Navigating the process of obtaining a driving licence in Maharashtra can seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, it becomes a manageable task. Whether you're a new driver or looking to upgrade your existing licence, understanding the application process is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step procedure for applying for a driving licence in Maharashtra.
Types of driving licences in Maharashtra
Let us first know about the different types of driving licences in Maharashtra. These are categorised based on the types of vehicles and the stage of driving proficiency:
- Learner's licence: Issued for learning purposes, allowing individuals to practice driving under supervision for a specified period before obtaining a permanent DL.
- Permanent driving licence: Issued after successfully passing the driving test and fulfilling other requirements, allowing individuals to drive vehicles independently.
- Commercial driving licence: Issued for driving vehicles for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or passengers. A commercial driving licence is mandatory for driving vehicles with a seating capacity of 8 or more people.
- International driving permit: It is a legal document that allows the holder to drive in foreign countries. To get this permit, you need to submit an application at the local RTO and must have a valid permanent driver's licence.
Driving licence categories and vehicle classes
The table below specifies the different licence categories and the class of vehicles those licence holders are eligible to drive.
Category of Licence |
Licence Class |
Type of Vehicle |
Learner’s Licence/Permanent Driving Licence |
MC 50CC (Motorcycle 50cc) |
Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less |
MCWOG |
Motorcycles with any engine capacity, but without gears, including mopeds and scooters |
|
LMV
|
Light motor vehicles that are used for non-transport/transport purposes |
|
MC EX50CC (Motorcycles with a capacity of 50CC or more) |
Motorcycles with gear, Motorcycles with a capacity of 50CC or more |
|
MC With Gear or M/CYCL.WG (Motorcycle with Gear) |
All motorcycles with gear |
|
Commercial Driving Licence |
MGV |
For medium goods vehicle |
LMV |
For light goods vehicle |
|
HMV |
For heavy motor vehicles |
|
HGMV |
For heavy goods motor vehicle |
|
HPMV/HTV |
Heavy passenger motor vehicle/Heavy transport vehicle |
|
Trailer |
A heavy vehicle driving licence holder can apply for a heavy trailer licence |
How to apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra
The process to apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra involves either visiting RTO Maharashtra or applying online through the Parivahan Sewa portal. The process broadly involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, scheduling a driving test, and passing the examination.
Online process
- Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
- Select the state as Maharashtra.
- Choose the option ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
- Fill out the applicant details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Upload a photo and signature if required (applicable for some states).
- Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for some states).
- Pay the required fee.
- Carry the original documents and the receipt of the fee payment when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
- Pass the driving test to obtain a driving licence.
Offline process
- Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
- Your application is verified and processed.
- Once verified, schedule a slot for the driving test.
- Pass the driving test to get the driving licence.
Eligibility for driving licence in Maharashtra
To be eligible for a driving licence in Maharashtra, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Vehicle Type |
Eligibility Criteria |
Cars and Motorcycles with Gear |
|
Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc) |
|
Heavy Commercial Vehicles |
|
Booking appointment for driving licence test
Online process
- Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
- Select your state of residence.
- Choose the option ‘Apply for Driving Licence’.
- Fill out the applicant details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Upload a photo and signature if required.
- Book your driving licence test slot.
- Pay the required fee.
- Carry the original documents and the receipt of the fee payment when you visit the RTO for your driving test.
Offline process
- Visit the nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office).
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required documents.
- Your application is verified and processed.
- Once verified, schedule a slot for the driving test.
Documents needed for obtaining a driving licence in Maharashtra
To qualify for the driving licence exam and apply for a permanent driving licence in Maharashtra, you must have the following documents:
- A valid learner's licence.
- All necessary documents of the vehicle intended for the driving test, including Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, Tax Card, and PUC Certificate.' For transport vehicles, you will need the Fitness Certificate and other relevant documents.
- If testing with a transport vehicle, a certificate in form CMV 5 issued by your Driving Training School is required.
- A duly filled application form.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
Fees for driving licence in Maharashtra
The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Maharashtra are given in the table below:
Service Type |
Fee (in Rs.) |
Learner’s licence test fee |
50 |
Learner’s licence issuance |
151 |
Permanent driving licence issuance |
716 |
Duplicate driving licence issuance |
216 |
International driving permit issuance |
1,000 |
Permanent Driving licence renewal |
416 |
Adding another class to the DL |
1,016 |
How to check DL status online
Checking the status of your driving licence (DL) application in Maharashtra online is a simple and convenient process. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official Parivahan website (https://parivahan.gov.in/) or your state's transport department website.
- Navigate to the ‘Online Services’ menu and select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.
- Select the state where the licence is registered.
- Select the ‘Application Status’ option at the top of the page.
- Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code and click on ‘Submit’.
- The website will display the status of your DL application, indicating whether it is under processing, approved, dispatched, or pending verification.
How to enquire about your DL status offline
If you prefer to enquire about your driving licence (DL) status through offline channels, you can
- Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) or contact the RTO helpline for assistance
- Provide your DL application number and other relevant details to inquire about the status of your DL application.
Driving licence test procedure in Maharashtra
The driving licence test is conducted as per rule 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Here’s the procedure for the driving licence test in Maharashtra:
For four-wheelers:
- Involves a ground test and a road test.
- In the ground test, you will need to drive along the marked ‘straight T’ line and then a ‘U’ turn.
- In the road test, you will have to drive in real-life road conditions and your knowledge about traffic rules and regulations will be tested.
- A Motor Vehicle Inspector will conduct the tests. In case the inspector is not satisfied, you will have to reappear for the test.
For two-wheelers and three-wheelers:
- In the ground test, you need to ride along the marked figure of ‘8’.
- Like the four-wheeler test, the road test will check if you comply with traffic rules and regulations while riding.
