How Can I Apply for E-Rickshaw License in India? (Complete Guide)

A permanent e rickshaw licence is required to operate an e rickshaw for commercial purposes. This article will answer the mainly asked question, ‘How can I apply for an e-rickshaw license in India?’. Lets see how to apply for the license online in easy and simple steps.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents for an E-Rickshaw Licence in India

To drive an e-rickshaw legally on public roads in India, you need a valid driving licence for the applicable vehicle category, and state-specific rules may apply. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, while transport-vehicle licensing requirements can involve additional age and training conditions. For an e-rickshaw licence, applicants may need a Learner’s Licence first, followed by the permanent licence after the prescribed waiting period and driving test. In Delhi, for example, e-rickshaw applicants must also complete prescribed training and provide the relevant training certificate.

Documents generally required include:

• Aadhaar Card or other valid identity proof
• Address and age proof
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Learner’s Licence
• Medical/fitness certificate, where applicable
• E-rickshaw training certificate, where required
• Application and prescribed fee

Applications for a Learner’s Licence can be initiated through the Parivahan/Sarathi portal, although the exact process and additional documents can vary by state.

Learner’s Licence vs Permanent Licence vs Commercial Permit

Note: E-rickshaw licensing and permit rules can differ between states and cities, so applicants should verify the latest requirements with their local RTO/Transport Department.

How to Apply for E-rickshaw Learner’s License - Online and Offline

The first part of answering “How can I apply for an e-rickshaw licence in India?” is getting a Learner’s Licence (LL). If you already have a valid LL, you can skip this step and proceed to the process of getting a permanent licence.

The Learner’s Licence application can be started online through the official Parivahan portal.

Step 1: Apply for a Learner’s Licence

• Visit parivahan.gov.in.
• Go to Licence Related Services.
• Click ‘More’ under Drivers/Learners Licence.
• Select your state from the list.
• A ‘Contactless Licence Services’ window will appear.

If Aadhaar-Based Service Is Available

• Check for ‘Issue of Learner’s Licence’ under Contactless (eKYC) Services.
• If available, you may be able to complete the process without visiting the RTO.
• Your Aadhaar Card must be linked to your mobile number.
• Select ‘Issue of Learner’s Licence’ and start the application.

If Aadhaar-Based Service Is Not Available

• Close the Contactless Licence Services window.
• Select ‘Apply for Learner’s Licence’.
• Read the Instructions for Application Submission carefully.
• Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.

The application process is broadly similar in both cases and is divided into four main parts. After completing the Learner’s Licence process, the next step is to apply for the permanent e-rickshaw driving licence, which is required to legally operate an e-rickshaw for commercial purposes.

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Step 1: Fill Application Details

The first step is to enter your personal, address and vehicle-related details for the Learner’s Licence application.

• The ‘Application for Learner’s Licence (LL)’ page will open.

• Select the required category and click ‘Submit’.

Complete Aadhaar Authentication

• On the next page, you will see ‘Authentication with E-KYC’.

• If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number:

• Select ‘Submit via Aadhaar Authentication’.

• Enter your Aadhaar Number/Virtual ID.

• Click ‘Generate OTP’.

• Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

• Select the required consent options.

• Click ‘Authenticate’.

• Your basic details will then be captured from Aadhaar.

If You Do Not Use Aadhaar Authentication

• Select ‘Submit without Aadhaar Authentication’.

• Enter your mobile number.

• Enter the OTP received on your mobile.

• Click ‘Authenticate’.

• After authentication, the remaining application process is the same.

Enter Personal and Vehicle Details

• The ‘Application for Learner’s Licence (LL) - General’ page will open.

• Fill in your Personal Details and Address Details.

• Fields marked with (*) are mandatory.

• Under ‘Select Class of Vehicles’, find ‘E-RICKSHAW (eRIKSH)’.

• Click the arrow and select the required vehicle class.

• Complete the Declaration section.

• Click ‘Submit’.

Once submitted, an Application Reference Details slip will be generated. It will also show the documents required for the next stage of the application.

Step 2: Upload Documents / Photo and Signature

The document-upload process is slightly different depending on whether you used Aadhaar Authentication or not.

If You Submitted via Aadhaar Authentication

• Upload your photo and signature as required.

• Form 1 can be completed and submitted digitally.

• Since the photo/signature upload and Form 1 are covered in Steps 2 and 3, you can move directly to Step 4 after completing them.

If You Submitted Without Aadhaar Authentication

• Download Form 1 from the application portal.

• Take a printout and fill it manually.

• Scan the completed form and save it as a PDF file.

• Keep the required documents ready:

• Age Proof

• Address Proof

• Form 1 – Self Declaration

• Documents should be in PDF or JPEG format and generally less than 500 KB as specified on the portal.

Upload the Documents

• Select ‘Upload Documents’.

• Click ‘Proceed’.

• Under ‘Required Documents’, select the relevant Document and Proof type.

• Click ‘Choose File’ and select the supporting document.

• Click ‘Upload’.

• Repeat the same process for all required documents.

• Once all documents are uploaded, click ‘Next’ to continue.

Step 3: Fee Payment

The e-rickshaw driving licence fee varies by state and RTO. As a reference, the approximate fee structure in Delhi is:

Additional charges such as medical certificate, authorised driving training or service charges may apply. The final amount can vary depending on the state and RTO.

Before making the payment:

• Check the available RTO slots, dates and timings.

• Click ‘Fee Payment’ → ‘Proceed’.

• Select your preferred payment method.

• Pay the applicable fee online.

• Save the payment receipt for future reference.

Important: Always check the fee displayed on the official transport portal before payment, as licence charges may differ from one state or RTO to another.

