Got a new truck, taxi, or van and ready to hit the road? Not quite yet! Before your car goes out on the road for work, you’ll need a legal permit.
Whether you’re moving goods, ferrying people, or working across states, a permit is the key to it all. Thanks to services like Parivahan, obtaining one is significantly simpler than it was before.
This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for a vehicle permit online, the necessary documents, tracking your application and how to proceed if you want to apply offline.
What Is a Vehicle Permit?
A vehicle permit is a formal permission from the transport department granted to a vehicle to operate for commercial use. It specifies how and where the vehicle is allowed (in a particular state or throughout India), for what it is permitted to transport (goods or people), and for how long.
Permits are necessary for:
- Goods transport vehicles (trucks, vans)
- Passenger vehicles (taxis, buses)
- School or company transport (contract carriage)
Driving unlicensed? You are liable to incur a heavy penalty or, worse still, have your car impounded.
Types of Vehicle Permits
Below are the most popular types of permits issued through the Parivahan portal:
| Permit Type | Who It’s For | Where It Applies |
| Goods Carrier Permit | Trucks, goods vans | Within a state or nationwide |
| National Permit | Long-distance goods vehicles | Across multiple states |
| Tourist Permit | Tourist buses, taxis | Intercity/interstate |
| Contract Carriage Permit | Company buses, school vans | Fixed passenger contracts |
| Stage Carriage Permit | Buses operating on fixed public routes | Regional or city-based |
If in doubt, most new commercial vehicle buyers will start by applying for a national permit or for a goods carriage permit.
How to Apply for a New Vehicle Permit Online
Let’s go through how to apply through the Parivahan portal, which links to the Vahan system based on your state.
Step-by-Step Process for Vehicle Permit Application Online
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to parivahan.gov.in
- Click on ‘Online Services’ > ‘Permit Services’: You will be directed to the Vahan page, where you will proceed with the application.
- Select Your State and RTO: Select the RTO in which your vehicle is registered.
- Choose the Permit Type: Select the type of permit you wish to apply for — for instance, a new permit for a vehicle, such as a Parivahan option like a “goods carriage national permit.”
- Enter Vehicle Details: Enter your vehicle’s registration number, chassis number, engine number, and owner’s PAN.
- Upload Required Documents: You will usually need to upload:
- RC (Registration Certificate)
- Fitness Certificate (valid)
- Insurance certificate
- Road tax receipt
- Identity and address proof
- Pay the Permit Fee: The cost is based on the class of the permit and the type of vehicle. A national permit will cost approximately ₹3,500, although this will vary from state to state.
- Submit the Application: Once you make payment, your application will be submitted for processing.
How to Track Your Application Status
Once applied for, you can also check the status quite effortlessly using the Vahan permit status tool:
- Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Click on “Status” from the top menu
- Choose “Know Your Application Status”
- Enter your application number
- Click Submit to view updates
It keeps you in the loop about approvals or the need for further action.
How to Download a Vehicle Permit Online
Once you get your permit approved, here is how you download your online vehicle permit:
- Please visit the website of Vahan
- Choose “Permit” from the menu
- Click on “Print Permit”
- Enter your vehicle number and application number
- Click Submit and download your permit PDF
This soft copy is acceptable for most roadside checks and inspections.
How to Apply for a Vehicle Permit Offline
Want to do it the traditional way? Here’s how a vehicle permit application process offline works:
- Visiting Your RTO: Proceed to the RTO where your car is registered.
- Gather and complete the Application Form: Request the Form 46 (for permits at the national level) or the particular form for your type of permit.
- Attach Needed Documents:
These typically are:
- RC
- Insurance
- Fitness Certificate
- Identification proof and address proof
- Tax payment receipt
- Pay at the Counter: Cash, demand draft, or card is accepted (as may be specified by the RTO).
- Receive an Acknowledgement Receipt: After processing, either your permit will be printed at the RTO or it will be sent to your address by post.
Vehicle Permit Details Online: What to Double-Check
When completing your application, be sure to:
- Verify vehicle information, including chassis and engine numbers.
- Make sure your insurance and fitness documents are current.
- Use the same address as your registered RC.
Any disparity will impede your application or trigger rejections.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are transporting goods from one state to another or transporting people within your town, your commercial vehicle must be duly authorised to perform either task.
The silver lining? Websites like Parivahan keep the application for a vehicle permit straightforward, hassle-free, and transparent. And if you’d rather stick to filling forms, the offline option is still an option as well.
From monitoring your Vahan permit status to the process of downloading a vehicle permit online, you now have the complete picture. Time to get rolling, lawfully and confidently.
FAQs
Q. Can I use one vehicle permit for multiple vehicles under the same owner?
No, each vehicle used for commercial purposes must have its own separate permit. Permits are non-transferable and vehicle specific.
Q. What is the validity period of a national vehicle permit in India?
A national permit is typically valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed. Renewal can also be done online via the Parivahan portal.
Q. Is it mandatory to have a fitness certificate before applying for a vehicle permit?
Yes, a valid Fitness Certificate (FC) is mandatory. Without it, your application for a vehicle permit will not be accepted.
Q. What happens if I drive a commercial vehicle without a valid permit?
Driving a commercial vehicle without a valid permit can result in heavy penalties, vehicle impoundment, and even cancellation of registration in some cases.
Q. Can I apply for both online and offline permits at the same time?
No, you must choose one mode of application—either online through Parivahan/Vahan or offline at your RTO. Duplicate applications may lead to rejection or delay.
