If your Driving Licence (DL) or Learner’s Licence (LL) status is stuck at “Verification”, “Pending for Approval”, or “Processing at RTO”, you’re not alone. Thousands of applicants face delays due to biometric issues, pending RTO approval, incorrect documents, or missing data in the Parivahan or state RTO system.

This complete troubleshooting guide walks you through every fix — step-by-step — so your DL approval moves forward without guessing. Whether you applied online through Parivahan, visited an RTO, or applied through a driving school, this checklist solves the most common blockers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the official Parivahan Driving Licence Status page. This is the most reliable source; third-party sites often show outdated results.
2. Select your state correctly. DL data is state-specific. A wrong state selection will show “Application Not Found”.
3. Enter your application number or LL/DL number. Double-check the digits — most “not found” errors are due to typing mistakes.
4. Check the exact status line displayed. It may show “Pending for Verification”, “Pending for Biometrics”, “Approval Required”, “RTO Processing”, or “DL Printing”.
5. Match your status with the meaning and fixes below. This tells you the exact step you must take.

Required Documents

• Application Number / Learner’s Licence Number
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Proof of address (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Utility Bill)
• Age proof (Birth Certificate / Aadhaar / Passport)
• Passport-size photograph (if RTO requires fresh capture)
• Payment receipt (if fee was already paid)

Fees (If Applicable)

There is no fee to check DL status online. However, RTO-specific steps such as re-capturing biometrics, re-uploading documents, or retaking LL/DL tests may require small payments between ₹50–₹300 depending on the service.

Status Meaning Explained

• Pending for Verification: Documents are being validated at the RTO.
• Pending for Biometrics: You must visit the RTO for fingerprints, photo, and signature.
• Approval Required: RTO officer must manually approve your application.
• Test Pending: You have not completed the LL/DL test.
• RTO Processing: Backend workflow is ongoing; printing not started.
• DL Printing: Licence is approved and being printed.
• Dispatched: DL has been shipped via speed post.
• No Record Found: Entered wrong application number or wrong RTO/state selected.

Common Reasons for Delays

• Missing biometrics at the RTO
• Failed face/fingerprint match
• Photo/signature mismatch with existing records
• Incorrect address or incomplete documents
• RTO server backlog or system downtime
• Driving school not submitting documents on time
• Manual approval required by the Licensing Authority
• LL test/DL test incomplete or scored below minimum
• RTO waiting for Aadhaar authentication

Solutions for Each Problem

• Biometrics pending: Visit the RTO with Aadhaar and payment receipt. Some states allow biometric slots online; others require walk-in.
• Document mismatch: Upload correct documents on Parivahan if re-upload option is available. Otherwise, submit photocopies at the RTO counter.
• Test incomplete: Use Parivahan to book the LL/DL test slot. Ensure you carry your LL, Aadhaar, and application receipt.
• RTO not updating status: Carry screenshots + receipt to the licensing officer’s desk. Many approvals get updated instantly once highlighted.
• Driving school delays: If a driving school applied for you, insist on receiving the application number and receipts. They must complete biometrics + test scheduling.
• Aadhaar authentication issues: Ensure mobile number is linked with Aadhaar. Update Aadhaar if necessary and retry authentication.
• Photo/signature problems: RTO may ask you to re-capture photo and signature. This takes 2–3 minutes at the biometric desk.
• Manual approval stuck for weeks: Visit the Licensing Authority office inside the RTO. Manual approvals often happen on the spot when requested politely.

Offline Alternatives

If your DL status hasn’t changed for more than 7–10 days, visiting the RTO is the fastest fix. Online systems often show older data until the operator updates the final step.

Carry these when visiting:

• Aadhaar card
• Application printout/LL number
• Payment receipt
• Two passport-size photos (optional)
• Any document requested on the status page

At the RTO, ask for:

• Biometric capture desk
• Approval section
• Driving test scheduling desk
• DL printing and dispatch section

How to Escalate Complaints

• RTO Helpline: Most states display a contact number on Parivahan; call with your application number.
• State Transport Department: Each state has a grievance email/portal for unresolved DL applications.
• MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport): Use their public grievance portal when RTO delays exceed 30 days.
• Driving school escalation: If they applied on your behalf, request acknowledgment slips. Report non-compliance to the RTO supervisor.
• Visit the Licensing Authority: Directly approaching the LA (within the RTO) often results in immediate document verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does DL verification take?
   Typically 2–7 days, but it depends on RTO workload and whether biometrics are complete.
2. My status shows “Pending for Biometrics”. What should I do?
   Visit the RTO immediately with Aadhaar and receipt — biometrics are mandatory for approval.
3. Do I need to book an appointment?
   In many states yes; in others walk-ins are allowed. Check your Parivahan state page.
4. What if my LL/DL test slot is not available?
   Slots open daily. Keep checking mornings — RTOs release fresh slots around 9–10 AM.
5. My driving school is delaying my application. What to do?
   Get your application number from them. If they refuse, report to RTO’s Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI).
6. DL printing is stuck for many days.
   This usually resolves on its own; printing depends on state-level batch processing.
7. Can I drive with LL while DL is pending?
   Yes, but with restrictions — LL holders must drive with a licensed driver present.
8. How long does DL dispatch take?
   3–10 days after printing. You can track via Speed Post once consignment number is generated.
9. Status shows “Approval Required”. Who approves it?
   The Licensing Authority (LA) at your RTO must approve it manually.
10. What if my data isn't found?
    Check the spelling, RTO, state and application number. If everything is correct, your RTO hasn't synced data — visit them for update.