Driving License Nepal
How to apply for, renew or add a category to a Nepali driving licence — the new provincial portals, fees for 2083/84, the trial, and where to go.
What changed in 2026
Apply on your province's portal
Since 17 July 2026 (1 Shrawan 2083), applications, renewals, category add-ons and payments go through seven provincial EDLVRS portals.
National ID is required
You need a National ID (NID) number. Scan the QR on your NID card or in the Nagarik App to fill your details automatically.
Fees doubled in Bagmati and Gandaki
Both provinces doubled licence and renewal fees for FY 2083/84 — the application fee is now Rs 1,000.
Valid for 10 years
New and renewed licences are valid for 10 years (5 years if you are over 60), after a 2025 amendment to the Act.
Apply online: pick your province
Use the portal of the province where you'll sit the test and collect the card. These are official government sites.
Don't have a National ID number yet? Enrol with the Department of National ID and Civil Registration first. The Nagarik App can fill your details in the form.
Step by step
- 1
Get your National ID number ready
OnlineThe new system won't take an application without an NID. If you've enrolled but don't have the card yet, the Nagarik App shows your NID details.
- 2
Fill the form on your province's portal
OnlineOpen the EDLVRS portal for the province where you'll take the test (links below), sign up, fill your details from the NID QR code, choose the licence category and your transport office, and pick an appointment date.
- 3
Pay the fee online
OnlineThe portal shows the exact fee for your province and category, and you pay it online.
- 4
Biometrics and medical check
At the officeOn your appointment date, go to the transport office with your documents. Your photo, fingerprints and signature are taken there. The medical report comes from an authorised doctor, who uploads it to the system — ask your office where to have it done.
- 5
Written exam (likhit)
At the officeA multiple-choice test on a computer covering traffic rules, road signs and basic vehicle knowledge. If you fail, you can book another attempt.
- 6
Practical trial
At the officeDrive the test track at the trial ground. Motorcycle trials usually include a narrow figure-of-eight without putting a foot down; car trials test control, turning and reversing within the lines. The exact course differs by office.
- 7
Collect your smart licence
At the officeCards are printed centrally and sent to your transport office for collection. The years-long printing backlog was cleared in July 2026, so new cards should no longer take months.
The new system had teething problems after launch — some offices paused services for nearly three weeks in July–August 2026. If a step fails online, contact your transport office before going in.
Fees for 2083/84
Licence fees are set by each province. Bagmati and Gandaki doubled theirs from 1 Shrawan 2083; the licence fee is charged again at renewal.
| Item | New fee | Before |
|---|---|---|
| Application (written exam and first trial) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 500 |
| A — motorcycle, scooter | Rs 3,000 | Rs 1,500 |
| B — car, jeep, van | Rs 4,000 | Rs 2,000 |
| C — tempo, auto-rickshaw · D — power tiller | Rs 4,000 | Rs 2,000 |
| E — tractor · F — minibus, mini truck | Rs 5,000 | Rs 2,500 |
| G–J — bus, truck, heavy equipment | Rs 6,000 | Rs 3,000 |
| Adding a category (A–F) | Rs 1,000 | Rs 500 |
| Adding a category (G–J) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 1,000 |
Bagmati and Gandaki rates as reported for FY 2083/84, checked 19 September 2026. Other provinces may still charge the older rates — the portal shows your exact fee before payment. Trial retakes and late-renewal fines are extra.
Documents checklist
Tap to tick off what you have ready
0/6Licence categories and age limits
Minimum age: 16 for motorcycles and scooters, 18 for cars and other light and medium vehicles, 21 for heavy vehicles. Each category needs its own trial.
Where to go: transport offices
Nepal has 42 transport management offices. These are the busiest licence offices — each link opens Google Maps with directions and opening hours. Your portal appointment names the exact office.
Koshi Province
Gandaki Province
Karnali Province
Sudurpashchim Province
Help and complaints
Dept. of Transport Management
01-4574921, 01-4574922
Complaints by email
gunaso@dotm.gov.np
Hello Sarkar
1111 — government complaints line
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a driving license online in Nepal?
Since 17 July 2026, apply on the EDLVRS portal of the province where you'll take the test. You need a National ID number; scanning the NID or Nagarik App QR code fills in your details. You then choose the category and office, pay online and book an appointment for biometrics.
How much does a driving license cost in Nepal in 2083?
In Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, which doubled their fees from 17 July 2026: a Rs 1,000 application fee plus Rs 3,000 for a motorcycle (A) licence or Rs 4,000 for a car (B) licence. Other provinces set their own rates; the portal shows the exact amount before you pay.
Is the National ID card mandatory for a driving license?
Yes. Under the new system, an NID is required for every licence service — new licences, renewals and adding categories. If you haven't enrolled yet, do that first at your district's National ID office.
How long is a driving license valid in Nepal?
10 years for new and renewed licences, after the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act was amended in 2025. For people over 60, validity stays at 5 years.
What is the minimum age for a driving license in Nepal?
16 for motorcycles and scooters, 18 for cars and other light and medium vehicles, and 21 for heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks.
How do I renew my driving license?
On the same provincial EDLVRS portal: identify yourself with your NID, choose renewal, pay online and complete any verification at your transport office. Renew before it expires — late renewal attracts a fine that grows the longer you wait.
Is the old applydl.dotm.gov.np site still used?
No. The national online form was replaced on 17 July 2026 by separate EDLVRS portals for each province. Use the link for your province.
Last checked 19 September 2026. Sources:
- Department of Transport Management — EDLVRS notice (Shrawan 2083)
- Kathmandu Post — new licence system stalls services (5 Aug 2026)
- Kathmandu Post — 2.6 million licences printed as backlog cleared (11 Jul 2026)
- Republica — licence validity extended to 10 years
- Notebazar — Bagmati doubles licence fees for 2083/84
- Nepal Auto — Gandaki doubles licence fees