Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,  which permits you to drive one or more types of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, etc. on a public road, and it also serves as a proof of identification.

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

• You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
• Where your driving school from where you have taken your training^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} is located.

Please note that you can hold only one DL at a time.^{(( Section 6(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} Your DL will be valid throughout India, i.e you can use your DL to drive in any state in India.^{(( Section 13, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} See here for information on the time periods of validity.

Electronic Driving License 

Now, you can also carry an electronic copy of your Driving License in the DigiLocker or mParivahan app.^{(( Rule 139, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))} The electronic form of Driving License is just as valid as a physical copy. If you drive a motor vehicle without possessing a DL, you can be punished with jail time of up to 3 months and/or a fine of Rs. 5,000.^{(( Section 181, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))}

You can get a DL only if:

• You are an adult^{(( Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} i.e. above 18 years of age.
• You hold a valid Learner’s License,^{(( Rule 14(1)(a), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))}which is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued to you.
• You are not disqualified from holding a Driving License.^{(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))} 
  

You can obtain a new DL, update your DL, renew your DL and get a duplicate DL. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more