- In case the Motor Vehicle Inspector is not satisfied with your knowledge and skills, you will have to reappear for the test.
You need to prepare yourself thoroughly with the driving test procedure to increase your chances of passing the test and obtaining your driving licence.
How to change the address on a driving licence online in Maharashtra
Here is a step-by-step guide to changing the address on your driving licence in Maharashtra online:
- Go to the Parivahan portal: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ to initiate the process.
- Navigate to ‘Driving Licence Related Services’: On the homepage, click on ‘Online Services’ from the top menu and then select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.
- Choose your state: Choose the concerned state from the drop-down menu.
- Click on ‘Apply for Change of Address’: Select the option ‘Apply for Change of Address’ and click on ‘Continue’.
- Enter details: Enter your driving licence number and date of birth and click on ‘Get DL Details’.
- Confirm the details: Check and confirm the DL details mentioned.
- Select state and RTO: Once, you verify the details, select the ‘State’ and the ‘RTO’ and click on ‘Proceed’.
- Select ‘Change of Address on DL’: Next, add the required details and check the box against ‘Change of address on DL’.
- Make the required changes: Now, you can make the changes needed and confirm. Enter the captcha code and proceed.
- Pay the fees: Pay the required fees to complete the procedure.
How to change the address on a driving licence in Maharashtra offline
Follow these steps to change the address on your driving licence in Maharashtra offline:
- Visit your nearest RTO: Locate and visit your nearest RTO which issued your driving licence.
- Get the address change form: Download the form from the Parivahan portal or get it from the RTO.
- Submit the required documents: Fill out the form and submit the required documents at the RTO.
- Get the documents verified: An RTO officer will verify your documents.
- Make the payment: Pay the prescribed fee at the counter. Collect the receipt for the fee payment for future reference.
You will receive your driving licence with the updated address within 30 days of submitting the application.
Documents needed for change of address in driving licence
Here is the list of documents you will need to change the address on your driving licence.
- Application in Form 33
- Certificate of registration
- Proof of new address
- Valid insurance certificate
- Pollution Under Control certificate
- No Objection Certificate from financier (in case of hypothecation)
- Smart card fee
- Attested copy of PAN card or Form 60 and Form 61 (as applicable)
- Chassis and engine pencil print (in some states)
- Signature identification of owner (in some states)
How to make corrections in driving licence in Maharashtra online
Here is a step-by-step guide to making corrections to your driving licence:
- Go to the Parivahan portal: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/ to initiate the process.
- Navigate to ‘Driving Licence Related Services’: On the homepage, click on ‘Online Services’ from the top menu and then select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.
- Choose your state: Choose the concerned state from the drop-down menu.
- Go to ‘Services on DL’: Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence’ section in the top menu and select the ‘Services on DL’ option.
- Verify details: Next, click on the ‘Continue’ button and you will see the applicant details. Verify the details.
- Select state and RTO: Once, you verify the details, select the ‘State’ and the ‘RTO’ and click on ‘Proceed’.
- Verify your address: Your registered address will be displayed. Click on ‘Confirm’.
- Complete e-KYC authentication: Provide your registered mobile number and provide OTP. Then tap ‘Authenticate with Sarathi’.
- Choose the options where you need to change the details: Choose the options for which you will be changing the details and proceed.
- Make the required changes: Now, you can make the changes needed and confirm. Enter the captcha code and proceed.
- Upload photos and other documents: Now, you need to upload your photos, signature and other documents as needed.
- Pay the fees: Pay the required fees to complete the procedure.
How to make corrections in driving licence in Maharashtra offline
Here’s how you can correct your driving licence details offline:
- Visit your nearest RTO: Locate and visit your nearest RTO which issued your driving licence.
- Get approval for changes: A designated officer will provide approval for the request of updating your name/address or other changes you need to make to the driving licence.
- Submit the required documents: Gather and submit the required documents.
- Make the payment: Pay the prescribed fee at the counter. Collect the receipt for the fee payment for future reference.
- Submit details: The RTO officials will capture your photograph, signature, and fingerprint.
You will receive your updated driving licence at your registered address.
How to renew a driving licence in Maharashtra
Your driving licence needs to be renewed on or after the expiry of its validity. A driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or till you turn 50 years of age, whichever happens earlier. For a commercial licence, the licence must be renewed after every three years.
Documents required to renew your driving licence
You will need the following documents to renew your DL in Maharashtra:
For permanent driving licence:
- Form No.9
- Recent passport-size photograph (2 copies)
- Original driving licence
- Valid proof of age and residence (self-attested)
- Renewal fees
- Valid medical certificate in form No.1A (for applicants above 40 years old)
For commercial driving licence:
- All the documents as required for a permanent driving licence.
- Driver refreshing training certificate (for HMV).
- Short refresher training course (other commercial vehicles).
Steps to renew DL in Maharashtra
Offline process
Here are the steps to renew the DL in Maharashtra offline:
- Visit the nearest RTO.
- Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can download them on the Parivahan portal.
- Submit the forms along with the required documents.
- Pay the fees and retain the receipt.
- After verification, the driving licence will be sent to the registered address.
Online
Here are the steps to renew driving licence in Maharashtra online:
- Visit the Parivahan website.
- Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage.
- Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered.
- Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
- Enter details such as the date of birth, driving licence number, and captcha code.
- Select ‘Get DL Details’ and choose the licence category, RTO, and state.
- Select ‘Proceed’ and choose the ‘DL Renewal’ option.
- Submit the online form along with the relevant documents and download the receipt.
- Visit your nearest RTO and submit the relevant documents. After verification, the DL will be sent to the registered address.
Driving licence and motor insurance – essential requirements for vehicle owners
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