A driving licence is a document that certifies your ability to drive a vehicle and is issued by the Government of India. If you are a resident of Karnataka and wish to acquire a driving licence, you must be at least 18 years of age with a valid learner’s licence or 20 years of age to drive a heavy motor vehicle.
Needless to say, you must be aware of all traffic rules and regulations. To apply for a driving licence in Karnataka, you can either do so offline by visiting the nearest RTO in your vicinity or online by visiting the Sarathi website and submitting your application.
You can apply for three kinds of driving licences in Karnataka, depending on your age and the vehicle you operate.
This is a type of permanent DL in Karnataka. You can apply for it if you drive gearless motorcycles and two-wheelers. To apply for this licence, you need to be at least 16 years old.
If you drive a light motor vehicle in Karnataka, like cars and bikes, you can opt for this type of permanent licence. You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for this licence.
If you wish to drive transport vehicles, like trucks, cabs, lorries, or private sector cars, you can opt for this type of driving licence in Karnataka. The driver’s licence for a transport vehicle can be allotted to you at least 20 years of age.
Here’s how you can get a learner’s and a permanent driving licence online in Karnataka. In case you prefer the offline method, you can visit your nearest RTO to complete your DL application in Karnataka.
Visit the official Sarathi website(https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelectBean.do)
Select ‘Karnataka’ as your state name from the drop-down menu
Click on the ‘Apply for Driving Licence’ option visible on the page
You will be redirected to a page with instructions regarding the Karnataka driving licence application process
Click on ‘Continue’ and fill in details such as your learner’s licence number and your date of birth
Fill in the application form and upload the necessary documents
By paying the application driving licence fees in Karnataka and booking a test slot, you will successfully complete the DL online application.
The learning licence online application process in Karnataka is just as simple. Here’s how you can do it.
You can visit the official Sarathi website
Click on ‘Driver’s/Learner’s Licence’ to complete your LLR online application
Select ‘Karnataka’ as your state
Click on ‘Apply for Learner’s Licence’
Enter all application details as requested
Upload the necessary documents
Upload a passport size photograph image and a e-signature
Pay the nominal fee
Verify the status of your payment
Print the receipt for future reference
You can visit the nearest RTO and get the application form for the offline method of getting a learning DL in Karnataka. On submitting the relevant documents and paying the driving licence fees in Karnataka, you can book a test slot without any hassles.
Check out the driving licence fees in Karnataka that vary based on the type of licence you are applying for.
Purpose |
Fee |
Learner’s Licence per Vehicle Class |
₹150 |
Learning Licence Test or Retest |
₹50 |
Issue of Driving licence |
₹200 |
Driver's Licence Renewal |
₹200 |
Adding Another Class of Vehicle to Driving Licence |
₹500 |
International Driving Licence |
₹1000 |
Renewal and Issue of Licence for Driving Schools |
₹10,000 |
Issue of Duplicate Licence for Driving Schools |
₹500 |
Driving Licence Renewal After the Grace Period |
₹300 (Additional fee of ₹1000 for delay of each year) |
To procure a valid driving licence in Karnataka, you must meet the following criteria to begin your learning or driving licence online application in Karnataka.
You should be at least 18 years or older to apply for your permanent driving licence and lawfully drive your motor vehicle
You must have a valid learner’s licence
The Karnataka driving licence application form for a permanent DL must be submitted at least 30 days and within 180 days from the date of issue on your learner’s licence
If you are 20 years or older and already hold your learner’s licence, you can apply for a commercial vehicle licence
You need to be aware of all the current traffic laws and regulations
Here is a list of important documents required for driving licence in Karnataka.
Four passport-size photos
Medical certificate issued by a licenced government doctor, if applicable
Original learner’s licence
Application Form 4
Application Form 5, for commercial DL
Proof of age (PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Passport, Voters ID, etc.)
Proof of address (Utility bill, Rental agreement, Ration card, Passport, PAN Card, etc.)
Application fees as specified
Based on your profile, more documents may be requested by your RTO. Check with any concerned authorities before you proceed with your application submission.
Let’s find out how you can easily check your LL & DL status in Karnataka.
Visit the official Sarathi website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do)
Select ‘Karnataka’ as your state from the drop-down menu
Click on ‘Application Status’ present in the top menu bar
Enter your application number and date of birth
Once you complete these steps, you will be able to see your DL application status.
Submit your application form 4-A of CMVR that is available at the RTO office or download it from the website ‘transport.karnataka.gov.in’
You will be required to submit the required documents like passport, original licence and visa and 3 passport-sized photographs
If the driving licence was issued in three months, the applicant will have to reappear for the driving test
The mentioned address on the driving licence shall come under the jurisdiction of the RTO where IDP is applied by the applicant
The driving licence fee in Karnataka for an international licence is ₹500
You will have to appear in person at the RTO to apply for an IDP
The international driving licence issued in Karnataka will be valid for 12 months
The applicant will receive the IDP within 7 days
1. Go to the official website of the Parivahan Sewa website at https://parivahan.gov.in/.
2. Click on the “Online Services” section and choose “Driving Licence Related Services”
3. Select the state as Karnataka from the drop-down list
4. Select the “Upload Documents” option from the new page
5. Upload all the documents carefully and click on “Next”
6. After cross-checking the documents, click on “Ok” to proceed with the uploading of documents
7. Select and upload the “Address Proof” and “Age Proof” and click on “Confirm”
8. Click on “Next” after the uploading of all the relevant documents
9. Select the “Fee Payment” option and click on “Next”
10 .Select “Click here to continue e-Payment”
11. Follow all the instructions carefully and continue with the payment
12. Click on “Continue” and then “Print Receipt” once the payment is completed
1. Go to the RTO office or website and fill the LLD form carefully
2. Attach the required documents and passport-sized photographs
3. Enter the details of misplaced/stolen learner’s licence
4. If the licence was stolen, lodge an FIR and attach a copy of it with the form
5. Pay the required application fee
Any driving licence is issued with a 20-year validity, or until the candidate reaches 50 years of age, whichever is earlier. Those who cross 50 years of age are required to renew their Karnataka driving licence every 3 to 5 years. The latest you can request for a renewal is one month after your licence has expired.
