Driving Licence Fees in India (2026): LL, DL, Renewal, Duplicate & International Permit
14 May, 2026
One of the first questions anyone has before starting the DL process is: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that driving licence fees in India are modest, this is not an expensive process by any measure, but the full cost depends on several variables: which state you are in, how many vehicle classes you are applying for, whether you are applying for the first time or renewing, and whether you need any additional services like a duplicate card or an international permit.
This guide lays out every component of the driving licence cost in India for 2026, LL fees, permanent DL fees, renewal, duplicate, IDP, smart card conversion, test fees, and a state-wise comparison table. All fees referenced here are based on the current Central Motor Vehicles Rules framework and publicly available state RTO schedules. Always confirm exact amounts on the Sarathi portal at parivahan.gov.in at the time of payment, as states can revise fees.
Driving Licence Fee Structure in India, Overview
Driving licence fees in India are governed by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which set the national base fee framework. States are permitted to apply additional charges on top of this base, which is why the total amount you pay varies across states even when the process is identical. The full DL fee structure covers several distinct service categories:
| Service | Who Pays It | When |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Licence fee | All first-time applicants | At time of LL application |
| Permanent DL fee | All permanent DL applicants | After LL, before driving test |
| DL renewal fee | All existing DL holders at renewal | Before expiry or within grace period |
| Duplicate DL fee | Applicants with lost/damaged DL | At time of duplicate application |
| IDP fee | International travel applicants | At time of IDP application |
| Smart card conversion fee | Holders of old paper/laminated DLs | At time of conversion request |
| Test fee | All applicants for LL or DL | Included in application or separate |
| Retest fee | Those who failed LL or DL test | At time of rescheduling |
Every one of these fees is collected through the Sarathi portal's online payment system, UPI, net banking, debit or credit card. No cash payments are accepted for online DL applications. RTOs may still accept cash for walk-in applications at the counter, but the online route is the standard.
Learner's Licence Fees (LL Fees)
The learner licence fees in India are calculated per vehicle class. If you are applying for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler LLs in a single application, which most people do, the fees are additive.
National base LL fee structure:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Form / Application fee | ₹50 |
| LL issue fee (per vehicle class) | ₹150 to ₹200 |
| Smart card (physical LL card) | ₹200 |
| Total for one class (e.g. LMV only) | ₹300 to ₹400 |
| Total for two classes (2W + 4W combined) | ₹450 to ₹600 |
The learner licence fees shown here are the central government's base figures. State additions bring these to the ranges below, which reflect what applicants actually pay on the Sarathi portal:
| Application Type | Typical Total Range |
|---|---|
| LL for MCWOG (scooter/moped) only | ₹200 to ₹350 |
| LL for MCWG (motorcycle with gear) only | ₹200 to ₹350 |
| LL for LMV-NT (car) only | ₹250 to ₹400 |
| DL fee for both 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler LL together | ₹400 to ₹600 |
| LL for transport vehicle class | ₹250 to ₹450 per class |
The DL fee for both 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler is among the most searched fee questions because many applicants want both simultaneously. The combined fee is not double the individual fee, it is the sum of the per-class charges, which in most states comes to ₹400 to ₹600 for the full bundle.
Permanent Driving Licence Fees, 2W, 4W, and Both
Once you have held your Learner's Licence for 30 days and are ready to apply for a permanent DL, a separate application and fee applies. The permanent DL fees cover the application form, test booking, and smart card issuance.
Driving licence fees for two wheeler (MCWG or MCWOG):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| DL application fee | ₹200 to ₹300 |
| Smart card fee | ₹200 |
| Total | ₹300 to ₹500 |
Driving licence fees for four wheeler (LMV-NT):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| DL application fee | ₹200 to ₹300 |
| Smart card fee | ₹200 |
| Total | ₹350 to ₹550 |
DL fee for both 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler (combined permanent DL):
If your LL covers both motorcycle and car classes, you apply for both in a single DL application. Applicants applying for both vehicle classes together should also review the latest permanent driving licence application process including slot booking driving test rules and smart card dispatch timelines in their state.
| Combination | Approximate Total |
|---|---|
| MCWG + LMV-NT together | ₹550 to ₹900 |
| MCWOG + LMV-NT together | ₹550 to ₹900 |
| MCWG + MCWOG + LMV-NT | ₹650 to ₹1,000 |
Is there an extra fee for the DL test?
This is one of the most common questions around driving licence fees. In most states, the test fee is bundled into the DL application fee, you do not pay separately for the driving test when applying for a permanent DL. The bundled amount covers the application processing, test administration, and smart card issuance together. A few states do itemise these separately on the payment page, but the total is the same. So to directly answer the question: is there extra fee for DL test? In most states, no, it is included in the application fee you pay at submission. Candidates appearing for the driving test for the first time should also understand the latest DL test tips track markings automatic fail conditions and state-specific test procedures before booking their slot.
