Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The minimum age requirement for obtaining a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu is 16 years for two wheelers and 18 years for other vehicles.

Under non-transport vehicles, the applicant is required to specify the kind of vehicle he is applying for a licence for. The various categories under non-transport licences are given below:

1. Motorcycle without Gear - such as scooters and mopeds
2. Motorcycle with Gear - All motorcycles with gears
3. Light motor Vehicle - this includes small cars
4. Motor vehicle - in case your motor vehicle is not covered in the above mentioned categories, you will be required to specify the kind of vehicle it is

Transport Licences

Transport licences authorise the licence holders to ply vehicles on a commercial basis. The following vehicles are categorised as Transport vehicles as per the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority:

1. Light motor vehicle (transport) - this includes autorickshaws, both for commercial as well as transport use, taxis, jeeps, delivery vans etc.
2. Heavy Motor Vehicle - this includes trucks, buses, tractors
3. Trailers - can be applied for by those already holding a heavy motor vehicle licence

The above mentioned categories are broad classifications of the types of motor vehicle licences issued by the state. There are additional sub-divisions based on the type of vehicle, as in the case of heavy motor vehicles (subdivided into commercial heavy motor vehicle and passenger heavy motor vehicle).

How to Apply for a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Applying for a driving licence in Tamil Nadu has become a more convenient and simple process nowadays. Those applying for a driving licence must have a valid Learner's License (issued by the state's Regional Transport Office). The application for a permanent driving licence should be made after 30 days and before 180 days from the date of issue of the Learner's Licence.

The Transport Authority in the state has streamlined the process and introduced online applications as well. Those who wish to apply for a driving licence can do so in a number of ways, as detailed below:

Online Driving Licence Application Process

Applicants who wish to apply for a driving licence can now do so online instead of going to the Regional Transport Office. They can download the application form and do the preliminary paperwork from the comfort of their homes. They can also book appointments with the RTO based on their convenience, assuring them of an appointment when they visit the RTO. This also saves time, since they will not have to wait for the other applicants to complete their test. The steps for online application for a driving licence re listed below:

Application form:

When applying for a driver's licence in Tamil Nadu, every applicant has to submit an application form. This form, known as the "Application for Licence to Drive a Motor Vehicle", is available on the Tamil Nadu government's official website.

The form is to be printed and filled out and submitted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) nearest to the applicant's residence.

Document Submission:

Once the form has been filled, it has to be submitted to the RTO with the supporting documents.

After submitting the form, the RTO will verify the details based on the documents and the applicant will be notified as to his eligibility for the driving test.

Booking Appointment for Licence:

Once the applicant's eligibility for the test has been confirmed, he can book an appointment for the driving test online by logging on to www.tnsta.gov.in, the official website for the Tamil Nadu transport authority.

On the site, click on the "Online Appointment Booking for Driving Licence" tab, whereupon an online form will appear.

The applicant is required to fill in all the relevant information and select a date and time for the appointment. The time slot facility is only valid for appointments made within 30 days of the online application being made.

The applicant can check the availability of the date and time slot that is selected, or choose another one based on his convenience.

Once all the information has been provided, click "submit" for the request to go through.

Driving test:

After making the appointment, the applicant has to be present at the RTO along with all the original documents as mentioned in the application form.

The RTO officer will verify the information and the applicant will have to take the driving test.

If the applicant is successful, then the driving licence will be issued.

Offline Process to Apply for Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

1. Application Eligible applicants can also make an offline driving licence application by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office and collecting an Application form.
2. They can fill out the form and submit the supporting documents based on the licence they are applying for to the RTO, after which they will be notified regarding their eligibility for the driving test.
3. Eligible applicants can then visit the RTO and appear for the driving test. If they have successfully cleared the test, they will be issued with a driving licence.

Documents required for Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Driving Licence applicants in Tamil Nadu are required to submit the following documents when applying for a licence. The documents to be submitted are given below:

1. Application form (Form 4), duly filled in and signed
2. Proof of address (refer below for documents)
3. Proof of age (refer below for documents)
4. Citizenship declaration (refer below for documents)
5. Learner's licence (original)
6. Passport sized photographs
7. Valid vehicle documents

Proof of address documentation

Any one of the following is to be submitted as address proof:

1. Passport
2. Life insurance policy
3. Voter's ID card
4. Government issued payslip
5. Affidavit sworn before a Judicial or Executive Magistrate or Public Notary

Proof of age documentation

Any one of the following is to be submitted as proof of age:

1. School certificate
2. Birth certificate
3. Affidavit sworn before a Public Notary or Executive Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate

Driving Licence Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay a fee when registering for a driving licence. The fee levied for a single class of vehicle is Rs.800 while for a double class of vehicle it is Rs.1100.

How to Check Driving Licence Status in Tamil Nadu Online

Individuals who wish to check the status of their application can do so online by visiting the official Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website (www.sarathi.nic.in).

The applications can be tracked by clicking on the "Status of Online Application" tab, where the Application number is to be entered.

The application status will then be displayed onscreen.

How to Check Driving Licence Status in Tamil Nadu Offline

Applicants can check the status of their application offline by contacting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and providing information such as Learner's Licence number and Application number.

How to Make Corrections in Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

There are occasions when the driving licence document contains errors with respect to the name, address or other personal particulars of the licence holder. Individuals who wish to correct the changes in their driving licence in Tamil Nadu can do so by submitting an application to correct the information in their licence.

Documents Required to Make Corrections in Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The applicant has to submit the following documents to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the licence was issued itself:

1. Application form
2. In case of change of name, marriage certificate or other document mentioning the changed name is to be attached.
3. Copy of current Driving Licence

Procedure for Correction of Information in Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

1. After submitting the application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement or receipt and a temporary licence with the changed information will be issued.
2. The updated Driving licence will be sent to the applicant through post.

How to Change Address for Driver's Licence in Tamil Nadu

In the event that you change your address or there is an error in your address as stated on your driving licence, you can correct the address. However there are certain criteria to be met when changing an address in a driver's licence:

1. The driving licence should not be suspended or disqualified for any reason.
2. The holder of the driving licence can apply for the address change.

Documents Required for Address Change

1. Driving Licence
2. Address proof document (ration card/passport/birth certificate/Voter ID card/affidavit sworn before Magistrate)

Procedure to Change Address

1. The applicant should present the driving licence and address proof along with a requisition letter to the Regional Transport Officer attached to the concerned RTO to get the address changed.
2. A fee of Rs.500 is applicable for change of address
3. The driving licence with the updated address would be presented to the applicant by post after 3 working days. If the licence is to be issued in another transport office (due to relocation, etc.) it would take 15 days for the address change.

Driving Test Procedure in Tamil Nadu

Individuals applying for a Driver's Licence in Tamil Nadu will have to take a driving test to prove their driving capabilities. This test will be conducted at the Regional Transport Office under the supervision of a Motor Vehicle Inspector.

1. The applicant must have a valid Learners Licence. In the case of expired Learner's Licences, the driving test should be conducted within 30 days of the Learner's Licence having lapsed.
2. If the applicant is unsuccessful, he may re-take the test at a later date.
3. Successful applicants will have their Driving Licence sent to them by post to the address mentioned on their application form.

Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu

Individuals whose driving licences have expired are required to renew them within a period of 30 days from the date of expiry of the licence.

The renewal process is a simple one, and the applicant has to follow the below steps for driving licence renewal in Tamil Nadu.

There are certain eligibility criteria governing the renewal of a driving licence in Tamil Nadu, which is listed below:

1. The application is to be made by the holder of the expired driving licence.
2. An applicant who has been disqualified from applying for a driving licence for any reason cannot apply for a renewal.
3. Driving licences that are expired can be renewed only if the licence is renewed within 5 years of its expiration. In this case, the applicant will have to re-take the driving test.

Documents to be Submitted to Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The following documents are to be submitted when applying for a renewal of your driving licence in Tamil Nadu:

1. Application for Renewal form (Form 9), can be downloaded from the
2. Physical Fitness Declaration Form (Form 1)
3. In case of drivers over 50 years of age, Form 1-A (physical fitness declaration)
4. Driving Licence
5. Proof of age documents
6. Passport sized photographs

Applicants whose driving licence has been registered at another RTO than the one they are renewing their licence at will have to obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate), also known as a Genuineness Certificate from the RTO where the licence was issued.

Procedure for Renewing Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

The application forms and supporting documents have to be submitted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in the applicant's area of residence.

The application fee for renewing a driving licence within the prescribed time limit is Rs.200 while the fee for renewing it after the grace period is Rs.300.

The RTO officer will verify the documents and the renewed driving licence will be issued.

How to Apply for Duplicate Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

In case of loss or damage of your original driving licence, you can apply for a duplicate licence from the RTO. Applicants who wish to obtain a duplicated driving licence have to fulfil the below mentioned criteria:

1. Duplicate licences will be issued in case of theft or loss of the original driving licence. Also in case of mutilation or damage to the licence.
2. Application should be made by the driving licence holder.
3. Individuals whose driving licence has been seized/disqualified cannot apply for a duplicate driving licence.

Documents Required for Duplicate Driving Licence Application in Tamil Nadu

Individuals applying for a duplicate driving licence are required to submit the following documents:

1. Application form (Form LLD)
2. Driving licence details such as licence number, holder's name and details
3. Police certificate or FIR (in case the licence was stolen)
4. Passport sized photographs

Procedure for Applying for Duplicate Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

1. Individuals are required to submit the Application form along with supporting documents to the RTO officer in the area of residence.
2. The applicant has to personally submit the application and has to submit proof of identity when submitting the documents.
3. An application fee of Rs. 500 is to be paid after which the application will be processed and a duplicate licence will be issued by the RTO Officer.

A duplicate driving licence should be applied for as soon as the theft or loss of the original licence takes place. In case of a gap of more than 6 months between the loss of the licence and the application for the duplicate, the application will have to be sent to the Transport Department Headquarters for approval, resulting in a long waiting time.

How to Apply for International Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

Individuals with a valid Driving Licence can use their licence to drive the type of vehicle as stipulated on the licence within India only. For those who are travelling overseas, this licence cannot be used to rent/buy a car or drive legally abroad.

Individuals would require an international driving licence for this purpose. The Indian government has authorised the respected state Regional Transport Offices to issue International Driving Licences subject to the applicants meeting certain requirements and submitting the relevant documents.

1. Applicant has to be above 18 years of age.
2. Only individuals with a valid Indian Driving Licence can apply for an international Driving Licence.
3. Individuals whose licences have been suspended or who do not have their licences with them at the time of application cannot apply.
4. Applicants who were issued driving licences within 3 months of the international driving licence application will have to re-take the driving test.
5. Only driving licences issued in Tamil Nadu will be able to apply for an International Driving Licence in the state. Those who have driving licences issued in other states will have to change their address on their licence to their present Tamil Nadu one before applying.

Documents to be Submitted for International Driving Licence

The following list of documents have to be submitted when applying for an international driving licence:

1. International Driving Licence Application Form (Form 4A)
2. Valid driving licence copy
3. Passport and visa copy
4. Passport sized photographs (3)
5. Medical certificate (as mentioned in the application form)

Application Process for International Driving Licence in TN

Applicants are required to submit the application form and supporting documents to the RTO in person. An application fee of Rs. 1000 is to be paid.

Once the documents have been verified, the applicant is issued the International Driving Licence.