The applicant must collect the form for Karnataka DL renewal from the RTO which issued your previous licence. To complete the driving licence renewal online in Karnataka, you can visit the official Sarathi website and click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’. You can input the necessary details and get your DL renewed online.
Here are the names and codes of RTO offices in Karnataka.
RTO NAME |
RTO CODE (KA-XX) |
RTO NAME |
RTO CODE (KA-XX) |
RTO Bengaluru (Central) |
1 |
RTO Raichur |
36 |
RTO Bengaluru (West) |
2 |
RTO Koppal |
37 |
RTO Bengaluru (East) |
3 |
RTO Bidar |
38 |
RTO Bengaluru (North) |
4 |
Bhalki (ARTO) |
39 |
RTO Bengaluru (South) |
5 |
RTO Chikkaballapur |
40 |
RTO Tumakuru |
6 |
RTO Jnanabharathi |
41 |
RTO Kolar |
7 |
RTO Ramanagar |
42 |
KGF (ARTO) |
8 |
Devanahalli (ARTO) |
43 |
RTO Mysuru (West) |
9 |
Tiptur (ARTO) |
44 |
RTO Mandya |
11 |
Sakaleshpura (ARTO) |
46 |
RTO Hassan |
13 |
Jamkhandi (ARTO) |
48 |
Sagar (ARTO) |
15 |
Gokak (ARTO) |
49 |
RTO Chitradurga |
16 |
RTO Yelahanka |
50 |
RTO Davanagere |
17 |
RTO Nelamangala |
52 |
RTO Chikkamagaluru |
18 |
RTO Krishnarajapuram |
53 |
RTO Udupi |
20 |
RTO Mysuru (East) |
55 |
RTO Puttur |
21 |
Basavakalyana (ARTO) |
56 |
RTO Belagavi |
22 |
RTO, A/R & STU, Bengaluru |
57 |
Bailahongal (ARTO) |
24 |
RTO, Chandapura, Bengaluru |
59 |
RTO Dharwad |
25 |
RTO, R.T.Nagar, Bengaluru |
60 |
RTO Haveri |
27 |
RTO, Surathkal, Dakshina Kannada (Dist) |
62 |
RTO Bagalkote |
29 |
Madhugiri, Tumakuru Dist. (ARTO) |
64 |
RTO Karwar |
30 |
Dandeli Uttara, Kannada Dist (ARTO) |
65 |
RTO Kalaburgi |
32 |
Chintamani, Chikkaballapur (ARTO) |
67 |
RTO Yadagiri |
33 |
Ranibennur Haveri (ARTO) |
68 |
In India, the importance of driving licences cannot be overstated as it enables you to drive your vehicle without any worries. However, simply getting a driving licence isn’t sufficient, so it is recommended that you go one step further and purchase a motor insurance policy. With the right insurance plan, you can safeguard your vehicle from any liabilities on the road.
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Generally, the permanent driving licence in Karnataka is delivered within 30 days of passing the test. In case you still have not received it, you can check the driving licence status with the RTO where you applied for it.
If you want to make changes to the address mentioned on your driving licence in Karnataka, then you have to submit a written application at the RTO along with the necessary documents. Know that the RTO where you submit this written application should be the same one that issued you the DL. You can submit any one of the following documents along with the application –
● LIC policy
● Passport copy
● Ration card copy
● Recent utility bill copy
● Income certificate issued by the tahsildar of the area
● Residential proof
● Application fees of Rs. 215
The cost of obtaining a DL book in Karnataka is Rs. 40.
No. It is not mandatory to get a smart card DL in Karnataka, but it is preferable to have one instead of the paper book.
In case the IDP request is urgent, you will receive it within 7 working days. Otherwise, it may take up to three weeks.
The following are a few tips that might help you clear the Karnataka driving licence test –
● Practise your driving skills in advance before taking the test
● Arrive a little early for the test
● Do not turn off the vehicle until it has come to a total halt
● Shift the gears smoothly
● Make use of both the side and rear mirrors when driving
● Show indicator or hand signals when making a turn
Keep the below-mentioned documents handy while applying for DL renewal in Karnataka.
Application Form 9
Copy of expired driver’s licence
Medical certificate Form 1 and 1A, for drivers older than 40 years
Self-attested copies of age and address proofs
Two passport-size photos
Application fee of ₹200
You can submit the following documents while applying for a duplicate driving licence in Karnataka:
Application form for a duplicate licence
Copy of original driving licence
Copy of FIR, in case of loss of licence
Passport-size photos
Proof of address
Application Form 4A
Copy of original driving licence
Passport-size photos
Valid travel tickets
Passport and Visa
Medical certificate