Transport vehicle DL fees:
| Vehicle Class | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| LMV-TR (taxi/transport) | ₹400 to ₹700 |
| HMV (heavy goods) | ₹500 to ₹800 |
| HMV (passenger/bus) | ₹500 to ₹800 |
| MGV (medium goods) | ₹400 to ₹700 |
DL Renewal Fees
DL renewal fees in India apply when your driving licence is approaching or has passed its expiry date. The base renewal fee is lower than the original issuance fee, you are paying for record update and smart card reissuance, not a new licence.
Standard DL renewal fees (within validity or within 30-day grace period):
| Vehicle Class | Approximate Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| LMV / MCWG / MCWOG | ₹200 to ₹400 |
| Transport / LMV-TR | ₹300 to ₹600 |
| HMV | ₹400 to ₹700 |
Driving licence renewal fee after expiry: The driving licence renewal fee after expiry increases based on how long the DL has been lapsed. This late renewal penalty is applied on top of the standard renewal fee.
| Expiry Duration | Late Penalty | Total Approximate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Within 30-day grace period | Nil | ₹200 to ₹400 |
| 31 days to 1 year expired | ₹300 to ₹500 | ₹500 to ₹900 |
| 1 to 5 years expired | ₹500 to ₹1,000 | ₹700 to ₹1,400 |
| 5+ years expired | ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 | ₹1,300 to ₹2,100 |
The driving licence renewal fee after expiry is calculated automatically by the Sarathi portal based on the gap between your DL's expiry date and today's date. You do not need to calculate it manually, the portal shows the exact amount before you proceed to payment.
Medical certificate costs for renewal: Renewal fees for transport and HMV licences require a Form 1A medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. This is not collected by the RTO, it is a fee paid to the doctor. Expect to pay ₹200 to ₹500 at most clinics for a standard DL medical fitness certificate. This cost is separate from the RTO renewal fee.
Duplicate DL Fees
The duplicate DL fees apply when you apply for a replacement after losing, damaging, or destroying your physical DL card.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate DL for LMV / 2W | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Duplicate DL for transport / HMV | ₹400 to ₹700 |
| Duplicate DL with address correction | ₹400 to ₹600 |
Duplicate DL fees are paid online on the Sarathi portal at the time of application. If your driving licence has been lost stolen or damaged it is recommended to immediately download DL through DigiLocker or mParivahan while the duplicate DL application is being processed. The FIR copy (for lost DL) and notarised affidavit are documentary requirements, there are no additional fees for these at the RTO, but the affidavit notarisation at a local notary typically costs ₹50 to ₹200.
International Driving Permit (IDP) Fees
The international driving permit fees in India are standardised nationally by MoRTH, meaning there is no state variation for IDP charges.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| IDP issue fee | ₹1,000 |
| IDP renewal / reissuance | ₹1,000 |
The IDP fee of ₹1,000 is paid at the time of application, either online via the Sarathi portal (in states where online IDP processing is available) or at the RTO counter. The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and cannot be renewed; a fresh ₹1,000 fee applies for each new IDP.
Smart Card DL Conversion Fees
For those converting an old paper or laminated DL to the current chip-based smart card format, the smart card DL fees are:
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Smart card conversion (LMV / 2W) | ₹200 to ₹400 |
| Smart card conversion (transport / HMV) | ₹300 to ₹600 |
| Conversion with name or address correction combined | ₹300 to ₹600 |
The smart card DL fees are a one-time payment covering both the production cost of the chip-embedded card and the Speed Post dispatch. No ongoing charges apply. Old paper DLs remain legally valid until surrendered, conversion is recommended but not currently mandatory.
DL Test Fees and Retest Charges
LL theory test fee: In most states, the LL theory test fee is included in the LL application fee at the time of submission. There is no separate counter payment needed on test day.
Permanent DL driving test fee: Similarly, the driving test fee for the permanent DL is typically bundled into the DL application fee paid online. No separate payment is made at the RTO test track on the day.
Retest fees, what happens if you fail:
| Test Type | Retest Fee |
|---|---|
| LL theory retest | ₹50 to ₹150 |
| DL driving test retest | ₹150 to ₹300 |
Retest fees are paid online when rescheduling the test slot on the Sarathi portal. There is no cash counter payment required. The number of retests allowed is unlimited within the LL validity period (180 days), with each attempt requiring a fresh booking and retest fee.
State-wise DL Fee Comparison Table
The following table provides a state-wise fee comparison for common DL services based on publicly available schedules as of 2026. These are total indicative amounts. Confirm exact figures on the Sarathi portal at time of application.
| State | LL (2W+4W Combined) | Permanent DL (2W+4W) | Renewal (LMV) | Duplicate DL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹350 to ₹450 | ₹600 to ₹800 | ₹200 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Maharashtra | ₹400 to ₹500 | ₹650 to ₹900 | ₹250 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Karnataka | ₹400 to ₹550 | ₹700 to ₹950 | ₹250 to ₹450 | ₹350 to ₹550 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹350 to ₹500 | ₹600 to ₹850 | ₹200 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| Gujarat | ₹350 to ₹500 | ₹600 to ₹850 | ₹200 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Rajasthan | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| West Bengal | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| Telangana | ₹350 to ₹500 | ₹600 to ₹850 | ₹200 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹350 to ₹500 | ₹600 to ₹850 | ₹200 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Kerala | ₹350 to ₹500 | ₹600 to ₹850 | ₹250 to ₹400 | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Punjab | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| Haryana | ₹300 to ₹400 | ₹500 to ₹750 | ₹200 to ₹350 | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| Bihar | ₹275 to ₹380 | ₹480 to ₹700 | ₹150 to ₹300 | ₹200 to ₹400 |
How to read this table: The driving licence state wise fees shown here are combined totals including application fee, smart card fee, and applicable state charges. They represent the all-in amount you see on the Sarathi payment screen, not individual line items.
