DigiLocker vs mParivahan Driving Licence - What's the Difference?
Both DigiLocker and mParivahan are official government platforms in India. DigiLocker is meant for issuing and storing verified documents, while mParivahan is designed for viewing transport records. Both are legally valid, but they serve different purposes.
Why This Comparison Matters
Many drivers assume DigiLocker and mParivahan do the same job. In reality, they are built for different legal and technical purposes.
Misunderstanding this can lead to:
- Confusion during police checking
- Wrong assumptions about document validity
- Issues during verification or insurance processes
This comparison explains where each platform fits, not which one is "better".
What Is DigiLocker?
DigiLocker is a government-backed digital document wallet. It allows citizens to receive and store officially issued documents in digital form.
Key characteristics:
- Documents are issued by government authorities
- Each document is cryptographically verifiable
- Widely accepted across departments and institutions
A driving licence in DigiLocker is a government-issued digital document, not just a display copy.
What Is mParivahan?
mParivahan is an official mobile application linked directly to the transport department's database.
Key characteristics:
- Shows live vehicle and licence records
- Pulls data from transport systems
- Used frequently by traffic police for quick checks
mParivahan does not issue documents. It displays existing records.
Core Difference in Simple Terms
DigiLocker = issued digital document
mParivahan = live database view
Both are legal, but their technical nature is different.
DigiLocker vs mParivahan - Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | DigiLocker | mParivahan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Issue & store documents | Display transport records |
| Document Type | Government-issued | Database-linked view |
| Offline Access | Possible (saved) | Limited |
| QR Verification | Yes | Yes |
| Data Source | Issuing authority | Transport database |
| Legal Standing | Strong documentary proof | Strong verification proof |
Legal Validity: Are Both Accepted?
Yes. Both platforms are officially recognized.
However:
- DigiLocker acts as documentary evidence
- mParivahan acts as real-time verification
This distinction matters in formal situations. To understand more about legal validity explained, read our comprehensive guide.
Acceptance During Traffic Police Checking
DigiLocker
- Shows a verified digital licence
- Accepted during roadside checks
- QR code allows verification
mParivahan
- Commonly used by police themselves
- Allows officers to verify licence instantly
- Preferred for quick authenticity checks
In practice, both are accepted, but for slightly different reasons.
Which One Is Better for Insurance & Legal Proof?
From a legal-document perspective:
- DigiLocker is stronger because it stores an issued document
- mParivahan supports verification but does not replace issued copies
During insurance claims or formal submissions, DigiLocker is often preferred.
Can Screenshots Be Used Instead?
This is where confusion arises.
- Screenshot of DigiLocker → weaker than app view
- Screenshot of mParivahan → weaker than live display
Screenshots may be accepted informally, but official app display is always safer.
Offline Availability Differences
- DigiLocker allows limited offline access once document is saved
- mParivahan usually requires internet to fetch live data
This can matter in low-network areas.
Security & Data Authenticity
DigiLocker Security
- Document is digitally signed
- Cannot be altered
- Directly issued by authority
mParivahan Security
- Pulls live data from official servers
- Reduces risk of fake licences
Both systems reduce fraud, but in different ways.
Common Myths About DigiLocker & mParivahan
- ❌ "Only DigiLocker is legal"
- ❌ "mParivahan is just a private app"
- ❌ "One can replace the other completely"
Reality: They complement each other, not compete.
When Should You Prefer DigiLocker?
- When you need a document copy
- During formal verification
- For long-term storage
When Should You Prefer mParivahan?
- During roadside checks
- When police want instant verification
- To quickly view licence or RC details
Why the Government Uses Both Platforms
India's digital transport system uses:
- DigiLocker for document issuance
- mParivahan for enforcement & verification
This dual approach improves trust and reduces misuse.
Does Using One Affect the Other?
No.
Using DigiLocker does not disable mParivahan, and vice versa. Both access the same underlying licence record.
Final Comparison Summary
| Situation | Better Option |
|---|---|
| Legal document proof | DigiLocker |
| Police verification | mParivahan |
| Offline access | DigiLocker |
| Live record check | mParivahan |
Both are valid. Both are official. Neither replaces the other fully.
To understand more about licence validity rules, read our guide. For driving licence basics, you can learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Are DigiLocker and mParivahan both legal in India?
Yes, both are official government platforms.
2.Which is better for police checking?
mParivahan is commonly used for instant verification.
3.Which is better for document proof?
DigiLocker is stronger as it stores issued documents.
4.Can DigiLocker replace mParivahan?
No, both serve different purposes.
5.Is mParivahan accepted everywhere?
Yes, especially during traffic enforcement.
6.Should I keep both apps?
Yes, they complement each other well.