How to Convert Foreign DLs via Sarathi What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to apply for or renew your driving license through Sarathi, the online portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), it’s crucial to know about the process of converting your foreign driving license to an Indian one. Sarathi offers a pathway for foreign license holders to obtain an Indian license, but the rules and steps aren’t always obvious. I’ll walk you through what you need, how it works, and what to watch out for so you don’t get stuck.Parivahan Sewa
What are the “official” requirements for conversion
If you have a valid foreign driving license and don’t already hold an Indian driving license, you can apply for conversion via Sarathi under the “Holding Foreign DL” option.
The conversion may not work if you previously had an Indian license (even expired), or if your foreign license has vehicle classes not recognized under Indian license categories.
Since rules vary by state, it’s important to check with your local RTO whether foreign DL conversions are accepted.
What documents and information you need to apply
When applying for conversion via Sarathi, prepare:
Your valid passport and visa (or other proof of legal stay/status in India) if you are a foreigner or NRI.
Original foreign driving license — plus a scanned copy to upload.
Proof of Indian address (because your Indian DL will reflect a local address).
Recent passport-size photographs (as per RTO requirements).
Sometimes a medical certificate (Form 1A) may be required — especially if applying for certain vehicle classes.
How to apply — step-by-step via Sarathi and in-person
What to be careful about — common issues and gotchas
Not all foreign licence categories map neatly to Indian licence classes. For example, a “moped” licence in some countries may not convert to Indian “motorcycle with gear (MCWG)” licence.
An Indian mobile number is often required (for OTP verification), so make sure you have that before applying.
Payment gateways on Sarathi can be buggy — some people prefer to upload documents first, then visit RTO to pay.
Your address proof must be valid and Indian — otherwise, the licence may not be issued.
If you already had an Indian DL (even expired), the “convert foreign DL” route may not work — you may need to follow normal DL issuance procedures.
Tips to make it smoother
Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying
When applying for a driving license, be sure to confirm the total fees before making payment. Often, the Sarathi portal can show you the final cost summary, but it’s best to always double-check to avoid surprises. Some unexpected charges could be added for things like smart-card issuance, address change, or extra tests. Keep a record of your payment, and always read through the fee structure in detail when you make an application.
What many guides miss — but you should write about (or know)
Final Thoughts
If you hold a foreign driving licence and plan to stay or travel in India long-term, converting it via Sarathi is a smart move. It saves you the hassle of re-learning and re-testing, and helps you drive legally. Just check that your foreign licence category matches Indian norms, keep your documents ready, and be honest during the application.
Want — I can also build a state-wise checklist (for 5–6 popular states) — to help users quickly check if their state supports foreign DL conversion and what special docs they need.
FAQs
Final Words
If you hold a foreign driving licence and plan to stay or travel in India long-term, converting it via Sarathi is a smart move. It saves you the hassle of re-learning and re-testing, and helps you drive legally. Just check that your foreign licence category matches Indian norms, keep your documents ready, and be honest during the application.
