Frequently Asked Questions

Visit applydlnew.dotm.gov.np/licensecheck or use our free tool at licenseprintcheck.com. Enter your license number and date of birth to instantly see if your license has been printed and is ready for collection.

"Printed" means your driving license card has been successfully printed at the DOTM printing office and is ready for you to collect from your nearest Transport Management Office (TMO).

"In Process" means your license application has been received and is currently being processed by DOTM. It has not yet been sent for printing. This is a normal stage — you simply need to wait until the status changes to "Printed."

Typically it takes 2 to 8 weeks after passing your trial (practical) exam for the license to be printed. The processing time depends on the workload of your transport office, data verification, and the DOTM central printing queue. Some offices may take longer during peak periods.

If the status shows "Printed," visit your local Transport Management Office (TMO) with your original documents (citizenship, application receipt). The printed license is available for physical collection at the office — it does not get delivered to your home. Bring your acknowledgement receipt/token.

Download the Nagarik App from Google Play or App Store, log in with your credentials, navigate to the Transport section, and enter your license number to check the print status.

As of now, DOTM does not provide an official SMS-based license status check. Use the official DOTM portal or our website for free online checking.

LicensePrintCheck.com is an independent informational platform, not affiliated with DOTM or the Government of Nepal. We provide easy access to the official DOTM license check service. For official verification, always use dotm.gov.np.

This can happen if: your application data hasn't been entered into the system yet, you entered the wrong license number or date of birth, or there's a temporary server issue on the DOTM portal. Double-check your details and try again after a few hours.

Generally, your status should appear on the DOTM portal within 1–3 working days after passing the trial exam. However, it may take longer during heavy processing periods. Check again after 3–5 working days if you don't see it immediately.

The official DOTM license check portal is applydlnew.dotm.gov.np/licensecheck. You can also access it via the main DOTM website at dotm.gov.np.

Once the status shows "Printed," visit the Transport Management Office where you applied. Bring your application receipt/token number, original citizenship certificate, and a passport-size photo. Office hours are generally Sunday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM.

Generally, the license must be collected in person as it requires biometric verification (fingerprint/photo matching). Some offices may allow collection by an authorized representative with a letter of authorization and both parties' citizenship copies, but policies vary by office.

DOTM typically keeps uncollected printed licenses at the transport office for several months. However, it is best to collect your license promptly after receiving the "Printed" status to avoid any complications. Contact your local TMO for specific retention periods.

This is uncommon but can happen due to data correction, system updates, or if a discrepancy was found in your application. Visit your nearest TMO with your original documents to resolve the issue.

Apply online at applydlnew.dotm.gov.np. Create an account, fill in your personal details, choose your license category, upload required documents, pay the fee, and schedule your written (likhit) exam. After passing the written exam, you'll be called for the trial (practical) exam.

The minimum age to apply for a driving license in Nepal is 16 years for motorcycles (Category A/K), and 18 years for cars and other vehicles (Category B and above). For heavy vehicles, you must be at least 21 years old.

You need: Nepal citizenship certificate (original + copy), passport-size photos (usually 2–4), medical certificate from a registered doctor, blood group certificate, and for minors: guardian's consent and birth certificate. Some offices may require additional documents.

Yes. The entire application process is now online through applydlnew.dotm.gov.np. You register, fill the form, upload documents, pay fees, and book your written exam — all online. Only the written and trial exams require physical attendance.

From initial application to receiving your printed license typically takes 2–4 months. This includes: online registration (1–2 days), waiting for the written exam date (2–6 weeks), waiting for trial exam (2–4 weeks after passing written), and printing (2–8 weeks after passing trial).

Foreigners residing in Nepal with a valid visa can apply for a Nepal driving license. They need a valid passport, visa copy, residence permit, and a foreign driving license (for conversion). Contact your nearest DOTM office for specific requirements.

Go to applydlnew.dotm.gov.np, click "Register," and fill in your citizenship number, date of birth, mobile number, and email. Verify your mobile OTP to complete registration.

Click "Forgot Password" on the DOTM portal login page. Enter your registered mobile number or email, and you'll receive an OTP to reset your password. If you don't have access to the registered number, visit the transport office in person.

Biometric data collection (fingerprints and digital photo) is done at the transport office during the application process, usually before or on the day of the written exam. This data is used to personalize your smart card license.

Log in to the DOTM portal, select "Add Category" (थप श्रेणी), choose the new category, pay the required fee, and book your written and trial exam for the new category. After passing both exams, the new category is added to your license.

Nepal does not have a formal learner's license system like some countries. However, before taking the trial exam, you are expected to have learned driving through a registered driving school or supervised practice. The written exam must be passed before the trial exam can be scheduled.

Log in to applydlnew.dotm.gov.np with your credentials and view your application dashboard. You can see the current status of your application, scheduled exam dates, and print status from there.

A Nepal driving license is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. After 5 years, it must be renewed. If you hold a professional (public vehicle) license, validity periods may differ. Commercial category licenses may require more frequent renewals.

DOTM stands for Department of Transport Management (यातायात व्यवस्था विभाग). It is the government authority under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Nepal, responsible for issuing driving licenses and regulating transport.

You should apply at the Transport Management Office (TMO) in the district where your citizenship is registered. If you live in a different district, you may need to apply at your home district's office, though some offices may allow applications based on current residence with documentation.

Log in to applydlnew.dotm.gov.np, go to "Renewal" (नवीकरण), verify your existing license details, pay the renewal fee online, and visit the office for biometric verification and smart card collection.

The renewal fee is approximately NPR 1,000–1,500 for a standard non-professional license. Additional charges may apply for late renewal fines. Check the DOTM portal for the latest fee structure as it is subject to change.

Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in fines. You can renew an expired license, but a late fine is charged for each year of delay. There is no grace period after expiry. If the license has been expired for a very long time, you may need to reapply.

You can apply for renewal up to 3–6 months before the expiry date without penalty. It is recommended to start the renewal process at least 1–2 months before expiry to account for processing time.

You typically need: your existing driving license (original), citizenship certificate copy, recent passport-size photo, medical certificate (required for most renewals), and payment receipt for the renewal fee.

Generally, no written or trial exam is required for a standard renewal if the license categories remain the same. However, for professional (commercial) license renewal or if the license has been expired for a very long time, additional tests may be required.

After submitting the renewal application and paying the fee, the new smart card license is typically printed within 3–8 weeks. You can track the status using the DOTM portal's license check feature.

The late fine is approximately NPR 200–500 per year of expiry. The exact amount depends on how long the license has been expired. Check the current DOTM fee schedule for the precise late fine amount.

Yes, after submitting your renewal application and receiving the acknowledgement receipt, you can typically use the receipt as a temporary driving permission while your new smart card is being printed. Keep your old license and renewal receipt together when driving.

The renewal process currently requires physical attendance at the transport office for biometric verification. You cannot fully complete the renewal from abroad. However, you can initiate the online application before returning to Nepal.

Nepal has several driving license categories: A (motorcycle up to 50cc), K (motorcycle above 50cc), B (car/jeep/van), C (minibus/microbus), D (bus), E (truck/lorry), F (heavy truck/trailer), G (tractor), H (excavator/crane), J1/J2 (electric vehicles), and more.

Category A license in Nepal allows you to ride motorcycles with engine capacity up to 50cc. This is a basic motorcycle category, usually for scooters and small bikes. Minimum age is 16 years.

Category K license allows you to ride motorcycles above 50cc engine capacity. This includes most standard bikes, sports bikes, and cruisers. Minimum age is 16 years. Many people hold both A and K categories.

Category B license allows you to drive private cars, jeeps, and light motor vehicles with up to a specific passenger/load capacity. Minimum age is 18 years. This is the most common category for personal vehicle use in Nepal.

Category C license (also called C1) covers minibuses, microbuses, and medium passenger vehicles. It is a professional/commercial category used for public transport operators. You typically need Category B first.

Category A is for motorcycles with up to 50cc engine displacement (scooters, mopeds). Category K is for motorcycles above 50cc. If you hold only Category A, you legally cannot ride a standard 100cc+ motorcycle. Most riders apply for both A and K.

J1 and J2 are categories for electric vehicles (EV) introduced as Nepal's electric vehicle adoption grows. J1 typically covers electric two-wheelers and J2 covers electric three/four-wheelers. These categories are relatively new and regulations are evolving.

No. A motorcycle license (Category A or K) does not authorize you to drive a car. You need a Category B license to legally drive a car in Nepal. Driving without the correct category license is a traffic offense.

A professional driving license is required to drive commercial/public vehicles for payment (taxis, buses, trucks, etc.). Categories C, D, E, F, G, and H are professional categories. They require passing additional tests and may have stricter health requirements.

Category E is for trucks and lorries (medium goods vehicles). Category F is for heavy trucks, articulated lorries, and trailer trucks. Both are professional commercial categories requiring Category B as a prerequisite.

To drive a taxi in Nepal, you need at minimum a Category B license plus a professional endorsement. Some taxi services may require a Category C license depending on the vehicle type. You also need a route permit and vehicle registration.

Yes. Nepal driving licenses support multiple categories on a single card. For example, a license can show "A, K, B" or "K, B, C." To add a new category, you must pass the written and trial exam for that specific category.

The written exam (लिखित परीक्षा / likhit pariksha) is the first stage of the driving license process. It tests your knowledge of traffic rules, road signs, and driving laws. The exam typically consists of 25–50 multiple-choice questions and is conducted at the transport office.

The passing mark for the written exam is typically 60% (e.g., 15 out of 25 questions). The exact pass mark may vary slightly by office and category. Failing the written exam means you must reschedule and retake it.

There is no official limit on how many times you can retake the written exam. However, each retake requires rebooking through the DOTM portal and waiting for the next available exam date. Some applicants take the exam multiple times before passing.

The trial exam (ट्रायल/व्यावहारिक परीक्षा) is the practical driving test conducted at the transport office. You must demonstrate your ability to drive safely on a designated test track. For motorcycles, you must complete a figure-8 or slalom course; for cars, you must demonstrate parking, gear changes, and basic maneuvers.

After passing the written exam, trial exam dates are typically available within 2–6 weeks, depending on the transport office. You book your trial exam online through the DOTM portal. Busy offices in Kathmandu may have longer waiting times.

If you fail the trial exam, you must rebook and retake it. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and you don't need to redo the written exam. However, each attempt requires scheduling and waiting for a new date. Practice more before retaking.

Bring: your written exam pass certificate/acknowledgement, citizenship certificate (original), DOTM application printout, and any other documents specified during your application. Arrive at least 30 minutes early.

The exam covers: mandatory and prohibitory signs, warning signs, informational signs, traffic light rules, right of way, speed limits, overtaking rules, pedestrian crossing rules, and basic vehicle safety rules as per Nepal's Motor Vehicles Act and Regulations.

Yes. The written exam is available in both Nepali and English. You can choose your preferred language when taking the computer-based test at the transport office.

After passing the written exam, log in to the DOTM portal, go to your application, and click "Book Trial Exam." Select an available date and time slot from the calendar. You'll receive a confirmation notification with your exam details.

The total fee varies by category. For a standard Category B (car) license, total costs (application fee + exam fee + smart card fee) typically range from NPR 2,000–4,000. Motorcycle categories are slightly less. Fees are set by DOTM and may change — check the DOTM portal for current fees.

The application (दरखास्त) fee is approximately NPR 200–500 depending on the category. This is paid online through the DOTM portal during the application process. Check dotm.gov.np for the current fee schedule.

Fees can be paid through the DOTM portal using: eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay, bank deposit (via voucher), or other payment gateways available on the portal. Generate a payment voucher and complete the payment before your exam date.

