mParivahan App: Digital Driving Licence and RC Guide

The mParivahan app lets you add your driving licence (DL) and vehicle registration certificate (RC) on your phone as virtual documents with a QR code. You search or enter your numbers, verify them, and then show the QR code when needed. Below are the steps, plus the checks you should do before relying on it.

What is mParivahan?

mParivahan is a mobile app from the Indian government transport ecosystem. It connects to vehicle and licence records and offers features like virtual DL and RC, a QR code for verification, and some other transport services. Features can differ by state and app version.

Before you start

• Keep your mobile number active, since the app may ask for OTP verification.
• Keep your driving licence number and date of birth ready.
• Keep your vehicle registration number, and chassis and engine number details from your RC or insurance papers.
• Download the app only from the official store listing, and check the publisher name.

How to add your driving licence

1. Open the app and sign up or sign in with your mobile number.
2. Find the option for Dashboard or Driving Licence.
3. Enter your DL number and choose to add it.
4. Verify with your date of birth when the app asks.
5. A virtual DL with a QR code appears. Check that your name and details are correct.

How to add your vehicle RC

1. In the app, enter your vehicle registration number in the RC section and add it to your dashboard.
2. Open the vehicle and choose the option to create a virtual RC.
3. Verify with the chassis or engine number details. Some guides say the app only needs the last digits, so follow what your app shows.
4. The virtual RC with a QR code appears.

Is the digital copy accepted?

Government statements have said that electronic documents are treated as legally valid when they are available on DigiLocker or on the mParivahan app that the user carries. Even so, rules and the way traffic officers check can differ by state and over time. So check the official Parivahan site for the latest position. If you travel to another state or you are not sure, keep your original documents with you as well. You can read how DigiLocker works in DigiLocker explained: set up safely.

What if details are missing or wrong?

• Licence not found: check the number format and try again. Older licences may need to be updated at the transport office.
• Name or date of birth mismatch: correct the record through your state transport office or its portal.
• OTP not coming: check network and whether your number is linked to the record. If you are worried about numbers in your name, read how to check SIM cards registered in your name.

Safety tips

1. Do not share OTPs with anyone, even if they say they are from the transport department.
2. Do not share screenshots of your QR code publicly. It links to your document details.
3. Use the official portal and app only. Fake apps and links are common.
4. Keep your phone locked. If it is lost, see how to block a lost phone with CEIR.

Other things to look for in the app

Depending on your version, the app may also show options such as vehicle search, challan related details and other services. Use these only after checking the fees and the details on the official Parivahan portal. Do not pay any money to links that come through WhatsApp or SMS.

The app is a convenient backup for your documents, not a reason to lose the originals. Update the app regularly, keep the screenshot of your documents offline, and re-check the rules once in a while on the official site.

Who can use it, and a quick example

The app is useful for people who ride or drive daily, delivery workers, students with a new licence, and families who share a vehicle. For example, if you forget your wallet at home, a verified virtual DL and RC on your phone can be handy. But keep your phone charged, since a dead battery means you cannot show anything. Taking a screenshot is not a replacement for the verified QR in the app.

Keeping the details up to date

If you change your phone number, address or vehicle, update the record with the transport department first, then refresh the details in the app. If you buy a second-hand vehicle, make sure the ownership transfer is complete before you try to add the RC. If you sell your vehicle, remove it from your dashboard afterwards. Check the official portal for the exact process in your state, because procedures differ.

When in doubt, call the helpline or visit the transport office instead of using agents who ask for extra money.

FAQ

Is the mParivahan app official?
It is a government app linked to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways ecosystem. Download it from the official Play Store or App Store listing and check the publisher name.

Is a digital licence valid on the road?
Government statements have said that documents shown through DigiLocker or mParivahan are treated as valid. Rules and local practice can change, so check the official Parivahan site, and carry the originals if you are unsure.

What do I need to add my RC?
You usually need the vehicle registration number, and the app asks you to verify with chassis or engine number details. Follow the prompt shown in your app version.

Is it free?
The app is free to download. Some services inside it may carry government fees, which are shown on the official portal.