Driving License - Maharashtra

When obtaining a Maharashtra state motor driving license, you can choose the type of driving licence you need, as per the type of vehicle you own and drive. These are the different types of driving licences that can be issued in Maharashtra:

Transport Vehicles

**If you want to drive a commercial vehicle/goods carriage or any similar vehicle, this is the type of license you need to apply for. Transport vehicle driving licences further comprise:

Light Motor Vehicles Auto-rickshaws, delivery vans and jeeps fall under the category of light motor vehicles.

Medium Passenger Vehicles This type of licence is issued if you want to drive passenger vehicles like minivans and other similar vehicles that ferry passengers.

Heavy Passenger Vehicles This type of licence will be issued if you want to drive a heavy passenger vehicle, such as a large bus that carries passengers.

Medium Goods Vehicles Under this category of vehicles, you can get a license for delivery vans, tempos, and medium-sized vehicles that transport goods.

Heavy Goods Vehicles This type of license will be issued if you want to drive a large heavy goods truck or van that transports goods.

Road Rollers A license is necessary and can be issued if you are using a road roller that helps in the construction of roads.

Non-Transport Vehicles

**There are also licenses for non-transport vehicles which is what we commonly apply for when riding a bike or driving a car. Hence, private vehicles or vehicles meant for personal use fall under this category. Based on the type of license you want, these are the non-transport vehicle categories:

Geared Motorcycles Motorcycles or two-wheelers with gears/geared transmission part of this category.

Non-Geared Motorcycles Driving a moped or scooter with no gears also needs a license.

Light Motor Vehicles This license will be issued if you are using a light motor vehicle such as a hatchback or sedan.

To obtain a driving license in Maharashtra, you need to be eligible for the same. These are the eligibility criteria you need to meet to receive a license:

• If you apply for a driving license under the non-geared two-wheeler category, you should be at least 16 years of age.

• To apply for a driving license under the geared or light motor vehicle category, you should be at least 18 years of age.

• To receive a transport vehicle driving license, you need to be at least 20 years of age and should have passed the 8th grade of school.

• As an applicant for a driving license, you should be well-versed in traffic regulations and rules, especially the ones in Maharashtra.

• You should have a valid learner’s license and should pass a driving test to receive a permanent driving license.

These are the documents needed to obtain a driving license in Maharashtra

Proof of Age (any one of the following)

Birth Certificate

Voter’s ID card

School leaving certificate

PAN card

Valid Passport

Proof of Address (any one of the following)

Valid Passport

Life insurance policy

Ration card

Utility bills - the electricity bill, telephone bill, etc

Pay slip from state/central government

Other required documentation

The learner’s license

Application form – Form 4

3 passport-size photographs

If you are applying for a driving license in Maharashtra under the commercial vehicle category, you must have a driving school certificate. Apart from that, other essential documents also include a car or bike insurance policy and the registration certificate (RC) of the vehicle that you have used for the driving test.

In Maharashtra, there is an online process as well as an offline process if you want to apply for a driving license:

Online Application Process for Driving License

• These are the steps to follow to get a driving license in Maharashtra online:

• Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

• Once you reach the homepage, click “driving license” to download the application form. This is Form 4 and allows you to apply for a new permanent driving license.

• Fill up all the information in the form and submit it online with the required supporting documents.

• You will get an application number and a notification stating that your application is complete.

• Now, you can book an appointment for your driving license test as per your preference.

• This is the procedure to follow to book an appointment for your driving license test:

• Visit the official Parivahan Sarathi website, go to Online Services and select Driving License Related Services.

• On this page, select the state, i.e., Maharashtra, and you will be directed to the next page where you can choose the “Apply for Driving License” option.

• Now fill in all your details, upload the needed documents and choose a preferred date and time for your driving test. Now pay the required application fee of ₹716.

• After the appointment has been scheduled, visit the RTO for your test and carry your original documents.

• If you clear the exam, your driving license will be sent to your registered address by post.

