Do I need original licence and RC, or is DigiLocker enough?
Simple answer
DigiLocker or mParivahan is enough. Since 2018, the rules let you show your licence, RC, insurance, PUC and other documents in electronic form. If police can verify them electronically, they should not insist on paper copies.
Real-life examples
Rahul was stopped at a checkpoint in Jaipur. He opened DigiLocker and showed his licence and RC. The officer scanned the QR code, checked the insurance online and let him go.
Fatima showed her car insurance in mParivahan, but it had expired last month. Showing it digitally did not help. She was challaned for driving without valid insurance.
What should you do?
- 1Sign in to DigiLocker or mParivahan and add your driving licence and vehicle RC under 'Issued Documents'.
- 2Check that your insurance and PUC are valid and show up in the app. Renew them before they expire.
- 3When stopped, open the app and show the document. Let the officer scan the QR code.
- 4Forgot a document? Ask the officer how to produce it later. The rules generally allow you to show or send it within 15 days.
- 5Got a challan even though your digital documents were valid? Contest it on the e-Challan portal with a screenshot as proof.
Exceptions & limits
- A photo or scan saved in your gallery or WhatsApp may not be accepted. Use the official DigiLocker or mParivahan app, which police can verify.
- Digital form does not help if the document has expired or is fake. The penalty for no licence or no insurance still applies.
Official legal reference
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 130
The driver must show the licence when a police officer in uniform asks; insurance and other papers must be shown to authorised officers.
Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 — Rule 139
Documents like RC, insurance, fitness, permit, licence and PUC can be produced on demand in physical or electronic form.
MoRTH advisory to States on DigiLocker and mParivahan documents (August 2018)
Documents in DigiLocker or mParivahan are legally recognised at par with originals under the IT Act, 2000, and states should accept them.
Where to get help
Source & status
- Applies to
- All of India
- Law in force since
- 2 Nov 2018
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.