A driving license is one of the most important documents you can possess as it gives you the legal freedom to drive your motorised vehicle on Indian roads. A DL also serves as a document of your identity proof, age and address proof. The State Transport Department of Maharashtra is responsible for the swift working of the road transport system in the state and one of its primary duties is to issue a driving license to its citizens.
In India, different states have various rules regarding driving license and Maharashtra Transport Department too has a set of rules governing the issuance of driving licenses and other matters related to it. So here is all you need to know about driving license in Maharashtra.
A car insurance policy is mandatory for every vehicle registered as per The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
You can opt for a driving license in Maharashtra on the basis of the type of vehicle you wish to drive. The state transport department of Maharashtra offers you the below types of driving license you wish to operate.
Transport Vehicle: Applicants who want to drive commercial and goods carriage vehicles can apply for this driving license type.
A transport vehicle driving license is further classified into the following types/categories:
Non-Transport Vehicle: Applicants who want to drive private vehicles can opt for a non-transport vehicle.
A non-transport driving license type is based on the following categories of DL:
Before applying for a driving license, it’s important you meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria for obtaining a DL in Maharashtra.
The below documents are required for obtaining a driving license in Maharashtra.
Age proof: (An applicant can submit any one document from the following)
Address proof: (An applicant can submit any one document from the following)
Other documents:
In case of application of driving license for a commercial vehicle, a certificate issued from a driving school needs to be submitted All the documents such as car insurance, RC certificate related to the car being used for driving test need to be produced.
In Maharashtra, an applicant can apply for a driving license by following the below-mentioned offline and online process.
Online application Process for Driving License in Maharashtra:
The Maharashtra state government has made driving application process an easy procedure as you can now easily get the form online and can also submit documents online.
You will have to follow the below steps to get a driving license online in Maharashtra:
Offline application process for Maharashtra driving license
Individuals in Maharashtra can apply for a driving license offline by visiting the nearest RTO office in their area.
In Maharashtra, you can apply for a duplicate driving license under the below-mentioned conditions: In case of theft, loss or damage caused to DL In case of mutilation or if the DL is torn In case of smart card DL, if the chip is damaged A duplicate driving license is not issued to individuals who have been barred from applying it or to those who already possess one.
Documents required for obtaining a driving license in Maharashtra: Application form LLD i.e. form for application of a duplicate driving license FIR copy and license number in case the licence is stolen and Original driving license Passport size photographs
Procedure for applying for a driving license in Maharashtra: An applicant is required to submit the application form and relevant documents at the RTO office in person In case the applicant has changed his state/city, he will have to get a no objection certificate from the RTO that provided him with the original DL. On submission of all the documents and fees, the RTO will then verify all the documents and the driving license will be issued to the applicant. Note: If you have not applied for a duplicate driving license within 6 months from the date of its loss/theft, then you will have to send an application to the headquarters of the transport department for approval.
Ideally, a driving license is valid for a period of 20 years or until the age of 50, whichever is earlier. In Maharashtra, an individual can renew a driving license within 30 days from the date of expiry.
Individuals who want to renew their driving license in Maharashtra can follow the below renewal process:
Documents required for renewal of driving license in Maharashtra
If you are a resident of Maharashtra having a desire to drive overseas, then here’s how you can apply for an International driving license in Maharashtra:
Eligibility criteria for obtaining an international driving license in Maharashtra:
Documents required for obtaining an international driving license in Maharashtra:
What is the procedure for address change in a Maharashtra Driving License?
To change your address details in a driving license, you will have to do the following: You will have to submit documents such as application form, current driving license copy, no objection certificate from the original licensing authority, application fee and new address proof.These documents have to be submitted to the RTO office and on verification of these, you will receive the new DL with the updated address within 7 days.
Remember you will have to notify the RTO about the address change within 7 days from the date of the change in address.
Where can I get a learner’s license in Maharashtra?
You can get a learner’s license in Maharashtra online and offline too. You will have to visit the nearest RTO office, get the application form 2 and fill and submit it along with the relevant documents at the RTO office. You can also get a learner’s license online by downloading the form online and then submitting it along with the documents at the RTO office.
Do I have to give a test for getting an International driving license?
No, you don’t have to give a driving test for getting an International driving license. But you will have to appear for the test if you are applying for an IDP within 3 months from the date of procuring a permanent driving license.
Do I have to take my own car for giving driving license test in Maharashtra?
Yes, you will have to take your own vehicle for giving DL test in Maharashtra.
How to make corrections in a driving license in Maharashtra?
Since driving license is an important identity document one possesses, it’s important that there is no mistake in any of the details mentioned in the license. If there’s any minor error in your address, name, date of birth, etc., then you can follow the below-mentioned procedure to get any changes incorporated in your driving license in Maharashtra. The application for correction in any detail can be made at the RTO which issued the DL. You will have to submit the below-mentioned forms and documents: