In a country like India, where roads connect cities, towns, and villages to one another, a driving license is not merely an official document. It’s a ticket to freedom and mobility. Seeking a driving license is now simpler with the government’s inclination towards digitization. However, once your application is submitted, the wait raises several questions in your mind: “Has it gone through? Has it been dispatched? What is the DL status?”.
That is where online status tracking comes in. Courtesy of initiatives by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), it is possible to now verify the status of one’s driving license online without visiting the RTO. This blog will guide you step by step through the entire process of verifying your driving license status online, understanding different phases of status, rectifying common issues, and ensuring a hassle-free follow-up.
Why You Should Check Your Driving License Status Online
The process of applying for a driving license involves several steps, ranging from document submission to passing tests. Having done this, it is necessary to follow up on the application’s status. This is why:
- Peace of Mind and Transparency
No more guessing whether your application is pending or in process. Web portals provide you with the status in real time. - Time-Saving
A few clicks on the official portal can spare you from countless trips to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). - Early Identification of Problems
If there is an error or an incomplete document, you will be able to correct the errors instead of waiting for a longer duration. - Required for Future Reference
Knowing the status is also important if you’re applying for an international driving permit or need to show license status for job applications.
Official Websites to Check DL Status in India
India’s digital infrastructure for vehicle-related services is robust and user-friendly. You can use the following two portals to check your driving license status online:
- Sarathi Parivahan Portal – Managed by MoRTH, this is the primary portal for driving license services.
Website: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in - Parivahan Sewa Portal – A centralized portal for all transport-related services. Website: https://parivahan.gov.in
Both portals are linked and offer the same status information, though the Sarathi portal is often more focused on licensing.
Check Driving License Status via mParivahan & DigiLocker Apps
Apart from the Sarathi and Parivahan portals, you can also complete your driving license status check online using government mobile apps.
- mParivahan: Allows you to view your DL details, track application status, and even carry a digital copy of your license.
- DigiLocker: Once your DL is approved, you can download a digital copy that is legally valid across India.
Both apps are directly linked to MoRTH databases, making them reliable alternatives to web portals.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Verify Driving License Status Online
You can proceed with the driving license status check by following this process on both portals.
Method 1: Using Sarathi Parivahan Portal
- Visit the official website
Go to the Sarathi Parivahan website - Select your state
This is important since services are state-specific. Click on your application state. - Click on ‘Application Status’
This is available on the ‘Apply Online’ page. - Enter the necessary details
– Application number
– Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
– Captcha code - Submit
Click on ‘Submit’ to view the status of your DL application.
Method 2: Via Parivahan Sewa Portal
- Visit parivahan.gov.in
- Choose ‘Driving License Related Services’
- Choose your state
- On the state RTO page, click on ‘Application Status’
- Enter your application number, DOB, and captcha
- Click on ‘Submit’
Tracking International Driving Permit (IDP) Status
If you have applied for an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can also check its application status through such portals. On the Sarathi website, all you need to do is select your state and “Application Status” under services, and then enter your application number. This is useful if you have travel plans abroad soon and need to furnish proof of your permit.
Interpreting DL Application Status Terminology
When you look at your DL status, these are some of the words you are reading and what they signify:
- Pending for Approval – Your papers are under consideration.
- Approved – Your license is approved and will be printed.
- Dispatched – Your license has been posted to your address.
- Rejected – Something has gone wrong. You will have to re-apply or call the RTO.
- Test Scheduled – Driving test has been booked.
- Awaiting Fee Payment – Your application is incomplete pending fee payment.
State-Level Differences in DL Status Check
While the overall process of checking DL status online is standardised by MoRTH, some states have slightly different interfaces or extra features. For example:
- Some states send regular SMS alerts about status updates.
- Some states integrate DL tracking directly with their state transport websites
If you see a different layout or extra options on your state portal, don’t worry the steps remain the same.
