Driving Licence in Karnataka

Check the process of applying for a driving licence in Karnataka. Know the eligibility criteria, document requirements, fees, and other details.
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3 min
04-February-2025

Driving in Karnataka, like in any other part of India, requires a valid driving license (DL). A driving license not only allows individuals to legally operate a vehicle on the road but also serves as a vital form of identification. The process of obtaining a DL in Karnataka is straightforward, governed by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) with a clear set of guidelines, documents required, and fees involved.

Types of driving licence in Karnataka

In Karnataka, driving licenses are categorised based on the type of vehicle an individual intends to drive:

  • 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.

Procedure to obtain driving licence in Karnataka

The process to obtain a DL in Karnataka involves several steps:

  • Submission of application: Applicants must fill out the relevant forms and submit them along with the necessary documents.
  • Learner’s licence test: A written or online test on road safety and traffic regulations.
  • Driving test: After holding the learner's licence for at least one month, applicants can take the driving test for a permanent licence.

How to apply for a driving licence online in Karnataka

To apply for a driving licence online in Karnataka, follow these steps:

  • Visit the Parivahan website to apply for your driving licence online: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
  • Select your state from the dropdown menu.
  • 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 only some states).
  • Book your driving licence test slot (applicable for only 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.

How to apply for a driving licence offline in Karnataka

To apply for a driving licence offline in Karnataka:

  • Visit the nearest RTO: Locate the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
  • Collect the form: Obtain the application form for a driving licence.
  • Submit the form: Fill out the form and attach all required documents.
  • Pay the fees: Make the payment for the application at the RTO.
  • Book a test slot: Schedule your learner’s licence and driving test dates.

How to check driving licence application status in Karnataka

To check the status of your driving licence application:

  • 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.

Eligibility criteria for driving licence in Karnataka

Eligibility criteria for obtaining a driving licence in Karnataka include:

Vehicle Type Eligibility Criteria
Cars and Motorcycles with Gear
  • Minimum 18 years old.
  • Should be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must possess a valid learner's licence for the category of vehicle
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.
Motorcycles without Gear (engine capacity up to 50cc)
  • Minimum 16 years old.
  • Should have the consent of his guardian or parents.
  • Must be aware of traffic rules and regulations.
  • Must possess a valid learner's licence for the category of vehicle
  • Must have valid age proof and address proof documents.
Heavy Commercial Vehicles
  • Should have cleared the 8th standard.
  • Should be above the age of 18 (20 years in some states).
  • Should be trained from any government/state-affiliated training school.

 

Documents required to apply for driving licence in Karnataka

Applicants need to submit certain documents as proof of identity, address, and age, including:

  • Forms: Duly filled forms of applications for learner’s licence or driving licence. You can download the forms online from Parivahan Sewa portal or get it from the nearest RTO.
  • Learner's licence: A valid Learner's Licence is a prerequisite for applying for a permanent driving licence.
  • Proof of identity: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, etc., serving as proof of identity.
  • Proof of address: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, rent agreement, etc., serving as proof of current address.
  • Proof of age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, etc., serving as proof of date of birth.
  • Passport-sized photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant for affixing on the DL.

Fees and charges for driving licence in Karnataka

The fees for obtaining a driving licence in Karnataka vary based on the type of licence and services required, including:

Types of Service Fee (in Rs.)
Learner’s licence test fee 50
Learner’s licence issuance 150
Learner’s licence test fee or repeat test fee 50
Permanent driving licence issuance 200
For test, or repeat  test, as the case may be, of competence to drive 300
International driving permit issuance 1,000
Driving licence renewal 200

 

How to renew driving licence in Karnataka?

You will need to renew your driving licence on or after 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 Karnataka: 

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 in permanent driving licence.
  • Driver refreshing training certificate (for HMV).
  • Short refresher training course (other commercial vehicles).

Steps to renew DL in Karnataka

Offline process to renew a driving licence in Karnataka:

Here are the steps to renew the DL in Karnataka 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 process to renew a driving licence in Karnataka:

Here are the steps to renew DL in Karnataka online:

  • Visit the Parivahan website. 
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’ menu in 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 ‘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.

Duplicate driving licence in Karnataka

Losing or damaging your driving licence can be a hassle but getting a duplicate licence in Karnataka is a straightforward process. Here's how to apply for duplicate driving licence in case of loss or damage to your driving licence:

Documents required to apply for a duplicate driving licence in Karnataka:

You will need the following documents to apply for a duplicate DL in Karnataka: 

  • Form LLD
  • First Information Report (FIR) (in case of stolen or lost licence)
  • Original driving licence (in case of damaged DL)
  • Attested copies of your original DL (in case of stolen or lost licence)
  • Challan clearance report from Karnataka Traffic Police (for transport vehicles)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Self-attested copy of a valid address Proof
  • Prescribed fee

You might need more documents depending on the circumstances. Please check with the RTO.

