Using DigiLocker, the mParivahan app, or the Parivahan portal, you can download your driving licence for free in minutes as an electronic driving licence (e-DL). It's valid under the law and treated the same as your physical copy, so you can show it at a traffic stop or use it as ID proof.
This guide outlines all three official methods on your phone, how to download by DL number or mobile number, what to do when your licence doesn't show up, and how to get a printed PVC card.
Driving Licence Download: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Document | Digital driving licence (e-DL), PDF format |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) / your State RTO |
| Where to download | DigiLocker · mParivahan app · Parivahan portal |
| Fee to download | Free (₹0) |
| What you need | DL number + date of birth (and a mobile number for OTP) |
| Time to download | Instant, once your DL is issued and in the database |
| Legal validity | Equal to the physical DL under Rule 139 of the CMVR |
Is a Downloaded e-Driving Licence Legally Valid?
The Driving License you have downloaded from either DigiLocker or mParivahan will still be valid and accepted by all Traffic Police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials in the entire country regardless of whether it is stored electronically or other means. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, through its notification dated 8 August 2018, reinforced that any document presented through either DigiLocker or mParivahan is considered as valid as the original.
Regulations 139 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 provides for that protection; however, it is critical you continue to show the live document in the App and not an image or screenshot of it. If presented with a screenshot, an Officer cannot use it as a basis of consideration during an inspection since they must be able to compare your data with the Government's live database during an inspection using a real-time verification methodology.
How Do I Download My Driving Licence from DigiLocker?
DigiLocker pulls your licence straight from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways database, so the copy is genuine and verifiable. You can access your licence by following the steps below:
- Open the DigiLocker portal or install the DigiLocker app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Sign up or log in using your mobile number and Aadhaar, then set your 6-digit security PIN.
- In the search bar, type Driving Licence, or browse to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under issued documents.
- Select Driving Licence, enter your DL number and date of birth, and tap Get Document.
- Your e-DL is saved under Issued Documents. Open it and use the download icon to save the PDF to your phone.
After it's saved, the licence stays in your DigiLocker account and you can open it any time, even offline.
How Do I Download My Driving Licence on the mParivahan App?
You can download your driving licence through the mParivahan app on your phone. Just go through these steps:
- Install mParivahan from the Google Play Store (search "mParivahan NIC eGov") or the App Store.
- Register with your mobile number and verify the OTP.
- Set your account PIN, then open the Driving Licence section.
- Tap Add / Get DL Details, enter your DL number, and confirm.
- The app fetches your licence from the database and adds it to your Virtual DL, which you can view and download.
The mParivahan copy is the one most traffic officers ask for during a roadside check, so keeping it saved on your phone is handy.
How Do I Download My Driving Licence PDF from Parivahan?
Parivahan is the RTO's own website. It's useful if you want to view your licence details or reach the download service directly. Here's how to access it:
- Go to the Parivahan portal and open the Online Services menu.
- Choose Driving Licence Related Services and select your state.
- Under services, look for Print Driving Licence or DL download.
- Enter your DL number, date of birth, and the captcha, then submit.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, and download the PDF.
For a full walkthrough of the RTO portal and its many services, see the step-by-step Sarathi Parivahan Sewa guide.
Can I Download My Driving Licence by Mobile Number Instead of DL Number?
Not directly, but there's a workaround. DigiLocker, mParivahan, and Parivahan all need your DL number and date of birth to fetch the licence; there is no "download by mobile number" option on the official portals. Your mobile number is only used to receive the OTP for login.
If you don't have your DL number to hand, first find it using the driving licence status check, which lets you look up your licence details, then use that number to download the e-DL.
Why Is My Driving Licence Not Showing Up for Download?
A missing license may be due to a data problem rather than an issue with the application itself. This document provides some typical examples for lost licenses and how to fix or resolve them.
- DL just issued: A new licence can take a few days to reflect in the central database. Wait and try again.
- Wrong details: Re-check the DL number format and date of birth; even one wrong digit blocks the fetch.
- Old paper licence: Very old licences may not be digitised. Contact your RTO to get the record updated.
- State not migrated: A few state records are still syncing to the national database, so try both DigiLocker and Parivahan.
If your address or other details on the licence are outdated, update them first through the driving licence address change service before downloading a fresh copy.
How Do I Get a Printed PVC Driving Licence?
If you print the PDF version of your e-DL, it acts as a reference; however, it does not count as a smart-chip card. If you want a durable, wallet-size PVC card, you can apply for one and have it delivered. Explore the instant PVC card print and delivery service to order a physical copy of your licence.
Remember, for legal purposes the live digital DL in the app is enough; the PVC card is mainly for convenience and durability.
Where Does Jaagruk Bharat Fit In?
Jaagruk Bharat is a private helpdesk that makes government processes simpler to follow. The actual download and any card issuance always happen on the official government platforms, DigiLocker, mParivahan, and Parivahan, run by MoRTH. You can browse related how-tos in the government ID cards hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading a driving licence online free?
Yes, downloading your e-DL is completely free on DigiLocker, mParivahan, and Parivahan. You never pay to fetch or save the PDF. A fee applies only if you order a physical PVC card or apply for a duplicate licence, which is a separate paid RTO service.
Can I use the downloaded DL PDF during a traffic check?
Yes, but open it live inside the DigiLocker or mParivahan app rather than showing a saved screenshot. Officers verify the digital licence against the government database in real time, and a screenshot or plain printout may not be accepted as proof on the spot.
How long does it take for a new licence to appear for download?
Usually a few working days after your licence is issued. The record has to sync from your RTO to the central MoRTH database before DigiLocker or mParivahan can fetch it. If it's still missing after a week, contact your RTO to confirm the entry.
Do I need Aadhaar to download my driving licence?
For DigiLocker, yes, since sign-up links to your Aadhaar and mobile number. On mParivahan you register with your mobile number and OTP, and then fetch the DL using your DL number and date of birth, so Aadhaar is not strictly required there.
What is the difference between an e-DL and a PVC driving licence?
An e-DL is the digital PDF you download and show on your phone, legally valid on its own. A PVC licence is the physical smart-chip card mailed to you. Both are official; the e-DL is instant and free, while the PVC card is ordered separately for convenience.
Can I download my driving licence if I lost the physical card?
Yes. As long as your DL is in the database, you can download the e-DL even if the card is lost, using your DL number and date of birth. If you don't remember the number, look it up first through the DL status check, then fetch the digital copy.
