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The official Parivahan Sewa portal is the online transport service of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), run at parivahan.gov.in and built by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). It brings vehicle registration (Vahan), driving licences (Sarathi), e-Challan and the mParivahan app together, so most RTO work can start online. This independent guide shows which service to use and how.
Key takeaways
- The only official address is parivahan.gov.in. Sites with other spellings are not run by the government.
- Vehicle work goes through Vahan, licence work through Sarathi, and fines through e-Challan.
- A DL download in DigiLocker or mParivahan is a digital copy of the same record as your card.
- Your DL number has 15 characters: state code, RTO code, year of issue and a serial number.
- Tests, inspections and biometrics still need an RTO visit, even when you apply online.
Every service, by section
On this page · 39 sections
What is Parivahan Sewa?
Parivahan Sewa is the Government of India’s single window for road transport services. It connects every RTO in the country to two national databases, one for vehicles and one for licences, so you can apply, pay and track most transport work online instead of queuing at an office counter.
Who built the parivahan portal
The portal was built by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. NIC also runs the servers, which is why every RTO, from Kerala to Assam, sees the same vehicle and licence records.
What “Sewa” means on the portal
“Sewa” simply means service. On the portal the word groups citizen services: things you can do yourself, such as applying, paying fees, booking slots and checking status, as opposed to the internal screens RTO staff use.
Who runs parivahan gov in?
The parivahan gov in domain belongs to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH). The ministry sets national rules, NIC runs the technology, and each state transport department decides its own fees, offices and some local procedures inside that shared system.
MoRTH’s role
MoRTH frames the Motor Vehicles Act rules that every state follows, such as licence classes, document formats and validity periods. When a national rule changes, the change usually reaches the portal for all states together.
NIC and state departments
NIC maintains the software, while state transport departments configure it. That is why one state may offer a service online that another still handles at the counter, even though both use the same portal.
How do you open the official Parivahan Sewa website?
Type parivahan.gov.in in the address bar yourself. Government sites in India end in .gov.in, and the transport services sit on sub-domains such as sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and vahan.parivahan.gov.in. Anything else, however official it looks, is not the government portal.
Check the address bar first
Before you enter an OTP or card number, read the full address. Look-alike sites add words such as “online”, “seva” or a hyphen to the name. The real address never needs extra words after “parivahan”.
Be careful with search ads
Sponsored results at the top of a search page can belong to agents who charge extra. Scroll to the plain result for parivahan.gov.in, or save it as a bookmark so you never have to search for it again.
Which Parivahan services are for vehicle owners?
Vehicle owners use the Vahan side of the portal. It holds the registration record of every vehicle and handles the certificate, ownership and tax work linked to it. Our Vahan guide covers each service; here is what is available.
Registration and the RC
You can download a copy of the registration certificate (RC), transfer ownership after a sale, change the address, add or remove a bank loan and apply for a duplicate. For the step-by-step process, see the Vahan parivahan portal guide.
Tax, permits and number plates
Road tax, permits for commercial vehicles, fancy number auctions and HSRP plate bookings also start from the vehicle record. See our road tax and permits section and the number plates and HSRP section.
Which Parivahan services are for licence holders?
Anyone learning to drive or holding a licence uses Sarathi. It handles learner licences, permanent licences, renewals and changes, and it keeps the record that police see when they check your licence. Our driving licence section explains each task.
Learner and permanent licence
The journey starts with a learner licence, followed by a driving test for the permanent licence. Both applications are filed on Sarathi, and the fee is paid online.
Changes after the licence is issued
Renewal, address change, a duplicate licence, adding a vehicle class and an international driving permit are all Sarathi services. Our DL renewal guide covers the most common one.
How does Parivahan handle traffic challans?
Traffic fines issued by cameras or police devices are recorded on the e-Challan system and linked to the vehicle number or licence number. You can check pending challans and pay them online. The full process is in our e-Challan guide.
Checking a pending challan
Search by vehicle number, challan number or licence number. The result shows the offence, the date, the place and whether the challan is still payable online or has gone to court.
Paying or disputing
Online payment closes the challan straight away. If you believe a challan is wrong, follow the grievance option shown with that challan, because the process depends on the issuing state.
