Parivahan Sewa: RTO & Vehicle Services

Over the past decade, India’s transportation sector has undergone significant digital transformations, reducing the need for physical RTO visits for routine operations. Parivahan Sewa, an integrated online platform created by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), helps to simplify vehicle and licence-related tasks and make them faster and transparent. Parivahan Sewa brings all RTO online services under one digital roof, whether you are applying for a driving licence, registering a new car, transferring ownership, or paying road tax. It ensures that people can obtain necessary services without waiting in long queues or dealing with excessive paperwork.

From state-level portals like Sarathi and Vahan to permit applications and tax payments, Parivahan streamlines the whole process with methodically guided online activities. Think of it as your online RTO assistant, available 24/7. This guide breaks down everything Parivahan Sewa offers, the steps to use it, and answers to common questions. Let’s get started. 

What is Parivahan Sewa?

Launched by the MoRTH, Parivahan Sewa is a digital platform launched in the first half of 2015 as part of the Digital India initiative that provides easy access to all transport-related services available in India. Through integrated systems like Sarathi (for driving licences) and Vahan (for vehicle registration and related services), it functions as a centralised platform linking people with state-specific RTOs.

Parivahan‘s main objectives are to digitise, standardise, and streamline formerly mostly manual RTO online services. This covers registering for new licences, renewing existing ones, changing car ownership, paying road tax, scheduling appointments, and using permit services from the comfort of your own home.

Apart from public use, Parivahan serves as a backend system for RTO online services, handling records, validating applications, and streamlining operations. Parivahan Sewa is a foundation of India’s digitalisation effort in transportation, as it provides a clear and quick experience for both users and administrators. 

Key Services Offered by Parivahan Sewa

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major services you can access through the portal: 

1. Driving licence (DL) Services

A driving licence isn’t just a card; it’s your gateway to hitting the road legally. Parivahan Sewa simplifies the entire lifecycle of a DL, from applying for a learner’s licence to renewing an expired one. 

• New licence: Start with a learner’s licence, which requires passing a basic theory test on road signs and rules. After 30 days, you can apply for a permanent licence by clearing a practical driving test. 
• Renewal: Licences for private vehicles expire after 20 years (or at age 40, whichever comes first), while commercial licences need renewal every 3 years. 
• Duplicate licence: If your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate without visiting the RTO. 
• Address Change: Update your address online without reissuing the entire licence. 

Steps to Avail DL Services:

1. Visit the Parivahan portal (parivahan.gov.in). 
2. Click “Online Services” > “Driving licence Related Services.” 
3. Select your state and service (e.g., “Apply for Learner’s licence”). 
4. Fill the form with personal details (name, DOB, blood group) and upload scanned copies of documents: 
5. ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport). 
6. Proof of address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement). 
7. Medical certificate (for commercial licences or applicants above 40). 
8. Pay fees online: Rs. 200 for a learner’s licence and Rs. 500 for a permanent licence. 
9. Book a slot for the theory or practical test. Use the portal’s mock tests to prepare. 
10. Pass the test, and your licence will be mailed to the address you provided within 3 weeks. Track the status under “Application Details.” 

Keep digital copies of all documents in a folder for quick uploads. Double-check spellings to avoid mismatches with your Aadhaar or PAN details. Similarly, if you wish to get a duplicate licence or simply change your address, follow the same steps until you reach driving licence-related services, and then choose your desired service. 

2. Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, and Parivahan Sewa streamlines these RTO online services for both new and used vehicles. 

• New Registration: When you buy a new vehicle, the dealer often handles the temporary registration. For permanent registration, submit the sale certificate, insurance, and PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate. 
• Transfer of Ownership: Selling your car? Both buyer and seller must submit Form 29 and 30 online, along with a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the financier if the vehicle was under loan. 
• NOC: Required if you’re moving your vehicle to another state permanently. The NOC confirms there are no pending dues or legal issues. 
• Duplicate RC: Apply online if you have lost your RC. You’ll need a copy of the FIR (for theft cases) and an affidavit. 

Steps to Register a Vehicle:

1. Go to the Parivahan portal and select “Vehicle Related Services.” 
2. Choose “New Registration” and enter the vehicle’s chassis number, engine number, and dealer invoice details. 
3. Upload scanned copies of: 
4. Insurance certificate. 
5. PUC certificate. 
6. Address proof of the owner. 
7. Sales certificate from the dealer. 
8. Calculate road tax using the portal’s automated tool (based on vehicle type and state). Pay via UPI, net banking, or card. 
9. Book an appointment for a physical inspection at the RTO (for commercial vehicles or random checks). 
10. Once approved, the RC is mailed within 15 working days. Download a digital copy temporarily from the portal. 

Similarly, you can select other services in the vehicle-related services section according to your needs.

Note: For used vehicles, the buyer must initiate the transfer within 14 days of purchase to avoid penalties. 

3. Permit Services

Permits are essential for commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and taxis, to operate legally and comply with regulations. Parivahan Sewa reduces the hassle of applying for state or national permits. 

• New Permit: Choose from types like national permits (valid across India), tourist permits, or goods carriage permits. 
• Renewal: Permits expire every 5 years. Renewal requires a valid fitness certificate and insurance. 
• Duplicate Permit: Apply with a copy of the FIR (if lost) and an affidavit. 

Steps to Get Permits:

1. Navigate to “Permit Services” on the portal. 
2. Select the permit type (e.g., “National Permit for Trucks”). 
3. Fill in vehicle details (registration number, tonnage) and the owner’s PAN. 
4. Upload: 
5. Fitness Certificate (not older than 6 months). 
6. Insurance papers. 
7. Proof of address for the business. 
8. Pay fees, which vary by state and vehicle type. A national permit costs around Rs. 3,500. 
9. Track approval status online. Once issued, download the permit or collect it from the RTO. 

Ensure your vehicle’s fitness certificate is valid. Expired FCs lead to automatic rejection. 

4. Tax Payments

Road tax is a one-time or annual charge, depending on your state. Parivahan Sewa lets you calculate and pay it online. 

• Road Tax: Calculated based on vehicle type (petrol/diesel), age, and engine capacity. 
• Pending Dues: Check for unpaid taxes using your vehicle’s registration number. Late payments attract a 10% penalty. 

Steps to Pay Road Tax:

1. Under “Vehicle Services,” select “Tax Payment.” 
2. Enter your vehicle’s registration number to fetch details. 
3. Verify the tax amount. For new vehicles, the portal auto-calculates it using the invoice value. 
4. Pay via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card. A 1% convenience fee applies. 
5. Download the receipt and keep it with your registration certificate (RC). 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are eligible for up to 50% tax rebates in some states. Check the portal for green initiatives.  

5. Fitness Certificate (FC)

Commercial vehicles require a fitness certificate every 2 years and annually thereafter. Non-commercial vehicles need it after 15 years. 

• New FC: Book an RTO inspection to check brakes, lights, and emissions. 
• Renewal: Repeat the inspection process before the FC expires. 

Steps for Fitness Certificate:

1. Select “Fitness Certificate” under vehicle services. 
2. Enter your vehicle details and select a time slot for inspection. 
3. Take the vehicle to the RTO. Officials will test: 
4. Brake efficiency. 
5. Emission levels (using a gas analyser). 
6. Functioning headlights and indicators. 
7. If the vehicle passes, pay the fee (Rs. 200–Rs. 500) and download the FC. 
8. If it fails, rectify issues (e.g., replace faulty brakes) and reapply within 7 days. 

Fix minor issues, such as broken taillights, before they become a problem to avoid multiple inspections. 

6. Other Services

• Hypothecation: If your vehicle is under loan, the financier’s details are added to the RC. After repaying the loan, remove the hypothecation online by submitting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the bank. 
• Vehicle Scrapping: Deregister old vehicles (more than 15 years old) through the portal. You’ll receive a scrapping certificate, which is mandatory to avoid penalties. 

• Status Tracking: Use the “Application Status” tab to track licences, permits, or RC approvals in real time. 
• HSRP and Fancy Booking: It even includes premium features like booking a fancy number for your vehicle or applying for an HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate).

Why Use Parivahan Sewa?

Apart from the fact that Parivahan RTO online services have made things digital, here are some key reasons to use this portal: 

• Time-saving: Renewing a driving licence takes 10 minutes online compared to half a day offline. 
• Transparency: Every fee and tax is itemised. No hidden charges. 
• Accessibility: Available in 12 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali. 
• Eco-Friendly: Digital RC books and licences reduce paper waste. 
• 24/7 Availability: No need to wait for RTO working hours. 

Imagine moving from Mumbai to Delhi. Earlier, updating your licence address meant standing in queues at both states’ RTOS. With Parivahan Sewa, you can submit proof of your new address online, and your updated licence will arrive in 2 weeks. 

Summary:

By aggregating necessary RTO online services under one consistent platform, Parivahan Sewa has transformed citizen interaction with RTOs. Everything, whether you’re applying for a driving licence, registering a new car, renewing your registration certificate, or paying road tax, can now be done digitally with just a few clicks. With features like real-time tracking and minimal paperwork hassles, the platform closes the gap between centralised access and state-specific services. Long queues and frequent RTO visits are a thing of the past with Parivahan as the platform saves time, effort, and energy for millions of Indian vehicle owners.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Driver’s License in India – Everything you need to know

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