Driving licence status online in Karnataka – DL application status in Karnataka

Karnataka is blessed with a diverse landscape that boasts of a vast road infrastructure spread across its rolling hills, long coastline, big cities and countryside. No wonder, then, that Karnataka is also one of the most motor-vehicle-populated states in India, with new vehicle sales in Q1 2024 crossing 4 lakh units, the fourth highest in the country for this period. With the increasing number of motor vehicles on the roads, the need for skilled drivers also increases. 

Identifying the need to make roads safer for all, the Karnataka government has simplified the process to apply and track the status of driving licence application. Applicants from karnataka can check the status of their driving licence application online through the MoRTH’s Parivahan website, or the state transport department’s official website. Follow the steps below to track your DL application status in Karnataka.

When to check your driving licence status in Karnataka?

Before the applicants begin to track their DL application status in Karnataka, it is important to note some of the following timelines and facts:

• Once the driving skill test is completed at the RTO or an authorised motor training centre, the applicant must wait for up to two weeks before checking the driving licence status online. The RTO usually takes this period to post the application on the website. 
• The driving licence status can be tracked only for the permanent driving licence, and not a learner’s licence. A learner’s licence is usually granted the same day of the STALL test. 
• Before applying for a permanent driving licence, the applicant must make sure to hold a valid learner’s licence (LLR) which is at least 30 days old, and within the validity period of six months. 
• Once the learner’s licence has been obtained, and the application form has been filled, the next step is to pay the fees and book the driving test slot. The fees can be paid online or at the RTO, but the driving test must be taken at the RTO or the authorised motor training centre. 

Steps to check driving licence status online in Karnataka

Once the licence seeker has applied for the permanent driving licence, and taken the driving test at the RTO/authorised motor training centre, the next step is to wait for the test results. During this stage, the applicant can conveniently track their DL application status in Karnataka online. There are two routes available for the same, i.e. via Parivahan website, which is a central government website, or via Karnataka’s state Transport Department website. Ultimately, both routes redirect to the Sarathi.Parivahan portal to complete the process. For a step-by-step guide for both of these routes, read the section below. 

How to check driving licence (DL) status in Karnataka online via the state transport official website?

Step 1: Go to the Transport Department’s website of the Government of Karnataka.

Step 2: From the top menu bar, go to the “Parivahan” tab, and under “Online Services” select “Driving Licence Related Services”.

Step 3: The state home page on MoRTH’s Sarathi.Parivahan portal will open. Then select the state “Karnataka” from the drop down menu.

Step 4: Next to the menu bar, look for the “Application Status” tab on the top right corner of the page, and click. 

Step 5: On the next page, add your personal information, like DOB and the application number in the respective boxes, fill the captcha code, then click on “Submit”. 

Step 6: Once the applicant has completed the above steps, and submitted, their driving licence status will be displayed on the next page. 

How to check driving licence (DL) status in Karnataka online via Sarathi website?

Step 1: Go to the central government’s Parivahan website. 

Step 2: Scroll down to the section named “License Related Services”, and click on the “More” button under the “Drivers/ Learners Licence” icon. You will land on the state selection page of the Sarathi.Parivahan portal.

Step 3: In this case, as the service is to be availed in Karnataka, select “Karnataka” from the dropdown. 

Step 4: On the next page, a pop-up for “Contactless Licence Services” will open. Skip that and proceed to the state homepage. 

Follow Step 4 onwards from the above process to complete the driving licence status check. 

What to keep in mind while checking driving licence (DL) status in Karnataka online?

The applicant must keep the following timelines and facts in mind while checking the DL application status in Karnataka online: 

1. Applicants would require the application number while checking the DL status in Karnataka. The application number is provided on the receipt, which should be kept safe for tracking purposes till the process is complete. 
2. The application number, if lost or misplaced, can be retrieved from the Sarathi.Parivahan portal by clicking on “Find Application Number” under the “Others” tab. 
3. Applicants can personally visit the RTO, to check the status of their driving licence application. 
4. The DL status can be checked only for the permanent driving licence. 
5. Applicants can only track the driving licence status two weeks after completing their driving test at the RTO or the authorised motor school. 
6. The RTO usually updates the driving test result two weeks after the driving test. After which, it takes up to another two weeks to deliver the smart card driving licence to the registered address in Karnataka.
7. Should you fail the driving test, you can apply for a retest after seven days. Applicants can perform the driving test up to three times before they must start a new application.
8. Throughout this process, the applicant is expected to keep a track of any regulation changes by visiting the Karnataka state transport department’s website. 

Facts about driving licence (DL) status in Karnataka

1. In India, a permanent DL applicant must hold a valid learner’s licence. This means that the LLR must be at least 30 days old and not more than 180 days old. 
2. In case the LLR expires before the driving test is completed, then the applicants must reapply for the LLR and ensure that they hold a valid LLR at the time of the driving test. 
3. In Karnataka, the average processing time for a new DL is up to 30 days from the date of the driving test. This includes time taken for test result evaluation and DL delivery. In some cities of Karnataka, the minimum time may be as little as 0-2 days for both processes. 
4. To take the driving skill test, the applicant must bring their own vehicles for each class. The RTO does not provide the vehicle for the test. 
5. The driving license status tracking provision can be used for a new DL application, a duplicate DL, as well as for DL renewal. 

FAQs

Q. How long does it take to get a driving licence in Karnataka?

From the date the applicant clears the driving test, the RTO takes up to two weeks to process the application, and another two weeks to deliver the smart card driving licence to the registered address – expect your DL to arrive in 30 days. However, for some cities in Karnataka, the government can process and dispatch the licence on the same day.

Q. How long does it take for a driving licence to be processed in Karnataka?

Usually, it takes up to 2 weeks for the RTOs to process the documents and prepare the test results after the driving test is completed. This does not include the delivery time, which is up to another 2 weeks. In Karnataka, however, the RTOs in some cities can process the results on the same day and dispatch the DL. 

Q. Can I check my driving licence status using a mobile phone in Karnataka?

Yes. The driving licence status can be checked online using a mobile phone from anywhere in India, including in Karnataka. You can log into the Parivahan website through the web browser on your smartphone and follow the same steps mentioned above.

Q. Is there a fee to check the driving licence status online in Karnataka?

No. Applicants can check the DL application status in Karnataka as many times as required at no cost. 

Q. How can I contact the Karnataka Transport Department for help?

You can contact the Regional and Assistant Regional Transport officers of the Karnataka Transport Department by visiting the “Contact us” page on the official department website. The page will direct you to the authority in-charge of the respective RTO.

Q. Is it mandatory to check my driving licence status online, or can I visit the RTO directly in Karnataka?

No. Applicants can also personally visit their respective local RTO to check the status of their DL application status.