Your driving licence is the key to your independence and mobility on the roads. Driving without one will inevitably lead to a higher chance of accidents, chaos at every corner, speed limit breaches, and an absolute mockery of law and order.
Fortunately, our government mandates a driving licence for anyone who drives a motor vehicle. Driving licences aim at ensuring legal compliance, safety, and responsible driving. If you have a valid driving licence, you can drive to places confidently without any hindrances.
So, if you’re all set to get a licence, here’s how you can make the wait less excruciating and check your driving licence status online in Maharashtra.
How to check driving licence application status online in Maharashtra?
There are two ways to check your driving licence application status online:
- Using the Sarathi Parivahan portal
- Using the State Transport Official Website
Here’s how you can check your DL status on the Sarathi Parivahan Portal:
Step 1 : Visit the official Parivahan website https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.
Step 2 : You will be redirected to the Sarathi Parivahan portal. Here, select “Driving Licence Related Services.”
Step 3 : Select your state.
Step 4 : After viewing the available options, click on “Application Status.”
Step 5 : Enter your application number, date of birth and captcha code.
Step 6 : Click on submit and your application status will appear on your screen.
Here’s how you can check your DL status using the Regional Transport Portal:
Step 1 : Visit the Maharashtra Regional Transport website, select “Citizen Service” from the main menu and choose Learner’s Permit. Click on “Apply Online.”
Step 2 : This will redirect you to the Sarathi Parivahan portal.
Step 3 : Click on “Application Status.”
Step 4 : Enter your application number, date of birth and captcha code.
Step 5 : Click on submit and your application status will appear on your screen.
What is a DL Extract and DL Backlog?
DL Extract is the process of verification of driving licences for use abroad. This is a Verification Letter/NOC to permit the use of an Indian driving licence abroad.
Note: If you wish to apply for a DL extract or check the status of your application, you can visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and view the same using the abovementioned steps.
A Driver's Licence Backlog is when manual data needs to be entered since it hasn’t been digitised yet. While the Transport Department completes such data entry at its end, you can contact the Zonal Office/Transport Department to get your DL data entered.
Note: If you wish to get your DL Backlog data entered into the digital records, you will need to visit the Transport Department office with your official documents for verification.
Tips for checking your DL status in Maharashtra
Here are some tips to help you check the status of your driving licence in Maharashtra:
- Receiving a driving licence can take about 30 days from the date of the driving test.
- The RTO issues your driving licence within three weeks and delivers it to your registered poster address.
- The rules and regulations of the RTO may change frequently so it is ideal to check the status regularly.
- It is important to note the expiry date of the driving licence and file a renewal application before the expiry date.
- To get a driving licence, you must have a learner’s licence first. You will not be allowed to apply for a DL without a learner’s licence.
- You can apply for a duplicate driving licence if and when the licence is damaged, lost, stolen, or torn.
- Anyone with a valid driving licence can apply for an international driving licence and it can be used to drive a vehicle in almost any country.
Things to know about driving licences in India
Here are some facts that every licence holder in India must know:
- A driving licence is valid for a maximum of 20 years from the date of the issuance or until the applicant is 50 years of age. When renewing an expired driving licence, the old licence is seized and the renewed one is issued on the same day. In case it is not provided instantly, the applicant can check the status online using the renewal number on the form.
- It takes an average of about 30 days from the date of clearing the driving licence test for the RTO to deliver the driving licence to the registered address.
- If the driving licence is stolen, misplaced, or damaged extensively, the holder can apply for a duplicate driving licence from the RTO. In this case, the applicant can check the driving licence status once all documentation is complete.
- If you cannot find any information online while checking your driving licence status, you can reach out to your nearest RTO for more information.
FAQs
Q. How long does it take to get a driving licence in Maharashtra?
It takes 30 days to get your driving licence after the date of the driving test. You can start checking your driving licence status two weeks after clearing your driving test in Maharashtra.
Q. What is the difference between DL and DL extract?
A DL is a regular licence that permits you to drive anywhere in India, whereas a DL extract is a verification letter for your driving licence that may be required when you visit a foreign country to prove that you hold a valid DL.
Q. Is there any fee to check the driving licence status?
There is no fee to access the website or check driving licence status.
Q. Can I drive on public roads with a learner's driving licence?
Yes, you can drive on public roads with a learner's driving licence. However, you must be accompanied by someone carrying a permanent/valid driving licence.
Q. For how long is a learner's driving licence valid?
A learner's driving licence is valid for 6 months or 180 days. However, the licence holder must apply for a permanent driving licence after 30 days and before 180 days from the date of issuance of the learner's licence.
Q. Can I renew a learner's driving licence?
Yes, a learner's driving licence can be renewed if it expires.
Q. Can I reappear for my driving test if I fail on the first attempt?
Yes, you can reappear for your driving test after 7 days of your first attempt.
Q. What is the legal age for driving in India?
The legal age for driving a geared vehicle is 18 years, while the legal age for driving non-geared vehicles is 16 years.
Q. If I have an existing driving licence, how do I check its status?
You can check the status of your existing driving licence here.
Q. How do I download my driving licence on DigiLocker?
Here’s how you can download your driving licence on DigiLocker:
Step 1: Visit the https://www.digilocker.gov.in/ or app and sign up.
Step 2: Select “Get more Issued Documents” from the “Issued Documents” menu. Click on “Pull documents”.
Step 3: Select “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways” under “Central Government”.
Step 4: Click on “Driving Licence” under “Document Type”. Enter your details: name, date of birth, and driving licence number. Click on “Get Document.” This will download your DL on your phone.
