How to Apply for a Driving License in Jammu and Kashmir in 2026?

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest princely states in India. As per the latest news, the number of commercial and private vehicles in this state increased to 24 lakhs in 2022 from 12 lakhs in 2014-15. 

The Transport Department of Jammu and Kashmir is responsible for looking after the functions of J&K Motor Garages, J&K Road Transport Corporation, and J&K Motor Vehicle Department. Furthermore, it implements the Motor Vehicle Act and its rules.

However, one of the main functions of RTO offices in Jammu Kashmir is to issue driving licences to vehicle owners. Read below to know all about driving licences in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 makes it mandatory for vehicle owners to have a valid driving license so that they can drive on Indian streets legally. The various types of driving license Jammu and Kashmir RTO issues are as follows:

1. Learner’s Licence

A learner’s licence is provided when a candidate is still learning to drive a vehicle. This licence is valid for up to 6 months. In 6 months, if the candidate is still not ready, they must apply for their learner’s licence again. However, while holding a learner’s licence, drivers must be accompanied by another experienced driver.

2. Permanent Licence

After 6 months, the permanent licence is issued. However, there are certain conditions. Candidates must be above 18 years of age and must have cleared the driving test to obtain a permanent driving licence. This licence is valid for 20 years or until the licence holder turns 50. When licence holders turn 50, they must renew their driving licence, irrespective of the issue date.

3. Commercial Licence

A commercial driving licence is issued to those who drive commercial or transport vehicles like buses, cabs, or goods-carrying vehicles. Unlike a permanent licence, candidates must be above 20 to be eligible for a commercial driving licence. Moreover, a candidate must qualify for the 8th standard and have a minimum driving experience of 1 year.

4. International Vehicle Permit

An international driving license allows individuals to drive in a foreign country. Candidates must hold a permanent driving licence before applying for an International Driving Permit. This permit remains valid for a year; candidates must apply for it again after it expires.

Before you apply for a driving licence in this state, you must know the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria to apply for Jammu and Kashmir driving licence includes the following:

• If you have a motor vehicle not exceeding an engine capacity of 50 CC, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir.
• If you have a motorcycle having an engine capacity of more than 50 CC, you must be of a minimum of 18 years of age to apply for a driving licence in J&K.
• You must be of a minimum of 20 years of age if you apply for a commercial or transport vehicle.
• You must hold a valid learner’s licence if you apply for a permanent driving licence in this state.

You can apply for a permanent J&K driving licence, after or within 30 days from the date of issuance of the learner’s licence.

Documents required to apply for a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:

1. Proof of Age

Documents that can be provided as proof of age are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Utility Bills
• Employment Certificate from the Central or State Government

2. Address Proof

The documents that can be provided as address proof are mentioned below:

• Voter ID
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Ration Card
• LIC Policy Bonds

3. Other Necessary Documents

Documents necessary to apply for a driving licence are mentioned below:

• Application form 2/4
• Driving Licence Form 5 for those applying for a commercial driving licence
• Passport size photographs
• Application fee charges

• Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Sarathi Parivahan.

• Step 2: Select 'Online Services' and choose 'Driving license Related Services' from the drop-down menu.

• Step 3: Now, select your state and fill in all the applicant's necessary details.

Here are the offline driving license application steps in Jammu and Kashmir:

• Step 1: Visit your local RTO office to get the application form.
• Step 2: Complete and submit the form with all relevant papers. Choose a driving test date.
• Step 3: Take the test at the scheduled time.

The license will arrive at your registered address after you pass the test.

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

While riding, the candidate should remember that the vehicle should never stall and keep to the imaginary boundary of ‘8’. The next step before granting the applicant permission to travel on public roads is for the inspector to evaluate his driving performance.

Test for Four-wheeler

The candidate must undergo the test on a specially designed road for four-wheelers, taking care not to touch the columns. Any slight touching of the columns will result in the applicant's disqualification. The next step is to have the candidate drive on a public road; their success or failure will be determined by how well they do.

Any driver's license candidate who does not pass the first exam has 7 days to retake and reapply. A little charge is required to apply for a retest.

An international driving permit applicant must visit the Jammu and Kashmir regional transport office. An exam is typically not required to obtain an IDP. However, the applicant needs to possess a valid driver's license to be qualified for it.

The procedures for obtaining an international driving permit are outlined in the following section:

• Step 1: Choose the RTO from the Jammu and Kashmir RTO official website.
• Step 2: When prompted, provide the permanent driver's license number.
• Step 3: Type your birthdate in the required DD/MM/YYY format.
• Step 4: Click Next when your driver's license appears on the screen.
• Step 5: Click "Apply" after entering the extra information.
• Step 6: Print the application forms, then note the application number for your records.
• Step 7: Compile the required paperwork and send it to the local RTO of your choice.

Online Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Jammu and Kashmir

• Step 1: Go to the official Parivahan Sewa website and get the necessary form.
• Step 2: Print the form, then fill it out with the appropriate information.
• Step 3: Send the completed form and required paperwork to the closest RTO.
• Step 4: After verifying your documentation, the owner receives a renewed driver's licence.

Offline Process for Driving Licence Renewal in Jammu and Kashmir

• Step 1: Go to the closest RTO and pick up the necessary application form.
• Step 2: Complete the form and send it in with the necessary paperwork.
• Step 3: After processing and verifying the application request, the driver's license is renewed and given to the holder.

Here is the paperwork required to apply for a driver's license renewal in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Form 1: Physical Fitness Certificate
• Form 1A (Medical Certificate) is required for transport categories DL or higher or if the applicant is over 40.
• Form 2 (DL renewal application)
• Original driver's license
• Proof of age and address (birth certificate, voter ID card, Adhaar card, etc.)
• passport-sized photos