What can you do in the Parivahan mobile apps?
The mParivahan app puts a virtual copy of your licence and RC on your phone and lets you search basic vehicle details by number. It is the official MoRTH app; others in app stores are private products. Our mParivahan section explains the features.
Virtual documents
After you sign in with your mobile number, you can add your virtual DL and RC. These come straight from the national records, so they stay correct after a renewal or transfer.
Vehicle search
Type a registration number to see the model, registration date and validity details of a vehicle. Owner names are shown only partly, to protect privacy.
Which Parivahan portal do you need for your task?
The quickest way to finish any job is to start on the right service. The table below matches common tasks to the service that handles them, so you do not waste time searching menus on the parivahan home page.
| Your task | Service to open | What to keep ready |
|---|---|---|
| Download or print an RC | Vahan | Registration and chassis number |
| Apply for or renew a licence | Sarathi | Aadhaar, address proof, photo |
| Check or pay a fine | e-Challan | Vehicle or challan number |
| Carry documents on your phone | mParivahan or DigiLocker | Mobile number linked to records |
| Book an HSRP number plate | State-approved HSRP portal | Registration and chassis number |
Tasks about a vehicle
If the job mentions the RC, ownership, tax, permit, insurance details on the record or a number plate, it belongs to Vahan or a service linked to it.
Tasks about a person
If the job mentions a licence, a learner test, a driving test or a change to your licence details, it belongs to Sarathi.
Is Pawan Seva the same as Parivahan Sewa?
Pawan Seva is not a separate portal. It is one of the most common misspellings of Parivahan Sewa, along with “parivahan seva” and “parivahan sewa online”. All of them refer to the same MoRTH service at parivahan.gov.in.
Why the spellings vary
“Sewa” and “seva” are two ways of writing the same Hindi word in English. People also shorten “Parivahan” while typing on a phone, which is how “Pawan” appears in searches.
Do not trust look-alike names
Fraudsters register domains with these spellings to collect fees. If a site uses a misspelt name in its address, close it and type the official address yourself.
Do you need a login on parivahan gov in?
Most citizen services on parivahan gov in do not need a permanent account. They identify you with your application number, vehicle number or licence number, plus an OTP sent to the mobile number registered in the record.
Services that need only an OTP
Checking status, downloading an RC copy, renewing a licence and paying a fine usually work with a number and an OTP. Keep the registered mobile number active, because the OTP goes only there.
Services that need sign-in
Dealers, insurers and some state services use separate logins. Some newer citizen services offer an optional sign-in that saves your details, but it is not required for the common tasks.
How are fees paid on Parivahan?
Fees are paid through the government payment gateway linked to the portal, using UPI, debit card, credit card or net banking. The amount is set by your state and the service, and it is shown before you pay. Our section guides list each state’s fees with sources.
Payment modes
UPI and net banking are usually the fastest. If a payment fails, do not pay again straight away; first check the payment status option on the same service, because the money may already be recorded.
Keep the receipt
Download the fee receipt as soon as payment succeeds. It carries the application number you will need to track the work and to book any test or inspection slot.
What should you do when the Parivahan website is not working?
Most “site not working” problems come from heavy traffic, an old browser or a pop-up blocker. Try the simple fixes below before you visit an agent or the RTO, because the portal often recovers within hours.
Fixes on your side
Use an updated Chrome, Edge or Firefox, allow pop-ups for the site, and clear the browser cache. If a page asks for a captcha repeatedly, refresh the captcha rather than the whole page.
When to wait or visit the RTO
If the problem continues for more than a day, or the payment went through but the application did not appear, visit your RTO with the payment receipt so staff can trace it.
Which Parivahan tasks still need an RTO visit?
Online filing has removed most queues, but a few steps still require you or your vehicle to be present. Plan for an RTO visit whenever a test, a physical inspection or a check of original documents is involved.
Tests and inspections
The driving test, the fitness check of commercial vehicles and some inspections for vehicle changes are done in person, at the RTO or an authorised centre.
Biometrics and original documents
Some states capture a photo and signature at the RTO, and some services ask you to show original documents after you apply online. The application receipt tells you if a visit is needed.
How do state transport websites fit with Parivahan?
Each state has its own transport department website, but the core services link back to the national Vahan and Sarathi systems. State sites publish local fees, office lists and notices, then send you to Parivahan for the application itself.
Shared national systems
Because records are national, a licence issued in Bihar can be renewed in Karnataka after you move, and police anywhere can verify it.
State-specific pages
Some states run extra services, such as their own challan or tax portals. Our guides for UP parivahan and CG parivahan show how two states organise theirs.
How to apply for driving license online?
To apply for a driving license online, you go through two stages on Sarathi: a learner licence first, then the permanent licence after a driving test. You fill the forms, upload documents and pay online; only the driving test needs you in person.
- Apply for a learner licence. On Sarathi, choose your state, fill the learner licence form and upload your documents.
- Pay and take the learner test. Pay the fee online and take the road-rules test, online or at the RTO.
- Practise for 30 days. Drive with the learner licence and an L plate, with a licensed person beside you.
- Book the driving test. Apply for the permanent licence on Sarathi and pick a test slot.
- Pass the test and receive the card. After approval, the licence is issued and posted to your address.
Stage 1: the learner licence
The learner test checks road signs and rules. Many states let you take it online at home after Aadhaar authentication. Practise with our learner licence test questions first.
Stage 2: the driving test
After at least 30 days, apply for the permanent licence and book a slot. Bring the vehicle class you are applying for and your learner licence.
How to apply for DL: who is eligible?
Before you apply for DL, check that you meet the minimum age for the vehicle class and have the right documents. Age limits come from the Motor Vehicles Act and are the same in every state.
| Vehicle class | Minimum age | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle without gear, up to 50 cc | 16 years | Written consent of a parent or guardian |
| Motorcycle with gear (MCWG) and car (LMV) | 18 years | None |
| Transport vehicle | 20 years | Driving experience as set by rules |
Age by vehicle class
The table above shows the minimum ages. You can apply for more than one class together, for example a bike and a car, in a single application.
Medical certificate
Applicants above 40 and those applying for transport vehicles must add a medical certificate in Form 1A from a registered doctor. See our Form 1A guide.
How to apply bike licence?
To apply for a bike licence, choose the right class on the Sarathi form. Most riders need MCWG (motorcycle with gear), which also covers scooters. The steps are the same as for a car licence: learner licence, practice, then a riding test.
MCWG or MC without gear
MCWG covers all two-wheelers with or without gears. “Motorcycle without gear” covers only gearless scooters. Our MCWG full form guide explains the classes.
Adding a bike to a car licence
If you already hold a car licence, apply to add a vehicle class instead of applying for a new licence. You still need a learner licence and a riding test for the new class.
What should you keep ready before you apply for DL?
Gather your papers before starting, because the form times out if you leave it idle. You need proof of age, proof of address, a photo and a signature, plus a medical certificate in some cases. Our documents required guide lists accepted papers.
Proof of age and address
Aadhaar is the most common proof, since it can also fill your details automatically. A passport, birth certificate or school certificate can prove age in most states.
Photo and signature
Upload a recent passport-size photo and a signature on white paper within the size limits shown on the form. Blurry scans are the most common reason applications are sent back.
How to check license status?
To check license status, open Sarathi, choose your state and select the application status option. Enter the application number and your date of birth. The page shows which stage your learner licence, test or permanent licence application has reached.
With an application number
The application number is printed on the fee receipt and the application form. If you lost both, see the section below on finding the application number.
Reading the status
Each line shows a stage, such as fee paid, test booked, test result and licence approved. If a stage has stayed the same for weeks, contact the RTO with the number.
How can I check the status of my drivers license after the test?
After the driving test, use the same status page to see whether the licence is approved, printed and dispatched. This answers the most common worry after a test: whether you passed and when the card will arrive.
After you pass
Once approved, the status shows the DL number, and the licence becomes available in DigiLocker and mParivahan, often before the card arrives.
Card dispatch
Most states post the card by Speed Post. The status shows the dispatch date, and some states also show the postal tracking number.
How to check license online for validity and details?
To check a licence online, use the DL details search on the Parivahan site. Enter the licence number and date of birth to see the holder’s name, validity dates and vehicle classes. Our online licence check guide shows each screen.
