched to your registered address by Speed Post, or you can download the DL from DigiLocker/Parivahan portal.
DL Renewal Online
You should renew your DL within 1 year before or after its expiry. Late renewal (more than 1 year after expiry) attracts an additional fee. To renew online:
- Visit parivahan.gov.in → "Apply for DL Renewal."
- Enter your DL number and date of birth.
- Upload current documents and pay the renewal fee.
- For non-transport licences under age 40, no driving test is required for renewal. Medical certificate (Form 1A) is required for transport vehicle licences.
DigiLocker – Your Digital Driving Licence
As of 2021, the Supreme Court of India confirmed that a driving licence or RC stored in DigiLocker is legally equivalent to the physical document. Traffic police must accept it. To get your DL on DigiLocker:
- Download the DigiLocker app or visit digilocker.gov.in.
- Sign in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Search for "Driving Licence" under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
- Enter your DL number to fetch the official digital copy.