Papers required to confirm DL Status
Although status check just requires your DOB and your application number, it helps to have each of these supporting documents on hand:
- Application Number (check your receipt)
- Date of Birth proof
- Aadhaar Card (sometimes required for verification)
- Registered Mobile Number (for SMS notification or OTP)
Common Issues During DL Status Check
While conducting a driving license status check online, you can encounter these issues:
- Application Not Found – Ensure that you have provided the right application number and DOB. Also, ensure that you are on the right state portal.
- Server Error or Website Down – This usually happens during rush hours or maintenance. Try later.
- Status Not Updating – Occasionally, the portal may take time to reflect updates made by your RTO. If it has been over 7 days, contact your local RTO.
What to Do If Your DL is Delayed or Lost in Transit
Here’s what you can do if your DL is delayed or lost while in transit:
Step 1: Visit Your RTO – Approach in person to ask if the delay has exceeded 30 days.
Step 2: Submit a Grievance Online – Utilize the Parivahan grievance redressal system.
Step 3: Follow up via Speed Post – After sending, your DL is generally sent through speed post. Trace through the tracking ID obtained through SMS.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Driving License?
Overall, the entire process of getting a driving license in India is a simple process. Once the learner’s license test is cleared, the learner’s license typically gets issued within 1 to 2 days. Then, the candidate has to wait for 30 days or more before he or she can book a driving test slot for the permanent license.
Once the driving test is cleared, the permanent driving license typically gets issued within 2 to 3 weeks. Provided all documents are in order and no delays occur, the whole process from the learner’s license to the permanent one is over in 45 to 60 days.
Benefits of Online DL Status Check
As online operations are streamlined, it is now a simple and quick method of checking your driving license status online. Not only does it keep you informed, but also puts you on the right path with the whole application process.
- Saves Time: No need to visit the RTO multiple times.
- Accessible 24/7: Check from anywhere, anytime.
- Error Resolution: Fix issues before they escalate.
- SMS Alerts: Many states offer updates via SMS.
Other Services on Parivahan & Sarathi Portals
These portals are not limited to status checking. You can also:
- Apply for a fresh license
- Book driving test
- Apply for duplicate/missing DL
- Renew your license
- Update name or address
- Download virtual DL
Using DL Status Check for Renewal & Validity
The driving license status check online is not limited to new applications. It can also help you:
- Verify the validity and expiry date of your license.
- Confirm if your renewal application has been processed.
- Track whether your renewed DL has been dispatched.
This makes the status check an all-in-one tool for both new and existing licence holders.
Conclusion
In a country as big and populous as India, transport service digitization has been a boon. Being able to verify your driving license status online not only provides peace of mind but also saves time, effort, and unnecessary delays. Whether you are a first-time applicant, a renewal applicant for your license, or just want to know the status of your application, the Parivahan and Sarathi websites are your best options.
Bookmark them, have your application number ready, and keep visiting. Remember, your driving license is your ticket to freedom on the road. Keep yourself well-informed at all times.
FAQs on Driving License Status Check Online
How soon after applying can I do a driving license status check online?
You can usually track your application on the Sarathi or Parivahan portal using “Application Status” after submission. Initial updates appear once the RTO records your application.
Can I track my driving license delivery status by Speed Post?
Yes, once your DL is dispatched, the Parivahan portal often updates with the Speed Post tracking ID, which you can use on the India Post website to track delivery.
Is it possible to check DL status without an application number?
No, the application number is mandatory for a driving license status check online. However, you can retrieve the number from your Sarathi acknowledgement/receipt.
Can I track my international driving permit (IDP) status the same way?
Yes, both Sarathi and Parivahan portals allow you to track the application and approval status of international driving permits in the same section as regular DL status.
Why does my DL status show “printing” for a long time?
This status means your driving license card has been approved and is in the printing queue. Sometimes, state RTOs experience delays. If the status doesn’t change, follow up with your RTO.
Will I get SMS alerts while doing a driving license status check online?
In most states, you may get SMS notifications about your DL application progress. Ensure your mobile number is correctly linked when you apply.
What should I do if my driving license status says ‘rejected’?
If your DL status shows “rejected,” check the rejection reason online or at the RTO. Common reasons include missing documents or failed test attempts. You’ll need to correct the issue and reapply with a fresh application.