What the search shows
The result shows whether the licence is active, the date it expires, the vehicle classes and the issuing RTO. It does not show the full address.
Checking a driver you hire
Employers and car owners often verify a driver before hiring. Ask the driver for the licence number and date of birth, and confirm the vehicle class matches the vehicle.
How to check driving license number on your card?
To check your driving license number, look at the top of the card or the first line of the digital copy. Licences issued in the national format have 15 characters: two letters for the state, two digits for the RTO, four digits for the year of issue and a seven-digit serial.
Reading the format
In a number such as MH14 20110012345, MH is Maharashtra, 14 is the RTO, 2011 is the year of issue and the rest is the serial. Spaces and hyphens are only for reading.
Older licences
Licences issued before states moved to Sarathi may use a different local pattern. They are converted to the national format when you renew or update them.
How to find my DL number if the card is lost?
If you need to find your DL number without the card, the quickest route is a digital copy. Your licence record exists in the national database even when the plastic card is lost, so you can retrieve the number in minutes.
From DigiLocker or mParivahan
Sign in with the mobile number linked to your licence and fetch the driving licence. The number appears on the document. This also works as proof while you apply for a duplicate driving licence.
From old papers
Renewal receipts, challan slips and insurance forms often record the licence number. Check these before visiting the RTO.
How to know application number of driving licence?
To know the application number of a driving licence request, check the SMS sent when you submitted the form and the fee receipt. The number is created when you start the form, so note it down before you pay.
Where the number appears
It is printed on the form acknowledgement, the payment receipt and the slot booking slip. It is also in the SMS sent to your registered mobile number.
If you lost it
Sarathi has an option to find a forgotten application number using your name, date of birth and other details. If that fails, the RTO can trace it from the payment record.
How to get driving license number online before the card arrives?
You can get a driving license number online as soon as the licence is approved, even if the card is still in the post. The number is shown in the application status and in the digital licence, which you can show while you wait.
Before the card arrives
Use the status page or DigiLocker. Both show the number once the licence is approved, so you can drive legally with the digital copy.
Mobile number problems
If your mobile number has changed, the OTP will not reach you. Update the number in your licence record first, or visit the RTO with identity proof.
DL download: how do you get your licence on your phone?
A DL download gives you an official electronic copy of your licence on your phone. The two official routes are DigiLocker and mParivahan. Both pull the record straight from Sarathi, so the details match your licence exactly.
Through DigiLocker
Sign in to DigiLocker, open the issued documents section, choose the driving licence, pick your state and enter the licence number. The document is saved in your locker. Our DigiLocker app guide covers setup.
Through mParivahan
In mParivahan, add your licence using its number and the OTP. The app then shows a virtual licence with a QR code that police can scan.
Licence download or printed card: which should you carry?
A licence download in DigiLocker or mParivahan is accepted as an electronic document, so you do not have to carry the card for a routine check. The card is still useful for travel, for identity at offices that ask for it, and when your phone is not available.
| Option | What you show | Works offline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigiLocker | Issued digital document | Once saved | Daily driving and records |
| mParivahan | Virtual licence with QR code | Once added | Police checks |
| Printed card | Plastic smart card | Always | Travel and backup |
Legal status of digital copies
MoRTH has advised police and transport officials to accept documents shown from DigiLocker and mParivahan. A screenshot or a photo of the card is not the same and may not be accepted.
When to keep the card handy
Keep the card when your phone battery may run out, in areas with poor coverage, and when driving abroad with an international permit.
Can you do a license download as a PDF?
A license download as a PDF is possible through DigiLocker, which lets you save the issued document as a file. Sarathi also offers a printable version of some licence services, depending on the state.
Saving from DigiLocker
Open the driving licence in DigiLocker and use the download option to save it. The PDF carries DigiLocker’s verification details.
Printing safely
A printed PDF is useful as a backup, but it is not a replacement for the smart card at offices that ask for the original.
How long does a licence stay valid under the 2019 rules?
