In today's digital era, carrying physical documents is becoming less necessary. The Government of India has introduced the digital driving licence as part of its Digital India initiative, allowing citizens to download and store their driving licence in PDF format on their smartphones or print it as needed.
A digital driving licence is a legally valid document that serves the same purpose as the physical card. It contains all the essential details of your licence and can be presented to traffic police or other authorities when required.
Tip: While the digital driving licence is valid across India, it's recommended to carry the original physical card for long journeys or when traveling to areas with poor internet connectivity.
Download Driving License (DL)
Please enter a valid DL Number or Application Number
Methods to Download Driving Licence
There are multiple ways to download your driving licence in PDF format. Choose the method that works best for you:
Official Website
Download your DL from the official Parivahan website using your licence number and date of birth.
Visit WebsitemParivahan App
Use the official mParivahan mobile app to access and download your digital driving licence.
Google PlayDigiLocker
Access your DL through DigiLocker, the government's digital document wallet service.
Visit DigiLockerOnline Method: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to download your driving licence from the official website:
Navigate to Driving Licence Services
Click on "Online Services" and select "Driving Licence Related Services" from the dropdown menu.
Select Your State
Choose your state from the list to be redirected to your state's transport department website.
Access Citizen Services
Click on "Citizen Services" and then select "Print Driving Licence".
Enter Your Details
You'll need to provide one of the following combinations:
- Driving Licence Number and Date of Birth
- Application Number and Date of Birth (for new licences)
Download Your DL PDF
After verification, your driving licence details will be displayed. Click on the "Print Driving Licence" or "Download" button to save the PDF file to your device.
Important: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection during the download process. The PDF file may take a few moments to generate depending on server load.
Mobile App Method
Download your driving licence using the official mParivahan mobile application:
Download the App
Install the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Register/Login
Create an account or login with your existing credentials.
Add Your Driving Licence
Go to the "Documents" section and add your driving licence by entering the required details.
Download or Save
Once verified, you can view, download, or save your digital driving licence in PDF format.
Pro Tip: The mParivahan app also allows you to share your digital driving licence via WhatsApp, email, or other messaging apps directly from the application.
How to Get Your Driving Licence in DigiLocker
You can fetch your existing driving licence directly from the government's database into your DigiLocker account. Here's how:
Sign Up for DigiLocker
Visit digilocker.gov.in or download the mobile app. Sign up using your Aadhaar number and mobile number linked with Aadhaar. You'll receive an OTP to complete the setup:cite[4]:cite[6].
Search for Driving Licence
Once logged in, type "Driving Licence" in the search bar or look for it in the "Issued Documents" section:cite[4].
Enter Your Details
You will be prompted to provide your Driving Licence number and other necessary details. After entering the information, authorize the fetch request.
Access Your Digital DL
Once verified, your digital driving licence will appear in the "Issued Documents" section of your DigiLocker. It can now be viewed, downloaded, or shared as needed:cite[4].
Sharing Your Digital Driving Licence
DigiLocker makes it easy to securely share your driving licence when required:
- Select the driving licence from your "Issued Documents"
- Click on the 'Share' option and enter the recipient's details
- The recipient receives a secure link to access the document:cite[6]
- You can also generate a shareable link or QR code for easy submission:cite[4]
Verifying DigiLocker Documents
All DigiLocker documents contain a secure QR code that can be verified for authenticity:
- Use the "Scan QR" feature on the verify.digilocker.gov.in portal
- Point your camera at the QR code on the digital document:cite[7]
- The verification utility is also available in the DigiLocker mobile app:cite[7]
Security Note: Documents stored in DigiLocker are encrypted and secured with Aadhaar-linked credentials. Always use official DigiLocker platforms and never share your login credentials.
Printing Your Driving Licence PDF
Once you've downloaded the PDF file, follow these steps to print it correctly:
Home Printer Instructions
- Open the downloaded PDF file using any PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat, browser PDF viewer, etc.)
- Click on the "Print" option (usually under File menu or Ctrl+P shortcut)
- Select your printer and check the print settings
- Use good quality A4 size paper for printing
- Ensure the print is clear and all details are readable
- For better durability, consider laminating the printed copy
Printing Tip: Select "Actual Size" in print settings instead of "Fit to Page" to ensure the document prints at the correct dimensions. Use "High Quality" print settings for best results.
Professional Printing Services
For a more durable and professional-looking driving licence copy, consider using professional printing services:
- Visit a local printing shop with your PDF file on a USB drive or email it to them
- Request laminated printing for water and tear resistance
- Ask for cardstock paper instead of regular paper for a more authentic feel
- Ensure the print quality is high and all details are clearly visible
Printing from Mobile Device
If you've downloaded the PDF on your mobile device, you can print it directly:
- For Android: Use the "Print" option in your PDF viewer or file manager
- For iOS: Use the AirPrint feature with compatible printers
- Alternatively, use cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print
- You can also email the PDF to yourself and print from a computer
DL PDF Information
Your digital driving licence PDF contains the following information:
| Section | Details Included | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Information | Full name, Date of birth, Address, Photograph | Identity Verification |
| Licence Details | DL number, Date of issue, Valid until, Issuing RTO | Licence Validity |
| Vehicle Categories | Types of vehicles you're authorized to drive | Driving Privileges |
| QR Code | For quick verification by authorities | Quick Authentication |
| Signature | Digital signature of issuing authority | Legal Validity |
Security Warning: Your driving licence contains sensitive personal information. Always store the PDF file securely and avoid sharing it unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the downloaded driving licence PDF legally valid?
Yes, the digital driving licence downloaded from the official Parivahan website or mParivahan app is legally valid across India as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
What if I forget my driving licence number?
You can use your application number (if you recently applied for a licence) or visit your local RTO to retrieve your DL number. Some states also allow retrieval using your vehicle registration number.
Can I use the digital DL for international travel?
No, for international travel, you would need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original driving licence.
What should I do if the website is not working?
Try again after some time as the portal might be undergoing maintenance or experiencing high traffic. You can also try accessing the service during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
Is the digital driving licence accepted by traffic police?
Yes, the digital driving licence is accepted by traffic police across India. However, it's recommended to carry the original physical card as a backup, especially when traveling to remote areas.
Security Considerations
While digital driving licences offer convenience, it's important to follow these security practices:
- Password protect your smartphone to prevent unauthorized access
- Store the DL PDF in a secure folder or app with additional protection
- Avoid sharing the PDF file unnecessarily
- Delete the file from public computers after printing
- Keep your physical driving licence in a safe place as backup
- Use encrypted messaging apps if you need to share your DL digitally
Security Warning: Never share your driving licence PDF on social media or unsecured platforms as it contains sensitive personal information that could be misused for identity theft.
Conclusion
The ability to download and print your driving licence in PDF format is a significant step toward digital governance in India. It provides citizens with easy access to their important documents while reducing dependency on physical cards. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain your digital driving licence and keep it accessible on your devices.
Remember to always use the official government portals for downloading your driving licence to avoid fraudulent websites that might misuse your personal information.
Parivahan Helpline
If you face any problem in driving license, document update, vehicle details check and pay your vehicle challan, you can contact using below details –
| Problem | Email ID | Contact Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration, Fitness, Tax, Permit, Dealer | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| mParivahan Services | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| eChallan Services | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |