Importance of Updated Address In Your Licence

Driving a car requires the driver to have a valid driving license in all countries worldwide. Having an updated driving license is extremely important for various reasons. The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 allows license holders to change their residential address on the driving license as per their requirements. If a driver wants to get it changed, certain steps should be followed to complete the process.

Online Change

• 1^st Step: Go to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Select the state, choose “Apply Online,” and select “Services on Driving License.”
• 2^nd Step: Read the instruction manual very carefully.
• 3^rd Step: Fill in the details like Date Of Birth, RTO, old DL number, state, etc. and proceed for verification of permanent address.
• 4^th Step: Select the change address option in the DL services.
• 5^th Step: Enter the new address, put in the Captcha, and press submit.
• 6^th Step: Keep a pdf of the application number.
• 7^th Step: Upload the rest of the documents, select a payment method, and pay the fees. Keep the payment confirmation receipt for future reference along with the application number.

Offline Change

• 1^st Step: Obtain a Clearance Certificate and No-Objection Certificate from the RTO nearby.
• 2^nd Step: Write an application requesting the RTO (Regional Transport Office) for a change of address.
• 3^rd Step: With relevant documents and the application, visit the RTO nearby and pay the fees mandatory for this change.
• 4^th Step: When called for iris scan and biometrics, visit the office and keep a payment receipt.

Documents Required for Address Change

• Copy of the old driving license
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Election Card, LIC Policy, Payslip (issued by Government or a local body), Ration Card, an affidavit from an executive magistrate – any of these work
• Application (Form 33)
• Registration Certificate
• Insurance Certificate
• Pollution Under Control certificate

Attested copy of PAN or Form 60/Form 61

Documents required in some states:

• Smart card fee
• Chassis and Engine Pencil Print
• Signature Identification (Owner)
• NOC from financier (Hypothecation cases)

Checking Application Status

State Transport official website:

• 1^st Step: Open the State Transport official website.
• 2^nd Step: Choose the option “DL and LL Registration.”
• 3^rd Step: Select “Know your application status.”
• 4^th Step: Fill in the application number assigned.
• 5^th Step: Click on submit. The required information will be provided on the website

Sarathi website:

• 1^st Step: Open the official Sarathi website.
• 2^nd Step: Click on the “Online Services” tab.
• 3^rd Step: Select “Driving License Related Services.”
• 4^th Step: Select the residential state (of the owner).
• 5^th Step: Click on “Verify pay status.”
• 6^th Step: Fill in details like DOB, Application number, and the Captcha.
• 7^th Step: Click verify, and all the details will be shown on the website.

With multiple channels available for updating the address in a driving license, it is entirely up to the individual to choose the option which is most convenient.