Sarathi Parivahan Karnataka: Apply LL, DL & Renewal Online (2026)

If you live in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Belagavi or anywhere else in Karnataka, your driving licence journey now begins online. Sarathi Parivahan Karnataka lets you apply for a learner licence, book a driving test, renew your DL, and track your application without standing in long RTO queues. This guide explains every step in plain language.

What Is Sarathi Parivahan Karnataka?

Sarathi is the national driving licence system built by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Karnataka, like most states, handles its licence work on this system. When you open the Sarathi portal and select Karnataka as your state, you get services linked to Karnataka RTOs and the state’s rules and fees.

Official portal: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in

For state notices and RTO office details, use the Karnataka Transport Department website.

Services Available for Karnataka

• Apply for a learner licence (LL)
• Apply for a permanent driving licence (DL)
• DL renewal and duplicate DL
• Change of address or name on DL
• Add a new vehicle class (for example, from bike to car)
• LL and DL test slot booking
• International Driving Permit
• Application status check and fee receipt reprint
• Free LL mock test

The process is very similar across states. If you have read our UP licence guide, you will find the Karnataka steps familiar, with only the state and RTO details changing.

How to Apply for a Learner Licence in Karnataka

1. Open the Sarathi portal and select Karnataka from the state list.
2. Click Apply for Learner Licence and read the instructions.
3. Choose Aadhaar authentication if the option appears for you. Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTP. Your name, photo and address fill in automatically.
4. If you do not use Aadhaar, choose the normal route and upload age and address proof yourself.
5. Fill in the remaining details and select your RTO and vehicle classes (MCWG, LMV, etc.).
6. Upload your signature and pay the fee online.
7. On the Aadhaar route, take the online LL test from home if it is offered. Otherwise, book a slot and take the test at your RTO.
8. Once you pass, download your learner licence from the portal.

The LL test checks your knowledge of road signs and traffic rules. Practise with the free mock test on Sarathi first. The test is available in Kannada as well as English and other languages.

How to Apply for a Permanent Driving Licence in Karnataka

You can apply for a DL after 30 days from your LL issue date, and before the LL expires at 6 months.

1. On Sarathi (Karnataka), click Apply for Driving Licence.
2. Enter your LL number and date of birth.
3. Confirm your details and choose the vehicle class.
4. Pay the DL test and licence fees online.
5. Book a driving test slot at your RTO.
6. Visit the RTO on the chosen date with your original documents, LL, and a road-worthy vehicle with valid papers.
7. After passing, your smart card DL is posted to your address. A digital copy is also available in DigiLocker and the official app.

Documents Required

• Age proof: Aadhaar, SSLC marks card, birth certificate, or passport
• Address proof: Aadhaar, voter ID, electricity bill, ration card, or registered rent agreement
• Photo and signature (photo comes from Aadhaar on the Aadhaar route)
• Form 1A medical certificate if you are above 40 or applying for a transport licence
• Old DL for renewal, duplicate, or changes

Sarathi Parivahan Karnataka Fees

These are standard fees under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The exact amount for your application appears on the payment page.

How to Renew a Driving Licence in Karnataka

You can renew up to one year before expiry, and within one year after it.

1. On Sarathi (Karnataka), open Driving Licence Related Services.
2. Enter your DL number and date of birth.
3. Select Renewal of DL.
4. Upload Form 1A (if above 40), photo and signature if asked.
5. Pay the fee and submit.

A renewal usually does not need a new driving test unless your licence has been expired for a long time.

How to Check Your Application Status

Select Karnataka on Sarathi, open Application Status, and enter your application number and date of birth. For a full explanation of each status message and what to do when an application is stuck, read our guide on tracking your Parivahan application.

Helpful Tips for Karnataka Applicants

• Select Karnataka first. Applying under the wrong state is the most common mistake.
• Book test slots early. RTOs in Bengaluru have high demand, so slots can fill up weeks ahead.
• Keep your Aadhaar mobile active. OTP verification fails if your number is not linked.
• Use only official websites. Real Sarathi links end in parivahan.gov.in. Never pay agents who promise a licence without a test.
• Carry your DL digitally. The government app stores your DL and RC, which are valid during checks. See our mParivahan app guide for setup steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Karnataka driving licence online? Yes. You apply, upload documents and pay online on Sarathi. Only the DL driving test needs an RTO visit.
2. Can I take the LL test in Kannada? Yes. The learner licence test is offered in Kannada and other languages.
3. How long is a learner licence valid in Karnataka? Six months from the date of issue.
4. I moved to Karnataka from another state. Do I need a new DL? No. Your DL is valid across India. You only need to update your address through the change of address service.
5. How long does the DL smart card take to arrive? Usually 2 to 4 weeks after you pass the driving test.

Final Words

Sarathi Parivahan Karnataka puts almost every licence service in one place. Choose Karnataka on the official portal, keep your documents ready, practise with the mock test, and book your slots early. With these steps, getting or renewing your driving licence in Karnataka becomes quick and hassle-free.