Mandatory Aadhaar-Mobile Linking with Vehicle & Driving License

Government Rule: Mandatory Aadhaar-Mobile Linking with Vehicle & Driving License – All You Need to Know

How to Link Aadhaar with Driving Licence Online?

In a significant move toward digital governance and enhanced security, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it mandatory for all driving license holders and registered vehicle owners to update their mobile numbers through Aadhaar authentication. This new rule is a critical step in the government’s strategy to create a more transparent, secure, and efficient transportation ecosystem.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this new mandate, including the purpose, benefits, process, and key implications for citizens.

What is the New Government Rule?

The new directive requires every individual who holds a driving license or owns a registered vehicle to link their mobile number to their records in the official transport database. The crucial part of this mandate is that this linking or updating process must be authenticated using the individual’s Aadhaar number.

This integration is a prerequisite for accessing any future transport or driving license-related services, such as:

• Vehicle-related services: Transfer of ownership, hypothecation endorsement, duplicate RC book, or renewal of registration.
• Driving license-related services: Renewal of a license, change of address, obtaining a duplicate license, or adding a new class of vehicle.

By making Aadhaar-based mobile number authentication mandatory, the government aims to ensure that the contact information on record is accurate and directly linked to the legitimate owner or driver.

Why is this Rule Being Implemented?

The government’s decision is driven by a number of key objectives aimed at improving the overall integrity and security of the transportation system.

1. Curbing Fraud and Duplication: A major challenge has been the prevalence of fake and duplicate driving licenses. By linking every license to a unique Aadhaar number, the government can effectively prevent individuals from holding multiple licenses and crack down on forged documents.
2. Enhancing Communication: A centralized, authenticated mobile number database will allow for real-time and secure communication between the government and citizens. This is crucial for sending:
   • E-challans: For traffic violations, ensuring that fines are accurately delivered to the offender and cannot be evaded by changing contact details.
   • Renewal Reminders: For licenses, vehicle registration, and permits.
   • Important Alerts: Related to road safety campaigns, vehicle recalls, or other essential information.
3. Streamlining Online Services: The Aadhaar-based authentication simplifies the process for accessing online RTO (Regional Transport Office) services. Once the mobile number is linked and verified, citizens can handle various transactions from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for physical visits to RTOs and minimizing paperwork.
4. Creating a Centralized Database: This initiative is part of a larger plan to create a unified, national database of drivers and vehicles. This will allow authorized agencies, including law enforcement and transport departments across states, to quickly and accurately verify a person’s details, leading to better law enforcement and governance.

How to Link Your Aadhaar-Verified Mobile Number with Your DL and RC?

The process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed online through the official government portals. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has provided dedicated portals for these services:

• For Driving License (DL): Visit the Sarathi portal.
• For Vehicle Registration (RC): Visit the Vahan portal.

Here is a general step-by-step guide for the process:

Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website (parivahan.gov.in).

Step 2: Look for the option to “Update Mobile Number” or “Link Aadhaar” on the respective Vahan (for vehicles) or Sarathi (for licenses) portal.

Step 3: You will be prompted to enter your vehicle registration number or your driving license number.

Step 4: Provide other details as requested, such as the Chassis Number or Engine Number for your vehicle, or your date of birth for your driving license.

Step 5: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the mobile number you wish to link.

Step 6: An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. Enter this OTP for authentication.

Step 7: Upon successful verification, your mobile number will be updated and linked to your driving license or vehicle records.

For Driving License (Sarathi or State RTO Portal)

1. Go to your state or union territory’s Road Transport Department website.

2. Select the “Link Aadhaar” option.

3. Provide your Driving License Number and click “Get Details.”

4. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

5. Submit and verify via OTP sent to the mobile number.

6. Upon successful authentication, receive confirmation.

Key Points and Implications

• Mandatory for All: The rule applies to both new and existing driving license holders and vehicle owners.
• No Aadhaar Linking, No Services: Without this linking, you may be unable to avail of any transport-related services in the future. State transport departments have already started sending out advisories and messages urging citizens to comply.
• Security of Data: The government has stated that the demographic details obtained through Aadhaar e-KYC will be used solely for the purpose of the requested service and will not be shared. Biometric data will also not be stored.
• Offline Option: While the online process is encouraged for its convenience, you can also visit your nearest RTO to get the process completed. You will need to fill out a form and submit self-attested copies of your Aadhaar card and driving license/RC.

Aadhaar-Mobile Linking with Vehicle & Driving License: Current Policy & Process (August 2025)

Mandatory Requirements

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it compulsory for all driving licence holders and vehicle owners in India to update or link their mobile numbers in the official transport database, verified via Aadhaar authentication.
• Access to any service related to driving licences or vehicle registration—including renewals, fines, and other notifications—now requires successful Aadhaar verification through OTP-based authentication.

Purpose of the Drive

• Ensures government notifications and alerts (e.g., fines, renewal reminders) reach the correct person in real time.
• Prevents misuse (such as multiple licences or vehicles under different identities).
• Curb evasion of fines and fraudulent changes in mobile/contact details.

This new mandate is a powerful move towards modernizing India’s transportation and digital infrastructure. It not only simplifies the process for citizens but also provides a robust framework to combat corruption, enhance security, and ensure that road rules are followed more effectively. By linking your Aadhaar-verified mobile number, you are contributing to a safer and more transparent system for everyone on the road.