Citizen FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

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Driving Licence (SARATHI) चालक अनुज्ञप्ति

How can I apply for a Learner's Licence online?

Visit Sarathi portal → Apply for Learner's Licence. Fill Form 2, upload address & age proof (Aadhaar / Passport / Birth Certificate) and Form 1 (Self-Declaration of physical fitness). Pay the fee of ₹200 online. You will be scheduled for an online test based on chapters of the CMV Act. On passing, the Learner's Licence is issued in Form 3 and valid for 6 months.

What is the eligibility age for different vehicle classes?
  • 16 years — Motor cycles without gear ≤ 50 cc (with consent of guardian)
  • 18 years — LMV / Motor cycles with gear
  • 20 years — Transport vehicles / Commercial licence (with 1 year LMV experience)
What is the validity of a Driving Licence?

A DL is valid for 20 years or until the holder attains age 40, whichever is earlier. After 40 it is valid for 10 years up to age 55, then 5 years. Transport vehicle licences are valid for 5 years and renewed after fitness test.

My DL is lost — how do I get a duplicate?

Lodge an FIR at your local police station. Apply online via Sarathi → Duplicate DL (Form LLD), attach the FIR copy & affidavit on ₹10 stamp paper, and pay ₹200. The duplicate is issued within 30 days.

How do I renew my DL after expiry?

DL can be renewed within a grace period of 1 year after expiry without penalty. Beyond that, a late fee of ₹1,000 per year applies. If lapsed more than 5 years, a fresh test is required. Apply through Sarathi → Form 9.

Vehicle Registration (VAHAN) वाहन पंजीकरण

How long is a new RC valid?

Non-transport vehicles: 15 years from date of registration; renewable in blocks of 5 years thereafter. Transport vehicles: as per fitness certificate (max 2 years initially).

What documents are required for new vehicle registration?
  • Form 20 (application) + Form 21 (sale certificate from dealer)
  • Form 22 (roadworthiness from manufacturer)
  • Valid insurance (Form 51 or policy copy)
  • PUC certificate
  • Address proof + ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
  • Invoice with GST, temporary registration (if any)
  • Road tax receipt (varies by State)
How do I transfer ownership when I sell my car?

Seller submits Form 29 (Notice of Transfer) within 14 days. Buyer submits Form 30 (Report of Transfer) within 30 days. If a hypothecation entry exists, the loan must be cleared and Form 35 (Termination) filed with the bank's NOC. Fee = half of the original registration fee.

How do I move my vehicle to another State?

Obtain NOC from parent RTO using Form 28 (validity 6 months). Present it at destination RTO with Form 27 (Application for New Registration Mark), pay applicable road tax, and get a new registration mark of the destination State. Alternatively, if you are a government / PSU / private-sector employee whose office is in ≥4 States, opt for BH-series registration to avoid state re-registration.

eChallan & FASTag ईचालान एवं फास्टैग

How can I pay a challan online?

Use the eChallan Verification page — enter your vehicle number or challan ID, review the offence details, and pay through Bharat Kosh (UPI, Debit Card, Net-Banking). A digitally signed receipt is emailed to you and mirrored on DigiLocker.

My challan is incorrect — how do I contest it?

Every challan carries a "Dispute" option on the eChallan portal. Fill the reason and upload evidence (photos, GPS, invoice) within 15 days. The Regional Transport Officer will review and adjudicate. Alternatively, appear at the designated Virtual / Lok Adalat court on the specified date.

Is FASTag mandatory?

Yes — under Rule 138A of CMVR, FASTag is mandatory for all M & N category four-wheelers registered before 01-Dec-2017 as well as new vehicles. Toll plazas on National Highways levy 2× toll on vehicles entering a FASTag lane without an active tag.

Digital Documents डिजिटल दस्तावेज़

Are DigiLocker / mParivahan documents legally valid?

Yes. Under Rule 139 of CMVR (amended 2018) and Section 4 of the IT Act, 2000, an electronic Driving Licence / RC in DigiLocker or the mParivahan app is treated at par with the original physical document by all enforcement authorities.

How to link my documents to DigiLocker?

Sign in at digilocker.gov.in → Issued Documents → Ministry of Road Transport → select DL / RC → enter number & DOB. The document is pulled from the National Register in real time and stays available offline.