What Causes State‑Specific Variations in SARATHI Services

If you’ve used the SARATHI portal (for learner’s licences, driving licences, renewals etc), you may have noticed that the process, the time it takes, the fees, even the slot‑booking experience can differ a lot between your state and another state. Why is that? Even though the portal is nominally national, the experience varies. Let’s talk through the main reasons you’ll see these differences, so you know what to expect and how to work with them. Parivahan Sewa

parivahan.gov.in

Key Reasons for Differences Between States

State‑level Rules & Regulations

Although the central law (Motor Vehicles Act, 1988) sets the broad framework, each state has its own rules or additional regulations for driving licences, vehicle classes, test requirements, fees and validity periods. Because SARATHI must integrate with these, your state may implement added requirements, leading to variation. parivahanssewa.com+1

Technical & Infrastructure Readiness

Some states are more advanced in digital infrastructure, faster broadband, better‑staffed RTO offices, streamlined processes. Others may face older systems, fewer staff, slower servers, or partial rollout of services. For instance, when portals face downtime or delays due to server issues, the user experience suffers. The Times of India

Customisations by State Transport Departments

The NIC/National Informatics Centre provides the software, but states often customise aspects: the user interface shape, the workflow steps (for example extra verification steps), the document list, the slot‑booking pattern. These customisations mean one state may allow fully online DL renewal while another may require some in‑person visit. Paytm+1

Fee Structures & Service Charges

States can set different fees for LIC renewals, duplications, address changes, adding vehicle classes. Because of this, two states using the same portal might still charge different amounts or have different waiting times based on how the state budget is set up. Paytm

Data Integration & Legacy Records

Some states have older records, legacy systems or incomplete migration of data. This can cause delays or additional checks in the portal workflows for that state. A state with clean, up‑to‑date records will process quicker than one with many pending old cases. Swipe

Variations in Test & Verification Processes

The driving test, document verification, biometric verification etc may differ. One RTO might allow a direct online process, another might require physical visit, photo/biometric at the RTO. These differences reflect state resources, rules and local policy. parivahanssewa.com

What This Means for You (and What You Can Do)

Don’t assume the process in your state is exactly like another. Check your state’s SARATHI page for details.
If you’re moving states, anticipate that your new state may have different steps, fees, or timelines.
Be ready for possible delays if your state’s infrastructure is less advanced. Allow more time.
Keep all your documents ready and in correct format — states with stricter upload/verification will penalise missing or unclear docs.
Use early morning or non‑peak hours for portal access if your state’s servers are slow.
If your state offers cheaper fees but slower processing, you’ll need to weigh speed vs cost.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: How to Protect Yourself When Sarathi Is Down Temporarily

FAQs

Likely because your state has more applicants, fewer slots or slower RTO server/infrastructure. The test scheduling workflow may differ

Because your state transport department retains a requirement for in‑person verification (biometrics or photo) as part of local policy.

Yes, when you relocate you’ll need to follow address change or licence transfer procedures. But expect different rules and possibly extra steps

Because states decide their own service charges under their transport department rules, even when using the same portal platform

Try at non‑busy hours, or visit the RTO in person and inform them of the portal issue. States with lagging infrastructure face more downtime

Final Words

Even though the SARATHI portal aims to provide a unified driving‑licence service across India, the real‑world experience depends heavily on state‑specific rules, infrastructure, customisations and readiness. Knowing this helps you manage expectations, prepare properly and avoid surprises. If you like, I can check for your specific state (for example Punjab or Maharashtra) what the exact deviations are — would you like me to pull that up?