To drive your vehicle in West Bengal just like the rest of India, you require a valid driving licence in West Bengal. It is a document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that is the legal permit to drive vehicles on Indian roads.
Driving without a valid licence is illegal and can result in a fine. With strict driving laws in practice, your vehicle can also be seized. Additionally, your driving licence also serves as identity proof, and may be used at several establishments.
There are mainly two kinds of driving licence, which include a learner’s and a permanent licence. Thanks to digitisation, you can now apply online for your WB driving licence or visit the nearest RTO office to apply for the same.
Read on to know more about the process of applying for a driving licence in West Bengal (WB).
It is easy to apply for an online driving licence in West Bengal and carry out a West Bengal driving licence check online. Follow these simple steps to apply for a new WB driving licence.
Step 1: Visit the website for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do)
Step 2: Enter the language of your preference and choose the appropriate state
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for Driving Licence’ from the drop-down menu
Step 4: Enter your learner’s licence number, date of birth, and download the application form which has to be filled in, along with self-attestment
Step 5: Upload the signed application along with the relevant documents and passport-size photos and book a slot for the driving test
Step 6: Pay the application fees, print the receipt and ensure to take it on the driving test day
Step 7: Receive the driving licence within 30 days of clearing the practical test at the address mentioned in the application form
For online and offline modes, you must pay certain fees to obtain a driving licence in West Bengal. Here is the list of the fees you have to pay.
Type of Fees/Charges |
Amount |
Learner’s licence |
₹150/- |
Driving test |
₹300/- |
Driving licence |
₹200/- |
Driving licence Renewal |
₹200/- |
International Driving Permit |
₹3,000/- |
Disclaimer: The prices may be subjected to change as per the rules and regulations of the Government
Here is a list of documents required for getting a driving licence in West Bengal.
Proof of Age: These can include a birth certificate, educational certificate, PAN Card, passport, etc.
Proof of Address: These can include any of the following documents - Aadhaar card, voter’s ID, ration card, passport, utility bills, rent agreement, or the life insurance policy bond
Passport-size photographs
Application Form 4 for a regular licence or Form 5 if you apply for a commercial driving licence
Application fee of ₹200 to get a driving licence in West Bengal
Physical fitness forms 1 and 1A, along with a medical certificate
To check the driving licence status in West Bengal online, you have to visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Step 1: Visit the website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/applViewStatus.do
Step 2: Choose the state as West Bengal
Step 3: Click on the ‘Application Status’ option when the page loads
Step 4: Enter your driving licence application number and date of birth
Step 5: Get the status of your driving licence after submitting the details
Step 1: Visit the State Transport Department of West Bengal website
Step 2: Choose the ‘Governance Services’, then ‘Driving Licence’, and finally the ‘Permanent Licence’ option
Step 3: Click on ‘Press the Link for Driving Licence Application’ and wait to be redirected
Step 4: Follow the steps to check status as you would on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Website.
Submit the request for a duplicate application of driving licence in West Bengal in case you have lost your driving licence. Follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do) and enter the preferred language and choose West Bengal
Step 2: Click on ‘Apply for Duplicate DL’ from the drop-down menu
Step 3: Fill in the applicant details like driving licence number and date of birth
Step 4: Download the application form and complete it with self-attestation
Step 5: Upload all documents along with the photo and signature
Step 6: Pay the online application fees, verify the payment status and print the receipt
Step 7: Receive the driving licence at your residential address
You can obtain an international West Bengal driving licence online. Here are the steps you should follow.
Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do) and enter the preferred language and choose West Bengal
Step 2: Click on ‘Apply for International Driving Permit’ from the drop-down menu
Step 3: Fill in all the applicant details like your Indian driving licence number and date of birth
Step 4: Download the application form which has to be filled in and then self-attested
Step 5: Upload all the documents along with the photo and signature
Step 6: Book for a driving test slot if needed
Step 7: Pay the application fees online, verify the payment status and print the receipt
Step 8: Wait for your test if it is a mandate.
Once you pass your test, the international driving licence is mailed to your residential address by the RTO.
Renewing a driving licence is as important as owning a driving licence. Once issued, a driving licence is valid for 20 years or till the age of 50, whichever comes first.
When the validity of your licence has expired, you have to renew your driving licence. Here is how you can do an online renewal of your driving licence in West Bengal.
Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do and choose the preferred language and appropriate state
Step 2: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’ from the drop-down menu
Step 3: Fill in the details like driving licence number and date of birth
Step 4: Download the application form, complete the details and do self-attestation
Step 5: Upload all the documents along with the photo and signature
Step 6: Pay application fees for the online renewal of driving licence in West Bengal, verify the payment status, and print the receipt
Step 7: Get the renewed driving licence at your home address
Submit the following documents for online renewal of driving licence in West Bengal.
Completed application Form 9
Your original driving licence
Copies of age and address proof
2 passport-size photos
Medical certificate and fully filled Form 1A, if the applicant is more than 40 years of age
Driving licence renewal fees of ₹250 and its receipt
Convert your paper or plastic driving licence to the latest smart driving licence in West Bengal and enjoy various advantages. Check out the steps given below to convert your old driving licence to the new smart card version.
Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO
Step 2: Get a smart card driving licence form from the office
Step 3: Fill in the form carefully and attach all relevant documents
Step 4: Submit your biometric details
Step 5: Pay applicable fees for upgrading your licence online or offline
Step 6: Collect the payment receipt to be used until you get your smart card driving licence.
Step 7: Receive your smart driving licence at the registered address
While your driving licence permits you to drive vehicles on the road, it is also very important to have a good insurance plan for your vehicle. A comprehensive motor insurance plan provides you and your vehicle with enhanced protection and saves you from unexpected financial expenses. For great deals on affordable car insurance plans, check out the plans listed below.
Check the driving licence status online on the Sarathi website. All you have to do is enter your application number and date of birth. You can also check the driving licence status by visiting the nearest RTO in the area.
You will need the following documents to apply for a West Bengal driving licence online and offline:
Proof of Age
Proof of Address
Application Form 4 for a regular licence or Form 5 if you are applying for a commercial driving licence
Application fee of ₹200 for obtaining a driving licence in West Bengal
Physical fitness forms 1 and 1A, along with a medical certificate
Yes, this driving licence is valid throughout India.
You can get a duplicate driving licence by visiting your nearest RTO and applying for a duplicate DL. Submit documents like driving licence copy as mentioned by the RTO and medical certificate etc as mentioned by the RTO.
There are three categories of driving licence in West Bengal for vehicles:
Transport vehicles
Motorcycles with and without gear
Light motor vehicles