How to Change Address on Your Driving Licence

Moved to a new city or changed your residential address? Updating your driving licence is important because a mismatch between your DL address and actual residence can cause problems during police verification, insurance claims, and RTO procedures. The address change can be done online through the Parivahan Sewa portal for same-state changes, while inter-state transfers require an NOC from the original RTO.

Same-State vs Inter-State Address Change

If your new address is within the same state, the process is simpler — you apply online, submit new address proof, and the updated DL is dispatched. For inter-state changes, you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO that originally issued your DL, after which the new state's RTO processes the transfer.

The inter-state process can take 4-6 weeks since both RTOs must coordinate. Your DL remains valid during the transfer period. Some states have streamlined this through electronic NOC (e-NOC), which speeds up the process significantly.

Documents Required for Address Change

The primary requirement is proof of your new address. The accepted documents are similar to those for a fresh DL application. Aadhaar with the updated address is the most convenient option since it is universally accepted across RTOs.

Online Process via Sarathi Portal

For same-state address changes, the online process is straightforward. Log into the Sarathi portal, select 'Change of Address in DL,' enter your DL number, update the address details, upload proof, and pay the fee. Some states process this entirely online without requiring a physical RTO visit.

• Login to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
• Select 'Change of Address in DL' service
• Enter current DL number and verify details
• Update address and upload new address proof
• Pay fee online and track application status

Inter-State DL Transfer Process

When moving to a different state, you need to transfer your DL jurisdiction. First, obtain an NOC from your original RTO (this can often be requested online). Then, apply to the new state's RTO with the NOC, address proof, and other documents. The new state RTO will issue a fresh DL with the new address and their state code.

• Apply for NOC from original RTO (online or in person)
• Receive NOC within 7-15 days
• Apply to new state RTO with NOC and documents
• Pay transfer fee and address change fee
• New DL issued by the new state RTO

Documents Required

• New Address Proof — Updated Aadhaar card, utility bill (within 3 months), rent agreement, or passport
• Existing Driving Licence — Original DL with the old address
• NOC (for inter-state) — No Objection Certificate from the original RTO
• Application Form — Form CMV available on Sarathi portal
• Photographs — Recent passport-size photographs

Address Change Fees

Important Tips

• Update your Aadhaar address first — it makes the DL address change easier
• Apply for address change within 30 days of moving as per rules
• If doing inter-state transfer, combine it with DL renewal if due soon
• Keep your old DL until the new one arrives
• An e-NOC speeds up inter-state transfers significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Keeping your DL address current is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity. For same-state moves, the online process takes just minutes. Inter-state transfers require more effort, but electronic NOC systems are making it faster. Prioritize this update alongside your Aadhaar address change.