Southern states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) and Maharashtra tend to be at the higher end of the range. Northern and central states (UP, MP, Rajasthan, Bihar) tend to be at the lower end, reflecting lower state-level add-ons.
How to Pay DL Fees Online
All driving licence fees in India for online applications are paid through the Sarathi portal at parivahan.gov.in. The payment is integrated into the application flow and occurs at the end of the form-filling process.
Accepted payment methods:
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and all UPI-enabled apps)
- Debit card (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay)
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Net banking (all major banks)
The payment process:
1. Complete your application form on the Sarathi portal
2. Review the fee breakdown displayed on the payment summary page, this shows exactly what you are being charged for and confirms the total
3. Select your preferred payment method
4. Complete the transaction
5. A payment receipt and application number are sent to your registered mobile number and email immediately after successful payment
What to do if the payment is deducted but the application is not submitted: This occasionally happens due to a network timeout between the payment gateway and the Sarathi portal. Wait 30 minutes, most such transactions auto-reverse within this period. If the amount was deducted and the application did not register after 24 hours, contact the Parivahan helpline at 0120-2459169 with your payment transaction ID. Refunds are processed within 7 working days.
No payment is required on test day: Once the online fees are paid, you do not pay anything at the RTO counter on the day of the test. Bring your application acknowledgement printout as proof of payment. Any RTO staff member asking for additional cash payment for the test is acting outside official procedure.
FAQs
1. How much does a driving licence cost in India in 2026?
Ans: The total driving licence cost in India for a standard combined two-wheeler and four-wheeler DL (LL + permanent DL) ranges from approximately ₹900 to ₹1,500 end-to-end depending on the state. This covers the LL application, the permanent DL application, and smart card issuance. Individual service fees are broken down in the tables above.
2. What are the driving licence fees for two wheeler only?
Ans: The LL fee for a two-wheeler class (MCWG or MCWOG) is approximately ₹200 to ₹350, and the permanent DL fee is ₹300 to ₹500. Combined end-to-end, the driving licence fees for two wheeler total roughly ₹500 to ₹850 depending on your state.
3. What is the DL fee for both 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler together?
Ans: Applying for both MCWG (or MCWOG) and LMV-NT classes together costs ₹400 to ₹600 for the combined LL and ₹550 to ₹900 for the combined permanent DL. The total end-to-end driving licence cost for both 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler in a single process runs approximately ₹950 to ₹1,500 depending on the state.
4. Is there an extra fee for the DL test?
Ans: In most states, no. The driving test fee is included in the permanent DL application fee paid online. You do not pay separately at the RTO test centre on the day of the test. In a small number of states, the test fee is listed as a separate line item on the payment page, but the total you pay is the same.
5. What is the driving licence renewal fee after expiry?
Ans: The renewal fee after expiry consists of the standard renewal fee (₹200 to ₹400) plus a late penalty that increases with the length of the lapse. For a DL expired less than 1 year, the total is approximately ₹500 to ₹900. For 1 to 5 years expired, expect ₹700 to ₹1,400. For 5+ years, ₹1,300 to ₹2,100. The Sarathi portal calculates the exact amount automatically.
6. Are DL fees refundable if I fail the test?
Ans: The application fee paid at submission is non-refundable regardless of test outcome. If you fail the test, you pay a separate retest fee (₹50 to ₹150 for LL theory, ₹150 to ₹300 for the driving test) to rebook. The original fee is not credited against the retest.
7. What is the duplicate DL fee if my licence was damaged?
Ans: The duplicate DL fees for a damaged card are the same as for a lost card, approximately ₹300 to ₹500 for standard LMV/2W categories. Damaged cards are typically required to be submitted at the RTO along with the application.
8. Are there any hidden charges in the DL fee process?
Ans: No. The Sarathi portal's fee breakdown page shows every charge before payment. There are no hidden government fees. Any additional amount charged by agents, facilitation centres, or third-party websites is unofficial. The entire DL process, from LL to permanent DL, can be completed independently online through parivahan.gov.in without any agent involvement.
9. Are driving licence fees the same across all states?
Ans: No. The driving licence state wise fees vary because states apply different additional charges over the central base fee. The state-wise comparison table in this guide provides the ranges. Karnataka, Maharashtra, and southern states tend to be slightly higher. Northern and central states tend to be lower. Confirm your specific state's fees on the Sarathi portal before applying.
