Kerala, often hailed as "God's Own Country," is not just a paradise for tourists but also a haven for driving enthusiasts. From the serene backwaters and hill stations to the bustling urban centers, Kerala offers diverse driving experiences. However, it is important to keep in mind that driving to enjoy the scenic beauty in Kerala should be done responsibly: ; adhering to stringent road safety laws and compliance measures to ensure smooth and safe travel. The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department has a thorough process for issuing driving licences, which comprises online application, issuance of learner’s licence, conducting driving tests and verification of documents. The department has also made the entire process transparent and accessible to all making it very easy for applicants to check their driving licence status online in a matter of minutes. Let’s go through the steps involved in checking your Kerala driving licence application status.
How to Check Driving Licence Status in Kerala
Your Kerala driving licence application status can be checked offline, by visiting the RTO, and online, by using one of the online portals, namely the parivahan website, or the Official Kerala Motor Vehicles Department website.
Following are the step-by-step instructions to check driving licence status in Kerala online:
How to check your DL status on the Sarathi Parivahan Portal?
Step 1: Visit the official Sarathi Parivahan website.
Step 2: Under ‘Online Services’ on the top menu, select “Driving Licence Related Services.”
Step 3: Select Kerala as the state.
Step 4: On the DL services page, click on the “Application Status” box on the top right-hand corner of the menu.
Step 5: Next, enter the details that are asked for, i.e. your application number, your date of birth and the captcha code.
Step 6: Once done, click “Submit”.
Your driving licence application status will be displayed on the screen.
How to check your DL status using the Regional Transport Portal?
Step 1: Head to the official state website of Kerala State Transport Department
Step 2: Scroll down to the item list below and click on “Citizen Corner”. You will be taken to the Citizen Corner page, which shows a list of services offered.
Step 3: On this page, click on the box titled “Licence”. You will be redirected to the Parivahan site’s DL services page.
Step 4: On this page, click on the “Application Status” box on the top right-hand side.
Step 5: Enter your application number, your date of birth and the captcha code given in the box.
Step 6: Click “Submit” after filling in all the information.
Your driving licence application status will be displayed on the screen.
What is a DL Extract and DL Backlog?
DL Extract
A DL Extract is an official document that contains all the information about an individual’s driving licence like the licence number, issuing and validity dates, type of vehicles eligible to be driven, etc. Additionally, it also shows details of any restrictions, penalties or traffic violations incurred by the licence holder. Essentially, a DL Extract is a replica of the smart DL that can be accessed online or printed in paper form. Usually, a DL Extract is needed when applying for an International Driving Permit or submitting auto-insurance claims. To get your DL Extract, you can visit the RTO or access it online through the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the official Sarathi.Parivahan website.
Step 2: Under “Online Services” on the top menu, select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
Step 3: Select Kerala as the state.
Step 4: On the DL services page, click on the “DL Extract” icon.
Step 5: Enter your application number, your date of birth and the captcha code given in the box.
Step 6: After entering the information correctly, click on “Get DL Details”.
Your DL Extract will appear on screen with all the details listed under your driving licence.
DL Backlog
A DL Backlog occurs when an individual’s driving licence has not yet been digitised and any new data needs to be manually entered, causing an accumulation of entries to be processed. The data entry is done by the Transport Department, but the licence holder can resolve the DL Backlogs on their driving licence by visiting the RTO with their official documents for verification.
How to Check the Status of your Duplicate Licence or Licence Renewal in Kerala
In case of loss, theft or damage to their driving licence, applicants can apply for a duplicate driving licence from the Parivahan website. Similarly, if the driving licence is about to expire or has expired, the applicant can apply for renewal of the driving licence. In both the cases, applicants can check the status of their duplicate DL, or DL renewal, on the Parivahan site by following the same steps as before.
Step 1: Go to the official Sarathi.Parivahan website.
Step 2: Under “Online Services” on the top menu, select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
Step 3: Select Kerala as the state
Step 4: On the DL services page, click on the “Application Status” box.
Step 5: Enter your application number, your date of birth and the captcha code.
