How to Apply for a Driving Licence in India (Sarathi Guide 2026)
Complete walkthrough of sarathi.parivahan.gov.in — Aadhaar-based registration, learner licence form and LL test, permanent DL application and driving test. Upload photo, Aadhaar, and address proof. Fee varies by state.
Updated August 2026
What you'll need before you start
- Aadhaar card — linked to an active mobile number (OTP verification required during registration). Covers identity and address proof.
- Recent colour photograph — plain white background, face clearly visible, JPG. No glasses, no headwear.
- Date of birth proof — Aadhaar usually suffices; alternatively a Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate.
- Vehicle categories decided — MCWOG (two-wheeler without gear / scooter), MCWG (motorcycle with gear), LMV (car), or a combination.
- Debit card / UPI / net banking — fee varies by state and number of vehicle categories. Expect ₹200–₹600 for LL; similar for DL.
- Vehicle for driving test — bring your own vehicle (motorcycle or car, as applicable) for the permanent DL driving test at the RTO.
Photo and document uploads on Sarathi
| Upload | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPG, colour | Plain white background, recent, face clearly visible, no glasses |
| Aadhaar (identity + address) | JPG or PDF | Both sides of Aadhaar card; front and back as a single PDF |
| DOB proof (if separate) | JPG or PDF | Class 10 marksheet or birth certificate; not required if Aadhaar DOB is accepted |
Exact file size limits vary by state RTO and Sarathi portal version. Keep files under 100 KB for photos and under 300 KB for PDFs to avoid upload errors.
Hold your LL for at least 30 days before applying for the permanent DL
The Motor Vehicles Act requires a minimum 30-day gap between the Learner Licence issue date and the Permanent DL application. The Sarathi portal enforces this automatically — it will not allow you to apply for the DL before 30 days have elapsed. Use this period to practise driving under the supervision of a licensed driver.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Step 1 — Register on Sarathi
Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown. Click Apply for Learner Licence. The portal will prompt you to enter your Aadhaar number and complete Aadhaar-based OTP authentication — the OTP goes to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
After successful Aadhaar verification, create your Sarathi account with a username and password. If your Aadhaar mobile number is not active, you will need to update it at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra before proceeding — Sarathi does not offer an alternate verification method.
Tools used in this guide
Why use BharatTools for driving licence document preparation?
Every BharatTools tool runs locally in your browser — your Aadhaar, photo, and address proof never leave your device. Open DevTools Network tab while you process: zero upload requests. Aadhaar must not be uploaded to untrusted third-party servers; BharatTools processes everything client-side. You can also move files between your phone and laptop without WhatsApp using Quick Send, a peer-to-peer transfer that stores nothing.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to prepare your Sarathi documents?
Combine your Aadhaar front and back into one PDF — ready for the Sarathi document upload step. Runs entirely in your browser.
Steps and fees based on the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) and Motor Vehicles Act guidelines as of . Fees and exact document requirements vary by state — cross-check with your state RTO before applying.