Since 1 September 2019, a private licence’s validity depends on your age when it is issued or renewed. Younger drivers get longer validity, and older drivers renew more often. Renewal is allowed from one year before expiry to one year after it.
| Age at issue or renewal | Licence valid for |
|---|---|
| Below 30 | Until you turn 40 |
| 30 to 50 | 10 years |
| 50 to 55 | Until you turn 60 |
| Above 55 | 5 years |
Validity by age
The table shows the periods for private (non-transport) licences. Transport licences have shorter periods and need a medical certificate each time.
The renewal window
The old 30-day grace period after expiry was removed in 2019. Driving on an expired licence counts as driving without a licence, so renew before the date.
How does name correction in driving license work?
Name correction in a driving license is a Sarathi service for fixing a spelling mistake or changing a name after marriage or by a legal process. You apply online, upload proof of the correct name and pay the fee; the RTO approves and issues an updated licence.
Proof for a name change
For a spelling fix, an identity document with the correct spelling, such as Aadhaar or a passport, is usually enough. For a full change, keep a marriage certificate or a gazette notification ready.
Applying on Sarathi
Choose the change of name option under licence services, enter your licence number, upload the proof and pay. Track it with the application number like any other request.
Driving licence Bihar: how do you apply and renew?
Driving licence Bihar services run on Sarathi under the Bihar transport department. You choose Bihar on Sarathi, apply for a learner licence and then the permanent licence, and take the driving test at your district RTO.
Driving licence online apply in Bihar
For a driving licence online apply in Bihar, use Sarathi and select Bihar. Keep your Aadhaar and address proof ready. The learner test may be online or at the district transport office depending on the service shown.
Bihar renewals and changes
Renewals, address changes and duplicate licences in Bihar follow the national Sarathi steps. Check the Bihar transport department website for district office timings.
West Bengal driving licence: how do you apply?
A West Bengal driving licence is applied for on Sarathi by selecting West Bengal. The process is the same two-stage route: learner licence first, then the driving test at your RTO after at least 30 days.
Applying in West Bengal
Fill the form on Sarathi, upload documents and book the learner test. Kolkata and district RTOs publish their test slots on the same system.
Renewing in West Bengal
Renewal is online with an OTP. Applicants above 40 add a medical certificate. The renewed licence is posted to the address on record.
Driving licence Haryana: how do you apply online?
A driving licence Haryana application also starts on Sarathi. Haryana has many automated driving test tracks, so the test may be on a sensor-based track where the vehicle’s movement is recorded by cameras.
Driving licence apply online Haryana
To apply online in Haryana, select Haryana on Sarathi, complete the learner licence form, pay and book your test. Bring your learner licence and the vehicle for the test.
Haryana renewals
Renewal of a Haryana licence is online. Keep your licence number and registered mobile ready, and add Form 1A if you are above 40.
How does driving licence renewal Kerala work?
Driving licence renewal Kerala is done online through Sarathi, with Kerala selected as the state. You fill the renewal form, upload a medical certificate if needed and pay. The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department publishes local notices on its own website.
Steps for a Kerala renewal
Enter your licence number and date of birth, confirm your details, upload documents and pay. Applying before expiry avoids a retest.
Documents for Kerala
Keep your current licence, a recent photo, a signature and Form 1A if you are above 40. Confirm current requirements on the Kerala MVD website before you apply.
Vahan 4 status: how do you track your request?
Vahan 4 status means the progress of an application on Vahan 4.0, the current version of the vehicle system. You track it on the Vahan citizen services page with the application number. Our know your application status guide shows each screen.
Your application number
The application number is on the receipt for any Vahan service, such as RC transfer, address change or duplicate RC. Keep it until the work is complete.
Where to check
Open Vahan citizen services, choose the application status option, enter the number and the captcha. The page lists each stage with dates.
What do Vahan 4 status stages mean?
Each Vahan application passes through stages at the RTO. Understanding them tells you whether you need to act, or simply wait. Exact labels vary by service and state, so read the stage along with any remark shown beside it.
| Stage you may see | What it means | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Fee paid | Application received | Wait for verification |
| Pending at RTO | Officer is checking documents | Visit only if asked |
| Approved | Change accepted | Wait for printing |
| Printed or dispatched | RC is on its way | Track the post |
Stages that need action
If the status says documents are pending or an objection is raised, read the remark. You may need to upload a clearer document or show the original at the RTO.
