Vahan Parivahan & Sarathi Parivahan – Vehicle RC, Driving Licence, eChallan & RTO Services

The Vahan Parivahan system is the backbone of India’s digital transport infrastructure, developed and maintained by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). It operates as a centralised national database that stores and manages information for every registered vehicle and licensed driver across India.

At its core, the Vahan Parivahan ecosystem runs on two integrated software applications — VAHAN for vehicle registration and related services, and SARATHI for driving licence management. Together, these two systems power the official Parivahan Sewa portal at parivahan.gov.in, which connects all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across 36 states and union territories into a single unified network.

Parivahan Sewa

Parivahan Portal – Two Core Systems Explained

The Parivahan Sewa portal is built on two distinct but deeply integrated systems. Understanding the difference between them is essential for accessing the right service.

SystemFull NamePrimary Function
VAHANVehicle AdministrationVehicle registration, RC issuance and renewal, ownership transfer, road tax, fitness certificate, NOC, hypothecation, PUC, permits, fancy number booking
SARATHISarathi Driving Licence SystemLearner’s licence, permanent DL, DL renewal, duplicate DL, international driving permit, driving school licence, DL test slot booking

Both systems are accessible through the central parivahan.gov.in portal, though each has its own dedicated subdomain:

  • vahan.parivahan.gov.in — for all vehicle-related services
  • sarathi.parivahan.gov.in — for all driving licence-related services
  • echallan.parivahan.gov.in — for traffic violation fine check and payment

All Services Available on Vahan Parivahan Portal

Vehicle Registration Services – VAHAN Portal

The VAHAN system manages the complete lifecycle of vehicle registration in India. Every vehicle sold and registered in any state is entered into this centralised database, making it the authoritative source for vehicle ownership, insurance, fitness, and tax records.

ServiceDetails
New Vehicle RegistrationRegister a freshly purchased vehicle at the respective state RTO
RC RenewalRenew an expired or expiring Registration Certificate
Duplicate RCApply for a duplicate RC if the original is lost or damaged
Transfer of OwnershipTransfer vehicle ownership when buying or selling a used vehicle
Hypothecation AdditionAdd a bank or NBFC’s name to RC when taking a vehicle loan
Hypothecation TerminationRemove the bank’s name from RC after loan repayment
Change of Address in RCUpdate residential address on the Registration Certificate
No Objection Certificate (NOC)Required for re-registering a vehicle in a different state
Fitness Certificate (FC)Mandatory periodic certification for transport vehicles
Duplicate Fitness CertificateApply for a duplicate FC if the original is lost
PUC Certificate CheckVerify Pollution Under Control certificate validity
Road Tax PaymentPay state road tax and inter-state border check post tax
Fancy Number BookingReserve a preferred or VIP vehicle registration number
Vehicle ScrappingRegister an end-of-life vehicle for scrapping
National Permit AuthorisationPermit for commercial vehicles to operate across all states
AITP AuthorisationAll India Tourist Permit for tourist vehicles
Vehicle Insurance CheckVerify insurance validity of any registered vehicle online
VLTD RegistrationVehicle Location Tracking Device compliance for commercial vehicles
Trade CertificateCertificate issued to authorised automobile dealers

Driving Licence Services – SARATHI Portal

ServiceDetails
Learner’s Licence (LL) ApplicationFirst licence required before applying for a permanent DL
Permanent Driving Licence (DL)Full driving licence after clearing the driving test
DL Test Slot BookingBook a date and time for the practical driving test at RTO
Driving Licence RenewalRenew an expired or soon-to-expire DL
Duplicate Driving LicenceReplace a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence
International Driving Permit (IDP)Permit to legally drive in foreign countries
Addition of Vehicle ClassAdd a new vehicle category to an existing DL
Change of Address in DLUpdate residential address on the driving licence
Driving School LicenceApply for or renew a registered driving school licence
DL Application Status CheckTrack the real-time status of any DL application
DL ExtractDownload or print detailed DL information

eChallan Services

ServiceDetails
Check eChallan StatusSearch pending fines by challan number, vehicle number, or DL number
Pay eChallan OnlineSettle traffic violation fines through UPI, net banking, or cards
View Challan HistorySee all challans issued against a vehicle or DL number

Parivahan Portal – Key Features and Objectives

The Vahan Parivahan system was designed with specific objectives that go beyond simple digitisation. It aims to fundamentally transform how transport services are delivered to citizens across India.

