A Driving Licence (DL) is an essential document for anyone who drives a motor vehicle in India. If you have lost your physical licence, need a digital copy for your records, or want to access your driving licence details on your mobile phone, you can use official government services to check and retrieve your licence information online.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways provides online services through the Parivahan portal. You can also access an eligible digital driving licence through DigiLocker or the mParivahan application.
In this guide, you will learn how to download your driving licence online using Parivahan, what details you need, how to access a digital licence through DigiLocker and mParivahan, and what to do if your licence details are not available online.
What Is Parivahan?
Parivahan Sewa is an online platform provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. It offers transport-related services, including driving licence applications, licence-related services, application status checks and access to vehicle information.
The official website is:
For driving licence-related services, you may also need to use the Sarathi portal:
https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
The available services and steps can differ by state and the status of your driving licence record.
Can You Download Your Driving Licence Online?
Yes. Depending on your licence record and the services available to you, you may be able to access your digital driving licence through DigiLocker or mParivahan.
It is important to understand that Parivahan's online services do not always provide a direct PDF download button for every licence. In some cases, you may need to use DigiLocker to fetch the issued document or mParivahan to display your virtual driving licence.
If you need a replacement physical card because your licence has been lost or damaged, you may have to apply for a duplicate driving licence through the appropriate service.
Details Required to Access Your Driving Licence
Before starting, keep the following details ready:
Your driving licence number.
Your date of birth.
Access to your registered mobile number, if verification is required.
A DigiLocker account, if you plan to retrieve your digital document through DigiLocker.
Any additional details requested by the official portal.
Enter your information carefully. A spelling difference, incorrect date of birth or outdated licence record may prevent the system from retrieving your details.
Method 1: How to Access Your Driving Licence Through Parivahan
Follow these steps to check your driving licence details through the official government portal.
Step 1: Open the Parivahan Website
Visit the official website:
Make sure that the website address is correct before entering your personal information.
Step 2: Open Driving Licence Services
Look for the driving licence-related services section. Depending on the service you need, the website may direct you to the Sarathi portal.
You can also open:
https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 3: Select Your State
If the Sarathi portal asks you to select a state, choose the state where your driving licence was issued or where the relevant licence record is maintained.
The available options may vary depending on the selected state.
Step 4: Find the Appropriate Service
Look for the relevant driving licence service. Depending on your requirement, you may find options for checking application status, printing an application form, or requesting services related to an existing driving licence.
If your goal is to obtain a digital copy of an already-issued licence, check whether the relevant download or print service is available. If it is not available, use DigiLocker or mParivahan as explained below.
Step 5: Enter Your Licence Details
Enter your driving licence number and any other details requested by the service.
Review the information before submitting it.
Step 6: Follow the Instructions on the Portal
If the service allows you to view or print the relevant document, follow the displayed instructions. If the portal does not offer a direct download option for your licence, do not assume that your licence is invalid. Try the official digital document services.
Method 2: How to Download Your Driving Licence Using DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a government-backed digital document platform that allows users to access and share authentic digital documents issued by participating organisations.
An eligible driving licence may be fetched from the relevant issuing authority and stored in your DigiLocker account.
Step 1: Visit the Official DigiLocker Website
Open:
https://www.digilocker.gov.in/
You can also use the official DigiLocker mobile application.
Step 2: Sign In or Create an Account
Sign in to your existing DigiLocker account. If you are a new user, follow the official registration process.
Complete any identity verification required by the platform.
Step 3: Find the Driving Licence Document
After signing in, look for the document search or issued-document section. Search for Driving Licence and select the appropriate issuing authority or transport department.
The exact menu names may change as the platform is updated.
Step 4: Enter the Required Details
Provide your driving licence number and any additional information requested.
Check that the details match your official licence record.
Step 5: Fetch Your Driving Licence
If your licence record is available, follow the on-screen instructions to fetch the document.
Once issued to your DigiLocker account, the document should appear in the relevant section of your account.
Step 6: View or Download the Document
Open the retrieved driving licence to view its details. If a download or PDF option is available, use it to save a copy for your records.
If the document cannot be fetched, check the licence details and try again later. You may also need to contact the issuing transport authority if your record is missing or incorrect.
Official website: https://www.digilocker.gov.in/
Method 3: How to Access Your Driving Licence Through mParivahan
The mParivahan application provides transport-related services, including access to virtual driving licence information where supported.
Step 1: Install the Official Application
Find the official mParivahan application through a trusted app store. Check the developer information to avoid downloading an imitation application.
You can also visit the official mParivahan website:
https://mparivahan.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Open the Application
Launch the application and look for the driving licence or virtual DL service.