Stages that need waiting
Approved and printed stages need no action. Printing and posting can take some days depending on the state.
How do you spot fake Parivahan websites and apps?
Fake Parivahan sites copy the logo and colours, then charge extra fees or steal card details. Some send links by SMS claiming a challan is pending. The checks below help you stay on the real portal.
Signs of a fake
The address does not end in .gov.in, the site asks for payment to “verify” a document, or an SMS link pressures you to pay a challan within hours. Real challans can always be checked on the official site.
If you already paid
Call 1930, the national cyber crime helpline, or report at cybercrime.gov.in, and inform your bank. Then complete the application on the official site.
Which Parivahan services are free of charge?
Many Parivahan services cost nothing: checking application status, checking a licence or vehicle record, searching challans and adding documents to DigiLocker or mParivahan. You pay only for applications such as a new licence, renewal, transfer or duplicate.
Free checks
Status tracking, DL and vehicle searches and digital documents are free. No genuine government service charges a fee to “unlock” a status result.
Paid applications
Application fees are set by your state and shown before payment. Our section guides list them with the official source and check date.
How to use this Parivahan Sewa guide by section
This Parivahan Sewa guide is organised by section, matching the portal’s own services. Start with the section for your task, then follow the step-by-step guide inside it.
Vehicles and number plates
The Vahan section covers RC and ownership, the RTO codes section decodes every state code, and the HSRP section covers plates.
Licences, challans and tolls
Licence work is in the driving licence section, fines in the e-Challan section, tolls in the FASTag section, and Hindi guides in the Hinglish section.
Official links
Parivahan Sewa (MoRTH)parivahan.gov.in ↗Sarathi: driving licence servicessarathi.parivahan.gov.in ↗Vahan: vehicle registration servicesvahan.parivahan.gov.in ↗e-Challan: check and pay finesechallan.parivahan.gov.in ↗DigiLockerdigilocker.gov.in ↗Report cyber fraudcybercrime.gov.in ↗Parivahan questions
Is Parivahan Sewa the official parivahan gov in website?
No. This site is an independent guide. The official portal run by MoRTH and NIC is parivahan.gov.in. Applications and payments should only be made there.
Is Pawan Seva a different government portal?
No. Pawan Seva is a common misspelling of Parivahan Sewa. There is no separate transport portal by that name, so type parivahan.gov.in directly.
How to get license number if I only have the application slip?
Enter the application number from the slip in Sarathi's application status page. Once the licence is issued, the status shows the DL number.
How to find licence number online without the card?
Sign in to DigiLocker or mParivahan with the mobile number linked to your licence and fetch the driving licence. The number is printed at the top of the document.
How to know my driving license number from an old paper licence?
Older book-style licences may use a shorter local number. Use the RTO's DL details search, or ask the issuing RTO to show the number in the current national format.
How to get dl number right after passing the driving test?
The number is generated when the licence is approved. Check Sarathi's application status a few days after the test, before the card reaches you by post.
Can I show a DL download instead of the physical card?
A licence fetched in DigiLocker or shown in mParivahan is accepted as an electronic document. Keep the app working offline-ready in case the network is weak at a checkpoint.
Do I need to visit the RTO to apply for a driving licence?
You start online on Sarathi, but the driving test is taken in person at the RTO or an authorised test track. Some states also do the learner test online with Aadhaar authentication.
Can I apply for a driving licence in a state other than my home state?
Yes, you apply where you live now. You need address proof for that state, and the test is taken at an RTO there.
How long does a learner licence stay valid?
A learner licence is valid for six months. You can book the driving test after 30 days, so plan practice within that window.
Is checking Vahan 4 status free?
Yes. Tracking an application on the Vahan citizen services page needs only the application number and does not cost anything.
What should I do if I paid money on a fake Parivahan website?
Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or report it at cybercrime.gov.in at once, and ask your bank to block the transaction. Then apply again on parivahan.gov.in.
Parivahan Sewa (parivahansewa-in.com) is an independent information website and is not affiliated with MoRTH, Parivahan or any state transport department. Confirm fees and rules on the official portal before you pay or apply.