FeatureDescription
Centralised National DatabaseAll 1,300+ RTOs across India are connected to a single database, eliminating data silos
Digital Document StorageDL and RC stored digitally on mParivahan app and DigiLocker — legally valid under the Motor Vehicles Act
Online Appointment BookingCitizens can schedule DL tests and document verification visits without visiting the RTO in person
Real-Time Application TrackingEvery application has a traceable status visible online at any time
Online Fee PaymentFees for all services can be paid securely through the portal’s integrated payment gateway
Instant Vehicle/DL Information AccessLaw enforcement, insurance companies, and other government departments can instantly verify records
Reduced PaperworkEliminates the need for physical documents in most service workflows
Policy ImplementationNew government transport policies can be implemented instantly across all RTOs through the centralised system

How to Check Vehicle Owner Details Online (RC Check)

One of the most frequently used features of the Vahan Parivahan system is the ability to check vehicle registration details — including owner name, insurance validity, fitness expiry, and tax status — for any vehicle registered in India.

Method 1: Through parivahan.gov.in

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in login
  2. Click “Informational Services” → “Know Your Vehicle Details”
  3. Create a Citizen Login account with your mobile number (OTP verification)
  4. After logging in, select your state and RTO
  5. Enter the vehicle registration number and captcha code
  6. Click “Vahan Search” — complete RC details including owner information, insurance, fitness, and tax status will be displayed

Method 2: Through vahan.parivahan.gov.in

  1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahaneservice
  2. Click on “Vehicle Related Services” → select your state
  3. Enter the vehicle registration number and select the State RTO
  4. Click “Proceed” to view the available services and details for that vehicle

Method 3: Through mParivahan App

  1. Open the mParivahan app on your smartphone
  2. Tap “RC” on the main screen
  3. Enter the vehicle registration number
  4. Complete vehicle details including insurance validity, fitness expiry, PUC status, and tax information will be displayed instantly

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Through Sarathi Parivahan

Obtaining a driving licence in India is a two-stage process — first the Learner’s Licence, then the Permanent Driving Licence. Both stages are managed through the Sarathi Parivahan system.

Stage 1: Learner’s Licence (LL) Application

Step 1: Visit parivahan.gov.in and click “Driving License Related Services” under Online Services.

Step 2: Select your state from the dropdown. You will be redirected to the state-specific page on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.

Step 3: Click “Apply for Learner’s License” and fill in the online application form with your personal details, address, and vehicle category.

Step 4: Upload the required documents — identity proof, age proof, address proof, and passport-size photograph.

Step 5: Pay the learner’s licence fee online. The system generates an application number.

Step 6: Appear for the online Learner’s Licence test (knowledge test on traffic rules and signs). Upon passing, the LL is issued — valid for 6 months and a minimum of 30 days.

Stage 2: Permanent Driving Licence (DL) Application

Step 1: After holding the LL for a minimum of 30 days, visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state.

Step 2: Click “Apply for Driving License” and enter your LL number, date of birth, and captcha.

Step 3: Select the vehicle class for which you are applying and fill in the required details.

Step 4: Upload the necessary documents and pay the DL application fee.

Step 5: Book a DL test slot — select your preferred RTO, date, and time for the practical driving test.

Step 6: Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with original documents for verification. Appear for the practical driving test.

Step 7: Upon successful test completion, the driving licence is issued and dispatched to your registered address.

Driving Licence Eligibility Criteria

Licence TypeMinimum AgeKey Requirement
Motorcycle without Gear (up to 50cc)16 yearsParental or guardian consent if under 18
Motorcycle with Gear18 yearsValid LL for minimum 30 days
Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)18 yearsValid LL for minimum 30 days
Transport / Commercial Vehicle18 yearsMust hold a valid LMV licence
Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV)20 yearsMust hold a valid LMV licence
Commercial Vehicle (age 40+)40+ yearsValid medical certificate in Form 1A required

Documents Required for Driving Licence Application

Applicants must submit the following documents when applying for a new driving licence through the Sarathi Parivahan system:

Age Proof (any one): Birth certificate, Class 10 mark sheet, Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card

Address Proof (any one): Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, Ration card, Recent utility bill (within 3 months)

Identity Proof (any one): Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN card

Other Documents:

  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • Form 1 — Self-declaration of physical fitness (non-transport vehicles)
  • Form 1A — Medical certificate (transport vehicles and applicants above 40 years)
  • Form 2 — Application for Learner’s Licence
  • Form 4 — Application for Permanent Driving Licence
  • Existing Learner’s Licence (when applying for permanent DL)
  • Driver refresher training certificate (for heavy motor vehicle applications)
  • NOC if applying in a different state from where the previous licence was issued
  • Application fee payment receipt

Driving Licence Fees – Complete Fee Schedule

ServiceFee (INR)
Learner’s Licence (LL)Rs. 200
Permanent Driving Licence (new)Rs. 200
Driving Licence Test FeeRs. 300
Driving Licence RenewalRs. 200
Late Renewal (after grace period)Rs. 300 + applicable fees
Duplicate Driving LicenceRs. 250
Adding New Vehicle Class to DLRs. 500
International Driving Permit (IDP)Rs. 1,000
Driving School Licence / RenewalRs. 10,000
Duplicate Driving School LicenceRs. 5,000
Appeal Against RTO OrderRs. 200

How to Check Driving Licence Application Status

After submitting a DL application through the Sarathi Parivahan portal, citizens can track real-time progress online without contacting the RTO.

  1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Select your state from the dropdown menu
  3. Click “Application Status” — visible on the top right of the state transport page
  4. Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, and captcha code
  5. Click “Submit” — the current status of your DL application will be displayed on screen

Driving Licence Renewal – Complete Process

A driving licence can be renewed up to one month before its expiry date. If the licence has already expired, the following timelines apply:

Renewal TimingFee ImpactEffective Date
Up to 30 days before expiryStandard renewal feeOriginal expiry date
Within 30 days after expiryStandard renewal feeOriginal expiry date
After 30 days of expiryAdditional Rs. 300 penalty feeDate of application
More than 5 years after expiryMust apply for fresh DLFresh application date

Online DL Renewal Process:

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Driving Licence Related Services
  2. Select the state where your licence was originally issued
  3. Click “Apply for DL Renewal”
  4. Enter your DL number, date of birth, and captcha — click “Get DL Details”
  5. Select the correct licence category and RTO
  6. Upload required documents (Form 1A, address proof, age proof, photographs)
  7. Pay the renewal fee online
  8. Book an appointment at the RTO for document verification
  9. Visit the RTO on the scheduled date with original documents
  10. The renewed licence is dispatched to your registered address after verification

Documents Required for DL Renewal:

  • Application Form 2
  • Current / expired driving licence
  • Form 1 — self-declaration of fitness (non-transport vehicles)
  • Form 1A — medical certificate (transport vehicles)
  • Applicable renewal fee payment receipt

Duplicate Driving Licence – Application Process

A duplicate driving licence is required when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, or has become unreadable. It can also be requested for a photo update.

Online Duplicate DL Process:

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Driving Licence Related Services
  2. Select your state
  3. Click “Apply for Duplicate DL” and enter your DL number, date of birth, and captcha
  4. Click “Get DL Details” and verify your personal information
  5. Enter your mobile number, email address, and current address
  6. Select “Issue of Duplicate DL” or “Replacement of DL” as applicable
  7. Complete the physical fitness self-declaration
  8. Upload required documents, pay the fee, and print the payment receipt
  9. Book an appointment slot at your local RTO
  10. Visit the RTO on the appointment date with original documents for verification
  11. The duplicate licence is dispatched to your registered address by post

eChallan Parivahan – Traffic Fine Check and Payment

The eChallan system under the Vahan Parivahan ecosystem enables traffic enforcement authorities across India to issue, manage, and track digital traffic challans under the Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act). Citizens can check and pay outstanding fines entirely online without visiting any court or RTO.

How to Check eChallan Status

  1. Visit echallan.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Click “Check Online Services” → “Check Challan Status”
  3. Select your search method: Challan Number, Vehicle Number, or DL Number
  4. Enter the relevant details along with the captcha code
  5. Click “Get Details” — all pending challans with fine amounts and violation details will be displayed

How to Pay eChallan Online

  1. Follow steps 1 to 4 above to retrieve your challan details
  2. Click “Pay Now” in the payment column next to the relevant challan
  3. Select your payment mode: UPI, net banking, debit card, or credit card
  4. Complete the payment — a transaction confirmation with a reference number is sent to your registered mobile number immediately

eChallan – Important Points

Traffic challans can be issued in two modes under the eChallan system:

  • Spot Challan — issued physically by a traffic officer at the point of violation
  • Camera Challan — issued automatically by speed cameras, red light cameras, or ANPR systems without the officer being present

Both types appear in the online eChallan database and can be checked and paid through the portal.

mParivahan App – Digital DL and RC on Your Smartphone

The mParivahan app is the official mobile application of the Vahan Parivahan ecosystem. Developed by NIC under MeitY, it brings the entire range of Parivahan Sewa services to Android and iOS smartphones. The app is particularly useful for carrying digital copies of DL and RC, which are legally valid substitutes for physical documents under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Key Services on mParivahan App

FeatureDetails
Virtual Driving LicenceDigital DL stored on phone — legally accepted by traffic authorities
Virtual RC (Registration Certificate)Digital RC on phone — valid substitute for physical RC
Encrypted QR CodeTraffic police scan QR to instantly verify authenticity
Vehicle Details CheckGet full RC details for any vehicle by entering registration number
eChallan Check and PaymentView and pay outstanding challans directly from the app
Nearest RTO LocatorMap-based search for the closest RTO office
Insurance Validity CheckView insurance expiry date for any vehicle
Fitness and PUC StatusCheck fitness certificate and PUC certificate validity
Road Tax PaymentPay applicable vehicle taxes through the app
Complaint RegistrationFile transport complaints with photo evidence for follow-up
RC Temporary SharingShare your RC digitally with someone else using your vehicle for a fixed period
Second-hand Vehicle CheckVerify vehicle history before purchasing a used vehicle

mParivahan App – Registration Steps

  1. Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS)
  2. Open the app and enter your mobile number
  3. Tap “Register” — an OTP will be sent to your number
  4. Enter the OTP and tap “Verify” to complete registration
  5. To log in subsequently, tap “Sign In” and enter your mobile number followed by the OTP

How to Add Virtual RC on mParivahan

  1. Open mParivahan and tap “Add To My Dashboard”
  2. Enter your vehicle registration number
  3. Enter the chassis number and engine number (found on your physical RC)
  4. After system verification, the RC is added to your dashboard
  5. Insurance validity, fitness expiry, PUC status, and tax details are displayed automatically
  6. A QR code is generated — traffic authorities can scan this for instant verification

Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) – Fees and Charges

Vehicle CategoryNew RC / Renewal Fee
Invalid CarriageRs. 50
MotorcycleRs. 300
Three Wheeler / Quadricycle / LMV (Non-Transport)Rs. 600
Three Wheeler / LMV (Transport)Rs. 1,000
Medium Goods VehicleRs. 1,000
Medium Passenger Motor VehicleRs. 1,000
Heavy Goods VehicleRs. 1,500
Heavy Passenger Motor VehicleRs. 1,500
Imported Motor VehicleRs. 5,000
Imported MotorcycleRs. 2,500
Any Other VehicleRs. 3,000
Duplicate RC / RC with Alteration50% of original fee
Transfer of Ownership / Change of Residence50% of original fee
Smart Card RC (Additional Charge)Rs. 200
Late Renewal – MotorcycleAdditional Rs. 300
Late Renewal – Other Non-TransportAdditional Rs. 500

Fitness Certificate – Fees and Online Application

A Fitness Certificate (FC) is mandatory for all transport and commercial vehicles operating on Indian roads. It must be renewed periodically to confirm the vehicle meets safety and emission standards.

Fitness Certificate Fees

Vehicle TypeManual InspectionAutomated Inspection
MotorcycleRs. 200Rs. 400
Three Wheeler / LMV / QuadricycleRs. 400Rs. 600
Medium / Heavy Motor VehicleRs. 600Rs. 1,000
General Motor VehicleRs. 200

How to Apply for Fitness Certificate Online

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Vehicle Related Services
  2. Enter your vehicle registration number and select State RTO → click “Proceed”
  3. Click “Apply for Fitness Renewal / Re-Apply After Fitness Being Failed”
  4. Enter registration number, chassis number (last 5 digits), and mobile number; verify with OTP
  5. Select appointment slot at the RTO
  6. Pay the applicable fee online and download the payment challan
  7. Visit the RTO on the appointment date for the physical inspection

PUC Certificate – Validity Check and Renewal

A PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) is a mandatory document for all vehicles in India, certifying that the vehicle’s emission levels are within prescribed limits. Driving without a valid PUC certificate attracts a fine under the Motor Vehicles Act.