Offline Application Process for Driving License

• In Maharashtra, you can apply for a driving license offline at the nearest RTO in your area. These are the steps you must follow to procure the license:

• Collect the application form from the RTO office, fill it up and submit it with the required documents.

• Once the form and documents are submitted, the RTO will verify your application and send you a confirmation about your driving license.

• If you meet the eligibility criteria, then you must go to the RTO for your driving test.

• Be sure to carry your original documents for your driving test.

• If you clear the test, your driving license will be sent to you by post at your registered address.

These are the following fees you need to pay if you apply for a learner’s license or a driving license:

**Driving Test Procedure in Maharashtra

• Applicants who want to obtain a driving licence in Maharashtra must take a driving test that gauges their driving skills. Based on this test, they can receive the licence.

• The driving test is conducted at the nearest RTO, and a Motor Vehicle Inspector will supervise the test.

• You will have to go for the driving test with your original documents (proof of age, proof of address, and vehicle documents). These papers will be verified.

• You should already have a Learner's Licence. A certificate from a driving school will also be needed (if you are a transport vehicle licence applicant).

• During the test, you must drive your vehicle on the track designated by the RTO. Your driving skills, knowledge of your vehicle, and traffic rules will be tested.

It is possible to apply for a duplicate driving license in Maharashtra. In the event that your driving license is stolen, lost or damaged, a new license can be issued to you. A physical license is considered damaged if it is torn, while a smart license is irrelevant once the chip is damaged. But do note that a duplicate license cannot be issued to you if you have been barred or restricted from applying for a driving license.

These are the following documents you need to apply for a duplicate driving license:

• Application form for a duplicate license - Form LLD

• A copy of the First Information Report (FIR)

• License number or original driving license (depending on the nature of the loss)

• Passport-size photographs

Duplicate DL: How to Apply for this Driving License in Maharashtra?

• You will have to submit the application form and the required documents at the RTO office personally.

• If you changed your state/city, produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO where the original driving license was issued.

• Once the documents and fees have been submitted, the RTO will verify them all and the duplicate license will be issued to you.

• If you apply for a duplicate license after 6 months of its damage or loss, the application will have to be sent to the state transport department headquarters for approval instead of the RTO.

Once issued, the driving license will be valid for 20 years or until you reach the age of 50 years, whichever comes first. In Maharashtra, you can renew your license within 30 days after the date of expiry.

• You can follow this process to renew your driving license in Maharashtra:

• Visit the RTO office and collect the renewal form.

• Fill out the form with the correct details and submit it to the RTO with the necessary documents.

• Then pay the mandatory application fee of ₹416 and take the application fee receipt.

• You will then be issued the renewed license. This will be sent to your registered address by post.

• Driving license that has lapsed over 5 years cannot be renewed, and the applicant will have to apply for a fresh driving license and also appear for the driving test.

• Individuals who have been barred from applying for a driving license are not eligible to apply.

Documents Needed to Renew a Driving License in Maharashtra

• Form 9 - the form for renewal of driving license

• Form 1 - the form of physical fitness declaration

• Form 1(A) - a medical certificate to be submitted if you are over 50 years.

• 3 passport-size photographs

• Application fee of ₹416

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) is needed if you renew the license at another RTO and not the one where the original driving license was issued.

As a resident of Maharashtra, you can apply for an international driving license if you want to drive a vehicle overseas. This is the application process, eligibility criteria and documents for the same:

Eligibility Criteria

You should be above the age of 18 years and should have a valid permanent driving license issued in India.

If you apply for an international driving license within 3 months of being issued a local driving license, you will have to take the driving test.

In case your license has been revoked by the authorities, you cannot apply for an international driving license.

Documents Required

Application form

A copy of your Indian driving license

Medical certificate

Your valid passport and visa

Procedure for Applying for an International Driving License in Maharashtra

Submit your application and the required documents personally at the RTO.

Once these are verified, your license will be sent to your registered by post.