Steps to apply for duplicate driving licence

  • Download and fill the LLD form: The LLD form can be downloaded from the Parivahan portal. Fill out the form with the required details.
  • Gather the required documents: Print copies of all essential documents.
  • Visit your nearest RTO: Visit your nearest RTO office that issued your original driving licence.
  • Submit the documents: Submit the LLD form and the other documents at the RTO.
  • Pay the fee: Pay the fee for duplicate licence issuance and retain the receipt for future reference.
  • Receive the duplicate DL:  The duplicate DL will be shared to the registered residential address. 

Driving licence and motor insurance – essential documents for vehicle owners

Your driving licence and motor insurance go hand in hand. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car insurance or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. Without insurance, you could face penalties or legal problems, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.

Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers a convenient platform for you to buy or renew car insurance plans online. Compare plans and premiums offered by leading insurance partners and buy your preferred motor insurance policy in just a few clicks.

How to Apply for an International Driving Licence in Karnataka?

Planning to drive abroad? Here's how to apply for an International Driving Licence (IDL) in Karnataka:

Documents required to apply for International Driving Permit

  • Form- 4A 
  • Copy of valid driving licence 
  • Valid medical certificate in Form – 1A 
  • Valid proof of passport 
  • Valid proof of visa (as applicable)
  • Recent passport size photograph (4 copies)
  • Prescribed fees

How to make corrections in driving licence online in Karnataka?

If there are errors on your driving licence in Karnataka, such as misspelt names or incorrect addresses, you must submit a written application along with supporting documents that contain the correct details.

Acceptable documents include:

  • Passport
  • Recent utility bill
  • LIC policy
  • Ration card
  • Caste certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class, Minorities, etc.)
  • Income certificate issued by the Tahsildar
  • Self-signed affidavit sworn before an Executive Magistrate, First Class Judicial Magistrate, or Notary Public
  • Proof of legal residence in India (for foreign applicants)

If the Karnataka licence was issued by the same RTO, the corrected version is provided on the same day. However, if the correction request is submitted to a different RTO, the updated licence is issued within a month after verification. A fee of Rs. 215 must be paid, and the applicant must be present for a photograph taken by the official.

How to change the address for driving licence online in Karnataka?

If you need to update the address on your Karnataka licence, you must submit a written application along with valid proof of your new residential address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Passport
  • LIC policy
  • Recent utility bill
  • Ration card
  • Caste certificate (SC/ST, Backward Class, Minorities, etc.)
  • Income certificate issued by the Tahsildar
  • Self-signed affidavit attested by an Executive Magistrate, First Class Judicial Magistrate, or Notary Public as proof of age and residence
  • Proof of legal residential status in India (for foreign applicants)

If your Karnataka licence was issued by the same RTO, the updated version is provided on the same day. However, if you apply through a different RTO, the new licence with the updated address will be issued within a month after verification. A fee of Rs. 215 must be paid, and the applicant must be present for a photograph.

How to apply for International Driving Permit in Karnataka

  • Visit the Parivahan website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’ menu in the homepage.
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered.
  • Click on 'Apply for International Driving Permit (IDP)'.
  • Enter the DL number, date of birth, and captcha code.
  • Agree to terms and conditions and click on ‘Proceed’.
  • Fill the form and upload the documents along with your photos.
  • Pay the required fee and retain the receipt.
  • After verification of documents, you should receive the International Driving Licence in 4-5 working days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a driving licence without a test in Karnataka?
No, it is mandatory to pass both the learner’s licence test and the driving test to obtain a driving licence in Karnataka.
What are the rules for DL in Karnataka?
Applicants must meet age and eligibility criteria, hold a valid learner’s licence, submit necessary documents, and pass the driving test to obtain a DL.
How can I get driving licence in Karnataka?
To get a driving licence in Karnataka, apply online or offline by submitting the necessary documents, paying the fees, and passing the learner’s and driving tests.
What is the age limit for driving licence in Karnataka?

In Karnataka, the minimum age for a driving licence is 16 years for non-geared two-wheelers (up to 50cc) and 18 years for geared two-wheelers, cars, and other vehicles.

What are the new rules for driving in Karnataka 2025?

The new 2025 driving rules in Karnataka include stricter penalties for traffic violations, mandatory FASTags, revised speed limits, enhanced road safety measures, and stricter emission norms to reduce pollution.

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