How to Check PUC Validity Online:

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → PUCC
  2. Click the “PUC Certificate” tab
  3. Enter Registration Number, Chassis Number (last 5 characters), and captcha
  4. Click “PUC Details” — the certificate validity date and current status will be displayed

PUC certificates are renewed at authorised Pollution Under Control centres across India. The certificate is typically valid for 6 months for petrol vehicles and 3 months for diesel vehicles, though this may vary by state.

Road Tax Payment – Online Process

Road tax is a mandatory levy on all vehicles registered in India. Commercial vehicles entering states other than their home state are additionally required to pay border check post tax. Both types of tax can be paid online through the Vahan Parivahan portal.

Check Post Tax (Border Tax) – Online Payment

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in → Online Services → Check Post Tax
  2. Click “Tax Payment”
  3. Select the visiting state and service name from the dropdowns → click “Go”
  4. Enter the vehicle number on the Border Tax Payment page → click “Get Details”
  5. Auto-populated and remaining fields should be completed
  6. Click “Calculate Tax” then “Pay Tax”
  7. Select payment gateway → complete payment
  8. Print the payment receipt — present this at the physical checkpost

State Vehicle Tax – Online Payment via Vahan Portal

  1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in and log in
  2. Click “Pay Vehicle Tax” under Online Services
  3. Enter Registration Number and Chassis Number → Generate OTP
  4. Enter OTP, select Tax Mode, and fill in permit details if applicable
  5. Review payable amount → click “Confirm Payment”
  6. Complete payment via preferred gateway

Downloadable Forms – Vahan Parivahan

The Parivahan Sewa portal provides all official Motor Vehicles Act forms as free downloads. Below are the most commonly required forms:

Driving Licence Forms

Form NumberPurpose
Form 1Self-declaration of physical fitness (non-transport vehicles)
Form 1AMedical certificate (transport vehicles / applicants above 40 years)
Form 2Application for grant or renewal of driving licence
Form 3Learner’s Licence document
Form 4Application for grant of permanent driving licence
Form 4AApplication for grant of driving licence (alternative)
Form 5Driving certificate issued by a registered driving school
Form 8Application for adding a new vehicle class to existing DL
Form 9Application for renewal of driving licence

Vehicle Registration Forms

Form NumberPurpose
Form 20Application for new vehicle registration
Form 21Vehicle sale certificate from dealer
Form 22Certificate of roadworthiness from manufacturer
Form 25Application for renewal of Registration Certificate (RC)
Form 26Application for duplicate RC (lost or damaged)
Form 27Application for new registration mark (inter-state transfer)
Form 28Application for NOC (No Objection Certificate) for vehicle transfer
Form 29Notice of vehicle ownership transfer (by seller)
Form 30Application for vehicle ownership transfer (by buyer)
Form 31Ownership transfer on death of owner
Form 32Intimation of change of address in RC
Form 33Intimation of change of address in RC (alternative)
Form 34Entry of hire-purchase / lease / hypothecation agreement
Form 35Termination of hire-purchase / lease / hypothecation (after loan repayment)

How to Download Forms: Visit parivahan.gov.in → Informational Services → Downloadable Forms → select the relevant category → click the form number to download.

Vahan Parivahan Login – Complete Guide

VAHAN Login (Vehicle Services)

  1. Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahaneservice
  2. Register with your email ID and mobile number if you are a new user
  3. Log in with registered credentials to access vehicle-related services including RC renewal, tax payment, ownership transfer, and fitness certificate applications

Sarathi Login (Driving Licence Services)

  1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
  2. Select your state
  3. Log in with your registered mobile number and OTP to access DL application, renewal, slot booking, and status tracking

Citizen Login (Informational Services)

  1. Visit parivahan.gov.in
  2. Click “Know Your Vehicle Details” under Informational Services
  3. Create a Citizen Login account using your mobile number
  4. After OTP verification, access vehicle insurance check, RC details, and other informational services

Dealer Login

Authorised automobile dealers access the Dealer Login section on the main portal to manage vehicle registration, trade certificates, and dealer-specific compliance services.

State-wise RTO Codes – Vahan Parivahan

Every state and union territory in India has its own Regional Transport Office with a unique two-letter code. All RTOs are connected to the centralised Vahan Parivahan database.