Step 4: Book the Slot and Complete the Test

For applicants selecting “Submit without Aadhaar Authentication,” the next step is to book an RTO appointment through the Sarathi Parivahan portal.

• Select a suitable date and time and click “Book Slot.”

• After successful booking, download/save the appointment slip and follow the instructions.

• Check your application progress through “Application Status” on Sarathi Parivahan.

• Complete the required learner’s licence test. The test format and number of questions may vary by state/RTO.

• Aadhaar-authenticated applicants may be eligible for a digital/online process, while others may need to visit the RTO.

E-Rickshaw Licence Processing Time

There is no fixed all-India timeline for e-rickshaw licence issuance. Processing depends on the state, RTO appointment availability, verification and test completion.

After holding the learner’s licence for at least 30 days, the applicant can proceed for the permanent Driving Licence and complete the required driving test. Therefore, avoid quoting 5–15 working days as a guaranteed timeline, as actual processing varies between RTOs.

How to Apply for an E-Rickshaw Driving Licence Online

The e-rickshaw driving licence process is largely handled through the Sarathi Parivahan system, but the exact steps, available services, documents and RTO requirements can vary by state. The official Sarathi process requires applicants to select their state first, after which the services available for that state/RTO are displayed.

For a permanent licence, you can generally apply after completing at least 30 days and within 180 days of your Learner’s Licence (LL). Assam's Transport Department confirms the same 30-180-day window.

Step-by-Step Process

Important: Completing the online application, payment and slot booking does not by itself complete the licence process. Sarathi's official guidance says applicants may still have to visit the concerned RTO for the remaining formalities.

Does the E-Rickshaw Licence Process Vary by State?

Yes. The basic Sarathi framework is common, but the services and additional requirements can differ between states and even RTOs. For example, Assam's official Transport Department separately specifies its own driving-licence procedure, documents and transport-vehicle requirements.

Assam: A Useful Example

The basic e-rickshaw licence process is similar across India, but age, documents, permits and other requirements can vary by state.

For example, in Assam, transport-vehicle applicants generally need to be 21 years or older, and specific rules apply to battery-operated e-rickshaws and e-carts. A separate permit may also be required to operate the e-rickshaw as a transport vehicle.

Some states may also offer separate subsidies or support schemes for e-rickshaw owners. Therefore, after applying through Sarathi Parivahan, check your state Transport Department/RTO website for any additional requirements, permits or financial schemes.

Registration and Fitness Certificate Requirements

A valid driving licence alone is not enough to legally operate an e-rickshaw. The vehicle must also be properly registered, insured and, where applicable, hold a valid fitness certificate and permit. The Motor Vehicles Act requires transport vehicles to carry the relevant registration, insurance, fitness and permit documents.

• Vehicle Registration: An e-rickshaw must be registered with the concerned RTO/transport authority before it can legally operate on public roads. The registration process is handled through the VAHAN system, with state-specific requirements and fees.

• Fitness Certificate: As a transport vehicle, an e-rickshaw is required to have a valid Certificate of Fitness. Under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, a new transport vehicle's fitness certificate is generally valid for 2 years, while subsequent renewals are generally for 1 year. State procedures can determine how the inspection and renewal are carried out.

• Third-Party Insurance: Valid motor vehicle insurance is mandatory for vehicles used on public roads. The insurance certificate may also be required to be produced along with the RC and other documents during checks.

• Permit: Where a permit is required for the particular e-rickshaw operation, it must also be obtained and kept valid. The requirement and conditions can vary according to the state and type of operation.

In short: Before taking an e-rickshaw onto public roads, check that its RC, insurance, fitness certificate and applicable permit are valid. A valid driving licence by itself does not make the vehicle legally compliant.

Licence Renewal

For an e-rickshaw used as a transport vehicle, the driving licence is generally valid for 5 years under Section 14 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This is a central statutory rule, rather than a general 3–5 year state variation.

• When to renew: A renewal application can be made up to one year before the licence expires.

• Where to apply: Renewal can generally be initiated online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal by selecting the relevant state and the driving-licence renewal service.

• Medical certificate: For renewal of a transport-vehicle licence, a prescribed medical certificate is required under the Motor Vehicles Act.

• Avoid expiry: Do not continue driving commercially after the licence has expired. Apply for renewal in advance and keep the renewed licence details available.

Important: Licence, vehicle registration and fitness certificate are separate documents with different validity periods. Therefore, e-rickshaw owners should check each expiry date separately rather than assuming that renewing the driving licence also renews the vehicle documents.

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Conclusion

Now, the how can I apply for e rickshaw license in India question is answered completely. E-rickshaw licence is required to operate it for commercial purposes. You can purchase the newest e-rickshaws available through an easy and seamless process at cmv360.

Faq’s

Is a driving licence mandatory to operate an e-rickshaw in India?

Yes. Despite e-rickshaws running at lower speeds than conventional autos, a valid commercial driving licence is legally required to operate one, especially for passenger transport.

Can I drive an e-rickshaw with just a Learner's Licence?

Only for practice, and typically under supervision. You cannot legally operate it commercially or carry paying passengers until you have the permanent licence and, where applicable, a commercial permit.

Does the process differ by state?

Yes. While the core steps via parivahan.gov.in are largely uniform, some states run additional portals for permits and subsidies, and requirements like physical inspection or special licence categories can vary by district.

What happens if I operate without a commercial permit?

Operating for hire without the required permit is illegal, even if you hold a valid driving licence, and can result in fines or seizure of the vehicle.

Is a medical fitness test required?

Some states require a basic medical fitness declaration or test as part of the licence application, particularly for commercial categories.