Your guide to obtaining an Indian driving license

Driving in India requires a valid Indian Driving License. This guide will walk you through the process of applying for one, from eligibility to collection.

Table of Contents

1. Indian Driving License Eligibility

2. How to Apply

3. Online Application

4. Offline Application

5. Documents Required

6. Cost

7. Processing Time

8. Validity

9. How to Collect Your Indian Driving License

10. Guarantee Your Driving License with a Valid Passport Photo from Smartphone iD

11. Indian driving License photo specifications

12. Sources

Indian Driving License Eligibility

In India, obtaining a driving license is a crucial step for anyone wishing to drive a motor vehicle legally on public roads. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Age requirement:

   • Motorcycles without gear (up to 50cc): Minimum age is 16 years.
   • Motorcycles with gear and Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs): Minimum age is 18 years.
   • Commercial Vehicles: Minimum age is 20 years.

2. Learning license:

Before applying for a permanent driving license, candidates must hold a learner's license for at least 30 days but not more than 180 days.

1. Medical fitness:

Applicants must be medically fit and provide a certificate of medical fitness.

How to apply

Disclaimer: The process might vary slightly from state to state. It’s recommended to check your local RTO’s website for specific instructions.

Applying for a driving license in India can be done through two main methods: online and offline.

Online application

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal:
   • Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website: https://parivahan.gov.in/
2. Select your state:
   • Choose the state where you want to apply for the driving license.
3. Choose driving license related services:
   • Navigate to the "Online Services" section and select "Driving License Related Services."
4. Apply for learner's license (LL):
   • If you don't have a learner's license yet, you'll need to apply for one first.
   • Fill in the required details, upload necessary documents, and pay the fee.
   • Schedule a learner's license test.
5. Apply for permanent driving license (DL):
   • Once you have a valid learner's license, you can apply for a permanent license.
   • Provide your learner's license number and other required information.
   • Schedule a driving test.
6. Upload documents:

   • Upload photo and signature if required (applicable for only some states)

7. Pay the fee:
   • Pay the prescribed fees online using available payment options.
8. Schedule appointments:
   • Book appointments for the learner's license test and driving test through the portal.
9. Visit RTO for verification:
   • You may need to visit the RTO for biometric verification and document verification.

Offline application

1. Visit the RTO office: Go to your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
2. Collect the forms: Get the required application forms from the office.
3. Fill Out the forms: Complete the forms and attach the necessary documents.
4. Submit the application: Submit the filled forms and documents to the RTO.
5. Pay the fee: Pay the application fee at the RTO office.
6. Take the test: Appear for the driving test on the assigned date.

Documents required

When applying for a driving license, you will need to provide several documents:

1. Proof of age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, etc.
2. Proof of adress: Passport, Aadhaar card, utility bills, voter ID, etc.
3. Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, etc.
4. Learner’s license: The original learner’s license.
5. Passport-sized photographs: Typically 2-3 recent photographs.
6. Medical certificate: For applicants over 50 years or applying for a commercial license.

Cost

The cost of obtaining a driving license in India varies by state but generally includes the following fees:

1. Learner’s License Fee: Approximately ₹200.
2. Driving License Fee: Around ₹200-₹500.
3. Driving Test Fee: Approximately ₹300.
4. Service Charges: Varies depending on the state and the mode of application.

Processing time

The processing time for a driving license in India usually ranges from 2 to 3 weeks after passing the driving test. This can vary based on the RTO’s workload and the applicant’s adherence to all requirements.

Validity

• Non-commercial Licenses: Valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 50, whichever is earlier.
• Commercial Licenses: Valid for 5 years.

How to collect your Indian driving license

Once your application is approved and you have passed the driving test, the driving license is typically sent to your registered address via post. In some cases, you may need to collect it from the RTO office.

1. Check status online: Use the Sarathi website to check the status of your driving license.
2. Visit RTO if needed: If your license is not delivered, visit the RTO office with your acknowledgment receipt.

Guarantee your driving license with a valid passport photo from Smartphone iD

Ensuring your driving license application is processed smoothly requires a valid passport photo. Using Smartphone iD Online biometric ID photo app, you can capture and submit a compliant passport photo easily:

1. Use Smartphone iD from the Apple Store and Google Play Store, or conveniently use our online web app by clicking the ‘Take a Photo’ button
2. Follow Guidelines: The app provides step-by-step instructions to ensure your photo meets the required specifications.
3. Submit Photo: Use the app to upload your photo directly to the online application portal or print it for your offline application.

By using Smartphone iD, you can avoid common photo-related rejections and ensure a hassle-free application process.

Indian driving license photo specifications

To ensure your driving License application is processed smoothly, your passport photo must meet specific requirements. Below are the detailed dimensions and specifications for an Indian driving License passport photo:

• Photo size: The photo should be 51 mm x 51 mm.
• Face size: The face size in the photo should be between 25 mm to 35 mm.
• DPI resolution: The photo should have a high DPI (dots per inch) resolution for clear and sharp print quality.
• Type of printing paper: The photo can be printed on either glossy or matte paper.
• Background color: The background should be plain white or off-white.
• Color: The photo must be in color.

Sources

https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en/content/driving-licence-0

https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-for-new-driving-licence

Continue reading

• Indian Driving Licence passport photo
• How to take a passport photo for your Indian International Driving Permit