State / UTRTO CodeOfficial Website
Andhra PradeshAPaptransport.org
Arunachal PradeshARapsts.arunachal.gov.in
AssamAStransport.assam.gov.in
BiharBRstate.bihar.gov.in/transport
ChandigarhCHchdtransport.gov.in
ChhattisgarhCGcgtransport.gov.in
Delhi (NCT)DLtransport.delhi.gov.in
GoaGAgoatransport.gov.in
GujaratGJrtogujarat.gov.in
HaryanaHRharyanatransport.gov.in
Himachal PradeshHPhimachal.nic.in
JharkhandJHjhtransport.gov.in
Jammu & KashmirJKjktransport.nic.in
KarnatakaKAtransport.karnataka.gov.in
KeralaKLmvd.kerala.gov.in
Leh-LadakhLAladakh.gov.in/transport-department
Madhya PradeshMPtransport.mp.gov.in
MaharashtraMHtransport.maharashtra.gov.in
ManipurMNmanipurtransport.gov.in
MeghalayaMLmegtransport.gov.in
MizoramMZtransport.mizoram.gov.in
NagalandNLmvdnagaland.in
OdishaODodishatransport.gov.in
PunjabPBpunjabtransport.org
PuducherryPYtransport.py.gov.in
RajasthanRJtransport.rajasthan.gov.in
SikkimSKsikkim.gov.in/departments/transport-department
Tamil NaduTNtnsta.gov.in
TelanganaTStransport.telangana.gov.in
TripuraTPtransport.tripura.gov.in
Uttar PradeshUPuptransport.upsdc.gov.in
UttarakhandUKtransport.uk.gov.in
West BengalWBwb.gov.in (Transport)
Andaman & Nicobar IslandsANtransport.and.nic.in
Dadra & Nagar HaveliDNdnh.gov.in/transport
Daman & DiuDDdaman.nic.in/rtodaman
LakshadweepLDlakshadweep.gov.in/transport

Parivahan Helpline – Contact Information

Citizens facing technical issues, application errors, or payment failures can contact the Parivahan Sewa support team through the dedicated helpline channels below.

Central Helpline Number: +91-120-4925505

Helpline Availability: 6:00 AM to 12 Midnight (all days)

Query TypeEmail Address
Vehicle registration, RC, fitness, tax, permit, fancy number, dealerhelpdesk-vahan@gov.in
Driving licence, learner’s licence, DL renewalhelpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
mParivahan app technical and service querieshelpdesk-mparivahan@gov.in
eChallan payment, status, and dispute querieshelpdesk-echallan@gov.in
Portal feedback and website issueswim.rth@nic.in

Frequently Asked Questions – Parivahan

VAHAN is the national software system for vehicle registration and related services — it manages RC, road tax, fitness certificate, permits, and insurance. SARATHI is the system for driving licence management — it handles LL, permanent DL, DL renewal, duplicate DL, and test slot bookings. Both systems operate under the Parivahan Sewa portal at parivahan.gov.in.

Visit parivahan.gov.in → Informational Services → Know Your Vehicle Details. Create a Citizen Login using your mobile number, then enter the vehicle registration number to retrieve owner information, insurance validity, fitness, and tax status.

Yes. A digital copy of the Registration Certificate stored on the mParivahan app or DigiLocker is a legally valid document under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Traffic enforcement authorities are required to accept it in place of a physical RC.

After successfully passing the practical driving test at the RTO, the licence is typically dispatched within 7 to 30 working days depending on the state. It is sent to the address registered in the application via post.

You can apply in the state where you currently reside. However, if you previously held a DL in another state, you may need an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from that state’s RTO before applying in the new state.

A “Pending” status typically means the application is awaiting processing at the RTO, a document has not been verified, a fee payment is in progress, or a scheduled appointment has not yet been attended. Check the specific pending reason on the portal and visit the RTO if required.

For most services, a final RTO visit is required for document verification and biometric capture. However, some informational and payment services can be completed entirely online without any physical visit.

Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in → log in → click “Pay Vehicle Tax” under Online Services. Enter your registration number and chassis number, generate an OTP, select the tax mode, and complete the payment through the integrated payment gateway.

Yes, the Transfer of Ownership process can be initiated online through the Vahan portal. However, the final submission of Forms 29 and 30 must be done at the RTO — either physically or via speed post — depending on your state.

A Fancy Number is a preferred or personalised vehicle registration number chosen by the vehicle owner at the time of new registration. It may carry a premium fee. Booking is done through the Fancy Number Booking feature on the Parivahan Sewa portal.