Wrong Details on Driving Licence - Correction Process in India
Errors on a driving licence—such as wrong name, incorrect date of birth, address mismatch, or photo issues—are more common than people think. The good news: most DL errors are fully correctable through the Sarathi-Parivahan system under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
This page explains:
- Common DL mistakes
- Whether correction is mandatory
- Online vs offline correction process
- Documents required
- Expected timelines
➡ Legal background: Driving Licence Laws in India.
Common Wrong Details Found on Driving Licence
| Error Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch | Spelling error, surname missing |
| Date of Birth | Wrong year/day |
| Address error | Old or incorrect address |
| Photograph | Blurry or incorrect image |
| Vehicle class | LMV / MCWG missing |
| Gender | Incorrect entry |
❗ Even small mistakes can cause verification failure, challans, or rejection abroad.
Is It Mandatory to Correct DL Errors?
✔ YES, if the error is in:
- Name
- DOB
- Vehicle category
- Address (for dispatch / police checks)
❌ Minor cosmetic issues may not block usage, but correction is strongly advised.
How to Correct Wrong Details on Driving Licence (Online)
Step 1: Visit Sarathi Portal
Step 2: Select "DL Services"
Choose Correction in Driving Licence
Step 3: Enter DL Number & DOB
Step 4: Select Correction Type
- ✔Name / DOB / Address / Photo / Vehicle Class
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
(see list below)
Step 6: Pay Correction Fee
➡ Track progress here: Check Driving Licence Status.
Documents Required for DL Correction
| Correction Type | Required Proof |
|---|---|
| Name / DOB | Aadhaar, Passport, Birth Certificate |
| Address | Aadhaar, Voter ID, Utility Bill |
| Vehicle Class | Driving test record |
| Photo | New photograph (RTO capture) |
➡ If address changed, use: Change Address on Driving Licence.
Offline Correction (RTO Visit Required When)
- DOB correction requested
- Major name change
- Vehicle category disputes
- ✔Carry original documents
- ✔Biometric verification required
➡ RTO help: RTO Driving Licence Guide.
Fees for Driving Licence Correction
➡ Updated fee structure here: Driving Licence Fees in India.
Typical range: ₹200-₹400
How Long Does DL Correction Take?
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Application approval | 2-5 days |
| Printing & dispatch | 7-15 days |
| Total time | 10-20 days |
⏳ If delayed beyond 30 days: Driving Licence Delay Reasons.
Can You Use DL While Correction Is Pending?
✔ YES
Use digital DL from DigiLocker or mParivahan
➡ Digital DL guide: DigiLocker Driving Licence Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I correct my name online?
Yes, minor spelling corrections can be done online.
2.Is DOB correction allowed?
Yes, but usually requires RTO verification.
3.Will my DL number change after correction?
No, DL number remains the same.
Legal Disclaimer
Correction rules may vary slightly by state and RTO.