Step 6: Click Submit.
Your Duplicate DL or DL Renewal status will be displayed on the screen.
Tips for Checking Your DL Status in Kerala
A few important points to remember about DL application status in Kerala are given below:
- The driving licence takes about 30 days from the day of the driving test to be delivered to the applicant’s registered address.
- The RTO usually processes the driving licence within three weeks, and it takes a few additional days for the licence to be delivered.
- RTO rules and protocols are subject to change, so it is advisable for all applicants to keep checking the status of their application regularly
- Applicants can apply for a duplicate DL in Kerala if their driving licence is stolen, lost or misplaced, and they can check the duplicate DL status on the Parivahan site as well
- Applicants can apply for a DL renewal in Kerala if the licence has expired or is about to expire, and the DL renewal status can also be checked online on the Parivahan site
- Once an applicant gets a valid driving licence in Kerala, they can apply for an international driving permit as well
The Bottom Line
We have covered all the important information and the step-by-step guide to check their Kerala driving licence application status, whether applying for a new driving licence, duplicate DL or DL renewal. Keep in mind that the Parivahan website is the official platform for all licence related processes in India and any application or status tracking can be done via this portal.
FAQ
Q. How long does it take to get a driving licence in Kerala?
After clearing the driving test, it usually takes about 30 days for the DL to reach the applicant’s registered address in Kerala. In some cases, the DL may be delayed due to RTO backlog, which is why it is recommended to track the DL status online.
Q. What is the difference between DL and DL extract?
The driving licence (DL) is the official document proof issued by the state transport department that allows individuals to legally drive a passenger vehicle in India. Currently, it is issued in the form of a smart card driving licence (SCDL), although previously issued paper and plastic based DLs are also accepted.
A DL extract is a replica of the DL that contains all the necessary information about the licence holder, including licence number, allowed vehicle types, penalties, violations and more. It can be accessed online through the Parivahan site and printed out. It is often required when applying for an international driving permit or during insurance claims.
Q. For how long is a learner's driving licence valid?
In India, a learner's licence has a validity of 6 months from the date it was issued. A learner’s licence, once expired, is not renewed. The applicant must apply for a new learner’s licence on expiry.
Q. Can I renew a learner's driving licence?
Learner’s licences are not renewed by the transport department. If your learner’s licence expires, you must apply again and a fresh learner’s licence will be provided to you.
Q. Can I reappear for my driving test if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you can get reassessed again in case you fail your first attempt.. You need to reapply for the driving test after a minimum of seven days from the date of your failed attempt. In order to take the driving test again, you also need to pay a fee.
Q. If I have an existing driving licence, how do I check its status?
You can check the status of your Kerala driving licence online either through Sarathi.Parivahan portal or from the official website of Kerala Transport Motor Department.
Q. How do I contact the Kerala Transport Department?
The official helpline number of the Kerala Transport Department can be found on their website. Alternatively, you can visit their registered address, which is 2nd Floor, Trans Tower, CV Raman Pillai Rd, DPI, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695014.
Q. Can I check my Kerala driving licence application status using a mobile app?
Yes, you can use the mParivahan app (NextGen mParivahan, which is the official Parivahan mobile app). This app is available on Android as well as iOS platforms. The steps to check your DL status on the app remain the same as on the website.
Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker?
Given below is a step-by-step guide for downloading your driving licence on DigiLocker:
Step 1: Go to the DigiLocker website or download the app on your phone.
Step 2: Register and create an account using your phone number.
Step 3: In the “Issued Documents” section, click “Driving Licence”.
Step 4: Enter the details asked for, like DL number and issuing RTO.
Step 5: Once your details are verified, your DL will be available for download on the site or app.
Q. If my Kerala driving licence application status is not updated or showing an error, what should I do?
If the status shows an error or is not updated, you can do the following
- Double check the application number as well as the date of birth you entered.
- Clear your browser cache and try again.
- Visit your local RTO for assistance.
Q. Is there a way to receive notifications about the status of my driving licence application?
There is no automatic notification service, although you may receive SMS updates from your RTO from time to time.