Step 3: Enter Your Driving Licence Number
Provide your driving licence number and follow the verification instructions shown in the application.
Step 4: View Your Licence Information
If the licence record is available, the application may display your driving licence details and virtual document.
Check that your name, licence number and validity information are correct.
Step 5: Keep the Digital Licence Accessible
Follow the application's instructions to access or save your virtual licence. Features may differ depending on the app version and the availability of your record.
Digital documents available through official mParivahan or DigiLocker services are recognised under the applicable government rules. However, a screenshot or an unofficial image of a licence should not be assumed to have the same status as an authenticated digital document.
Is a Digital Driving Licence Valid in India?
A driving licence available as an authenticated electronic document through DigiLocker or mParivahan is recognised under the applicable government rules.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued guidance recognising eligible electronic transport documents, including driving licences, when presented through these official platforms.
For this reason, it is preferable to show the document directly through the official application rather than relying only on a screenshot or an ordinary image saved in your phone gallery.
You should also ensure that your licence is valid for the type of vehicle you are driving. A digital copy does not extend an expired licence or replace the need for a valid driving authorisation.
What If Your Driving Licence Is Not Showing Online?
Sometimes, the portal or digital document application may not find your driving licence. This can happen for several reasons.
1. Incorrect Driving Licence Number
Check the number printed on your licence. Make sure you have entered the correct letters, numbers and any required characters.
2. Incorrect Date of Birth
If the service asks for your date of birth, enter it in the required format. If your date of birth is recorded incorrectly in the transport database, you may need to contact the relevant authority.
3. Older Driving Licence Records
Some older licences may not be fully available in the central online system. You may need assistance from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that issued your licence.
4. Technical Problems
The portal or application may temporarily be unavailable. Try again later using the official website or application.
5. Incorrect or Incomplete Record
If your licence details are missing or inaccurate, contact your issuing RTO or the relevant state transport department for guidance on updating or verifying the record.
Do not submit a new driving licence application simply because an existing licence cannot be found online.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence
If your original driving licence is lost, damaged or otherwise needs replacement, you may need to apply for a duplicate licence rather than merely download a digital copy.
The general process is:
Select the relevant state.
Look for driving licence-related services.
Choose the duplicate driving licence service, if available.
Enter your existing licence details.
Upload the requested documents and complete any required declarations.
Pay the applicable fee if required.
Follow the instructions for any remaining RTO verification or document submission.
The exact process, fee and document requirements may vary by state. Check the current instructions on the official portal before submitting your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I download my driving licence online for free?
You can access your eligible digital driving licence through official services such as DigiLocker or mParivahan. Charges may apply for certain separate licence services, such as applying for a duplicate physical card.
2. What is the official website to download a driving licence?
You can start at https://parivahan.gov.in/ or use the official DigiLocker website at https://www.digilocker.gov.in/. The mParivahan service is also available at https://mparivahan.parivahan.gov.in/.
3. Can I download my driving licence using only my licence number?
Your licence number may be required, but the service may also request your date of birth, account login or additional verification. The exact requirements depend on the platform.
4. Is a DigiLocker driving licence valid for traffic police verification?
An authentic driving licence issued and available through DigiLocker is recognised under the applicable rules. Use the official application to display the document rather than relying only on an ordinary screenshot.
5. Why is my driving licence not available on Parivahan?
Your record may be missing, incomplete, incorrectly entered or not fully digitised. Check your details and contact the issuing RTO if the problem continues.
6. Can I get a PDF of my driving licence?
If the official service makes a downloadable document available, you can save it as a PDF. Availability depends on the licence record and the service being used.
7. Can I use a digital driving licence without carrying the physical card?
An authenticated electronic driving licence available through an official platform is recognised under the applicable rules. Make sure the document is accessible and its validity details are up to date.
8. What should I do if my driving licence has expired?
Check the renewal service on the official Sarathi portal and follow the applicable renewal process. Downloading a digital copy does not renew an expired licence.
Conclusion
Downloading or accessing your driving licence online in India is easier when you use official government services. Parivahan provides driving licence-related services, while DigiLocker and mParivahan can help you access an eligible digital licence.
Start by checking your licence details through the official portals. If your digital document is available, follow the instructions to retrieve and view it. If the licence record is missing or you need a replacement physical card, contact the relevant RTO or use the appropriate service on Sarathi.
Always use official websites and applications to protect your personal information and ensure that the document you access is authentic.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Online services, document availability and application procedures may vary by state and may change over time. Check the latest instructions on the official Parivahan, DigiLocker or mParivahan platforms before proceeding.
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