First check the application status. If it says the licence has been dispatched, obtain the dispatch or consignment number from the concerned RTO/transport department and track it on the postal/courier service named in the record.
Check the DL Application Stage on Sarathi
Choose Your Current Stage
| Status shown | What it means | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Scrutiny/approval pending | The licence transaction is not finally approved | Resolve objections or contact the processing RTO |
| DL approved/number generated | The licence exists, but physical production may not have started | Try DigiLocker/mParivahan and recheck application status |
| Printing pending | Card production is queued | Wait for the state printing stage; do not submit a duplicate application |
| Printed | The card is produced but may not yet have a postal number | Recheck until dispatch or ask the RTO |
| Dispatched | The card has left the authority | Track with the consignment number |
| Delivered | Postal records show delivery | Check recipient/address and raise an enquiry if not received |
| Returned to sender | Delivery failed and the item returned | Contact the issuing RTO with application and address details |
How to Track DL Dispatch
- Select the state on Sarathi.
- Open Application Status.
- Enter the application number, DOB and verification code.
- Confirm that approval and printing are complete.
- Note any dispatch date or number displayed.
- If no tracking number appears, request it from the concerned RTO/department.
- Enter that number only on the official postal or courier tracking service.
The DL number is not automatically the Speed Post consignment number. A postal identifier is created for the shipment and can use a different letter-and-digit format.
Where Can You Find the Consignment Number?
Check:
- The Sarathi application-status details
- An official SMS or email sent after dispatch
- The state transport delivery-search service, where provided
- The application acknowledgement or dispatch receipt
- The issuing RTO/transport department
Parivahan guidance specifically directs applicants to obtain the dispatch tracking number from the concerned RTO/department when needed.
DL Approved but Not Received
Do not file a duplicate-DL application while the first card is merely in production. Use this sequence:
- Confirm the application is approved.
- Check whether the DL number is generated.
- Check printing and dispatch status.
- Verify the delivery address stored in the application.
- Track the consignment after dispatch.
- Escalate to the RTO only when the stage is stuck beyond the normal state process or the shipment is returned/lost.
Meanwhile, fetch the issued digital record through DigiLocker or mParivahan if available. Digital availability and card delivery are separate attributes of the same licence.
Consignment Says Delivered but You Did Not Receive It
- Confirm whether a family member, guard, reception desk or neighbour accepted it.
- Compare the delivery office and PIN code with your application address.
- Save the tracking page and delivery event.
- Raise an enquiry with the named postal/courier service.
- Inform the issuing RTO if the item cannot be recovered.
- Apply for a duplicate only when the authority confirms the appropriate replacement route.
Address Changed after Applying
Changing an address in another database does not automatically redirect an item already produced. Contact the processing authority immediately. If the item is returned, ask how redelivery or correction must be handled; do not create multiple overlapping applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track DL delivery with the DL number?
Use the application number for the production stage and the consignment number for postal tracking. The DL number alone is not a universal postal identifier.
Related guide: check issued driving licence status.
How long does DL delivery take?
There is no reliable national promise because approval, printing batches, dispatch arrangements, distance and state workflows differ. Use the actual stage and dispatch event rather than a generic blog estimate.
What if no consignment number is displayed?
Confirm that the status is truly “dispatched,” then contact the concerned RTO/transport department for the dispatch number.
Can I use the digital DL while waiting?
If an official issuer-provided record is available through DigiLocker or a verifiable Virtual DL through mParivahan, it provides digital access while the physical card follows its separate delivery process.
Official Sources
Page review and safety note
This guide was reviewed on 23 September 2026. Government menus, state availability and required documents can change. Confirm the live requirement on the linked official service before submitting an application or payment.