Yes. There is a separate exam fee for both the written and trial exams. The trial exam fee is approximately NPR 500–800. If you fail and retake, you may need to pay the exam fee again for each retake attempt.

The smart card production fee is approximately NPR 1,000–1,500. This is a separate charge for producing the physical smart card license and is paid as part of the application process. The fee covers the card manufacturing and personalization cost.

Most fees are now paid online through the DOTM portal. Cash payment at the office is generally not accepted for the main license fees. However, some offices may accept bank vouchers. The system is designed to be fully digital to reduce corruption.

Adding a new category requires paying the application fee, exam fee (written + trial), and smart card replacement fee. The total is similar to a new license application for that category, typically NPR 2,000–3,500 depending on the category being added.

No. The application and exam fees are non-refundable, even if you fail the exam. If you fail and need to retake, you must pay the exam fee again for the retake. The smart card fee is paid only after you pass all exams.

The DOTM portal accepts payments via eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay, ConnectIPS, bank vouchers, and other digital payment services. The available options may vary and are listed during the payment step on the portal.

After successful online payment, you can download the payment receipt from your DOTM portal account. Keep this receipt safe — you'll need it when visiting the transport office. A payment confirmation SMS or email is also usually sent to your registered number/email.

A smart card driving license is the credit-card-sized plastic card containing an embedded microchip. It replaced the old paper/booklet licenses. The chip stores your personal data, biometric information, license categories, and validity. It is more secure and durable than the old format.

If you have an old booklet-style license, you can upgrade to a smart card during your next renewal. Visit the DOTM portal, apply for renewal/smart card upgrade, pay the fee, and visit the transport office for biometric data collection. The process is integrated with the regular renewal process.

Old booklet licenses are valid until their expiry date. However, DOTM has been encouraging all license holders to upgrade to smart cards. During renewal, you will automatically receive a smart card. After the transition deadline, only smart card licenses are considered fully valid.

The chip stores: full name, date of birth, citizenship number, blood group, license categories, issue date, expiry date, biometric fingerprint data, digital photo, address, and issuing office details. This allows traffic police to verify license authenticity electronically.

Apply for a duplicate/replacement license through the DOTM portal. You'll need to pay a replacement fee and provide documentation explaining the damage. Submit the damaged card (if available) along with your application. A new smart card will be issued.

File a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station about the lost license. Then apply for a duplicate license through the DOTM portal, attaching the police report and paying the duplicate issuance fee (approximately NPR 500–1,000).

Yes. The smart card driving license is accepted as a valid photo ID in Nepal for most purposes such as banking, government services, and travel within Nepal. However, for international travel, a passport is required.

The QR code on Nepal smart card licenses can be scanned to verify the license's authenticity and view basic details. Traffic police use QR scanners and specialized apps to verify licenses instantly. Scanning a valid QR connects to the DOTM database.

After completing the renewal process and biometric verification, the new smart card is typically ready within 3–8 weeks. You can track the print status using the DOTM portal or our website.

Yes. A Nepal citizenship certificate is the primary identity document required for a driving license application. Without citizenship, you cannot apply for a regular Nepal driving license. Foreigners need a valid passport and visa instead.

A medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor or government hospital confirming that you are physically and mentally fit to drive. It typically covers vision test, hearing, and general physical fitness. The certificate should be recent (usually within 3–6 months).

Passport-size photos (3.5cm × 4.5cm or similar) with a white background are typically required. Usually 2–4 recent photos are needed. The photos should clearly show your face without glasses or head covering (unless for religious reasons).

Yes. A blood group certificate from a recognized laboratory or hospital is required. Your blood group is printed on the smart card license — this is vital in emergency medical situations. The certificate must state your ABO blood group and Rh factor (e.g., B+, O-).

For professional categories (C, D, E, F, G): citizenship, basic license (Category B required), enhanced medical certificate, blood group certificate, photos, and proof of passing relevant training from an authorized driving school. Minimum age and experience requirements also apply.

You can upload scanned copies of documents during the online application. However, when you visit the transport office for biometric enrollment and exams, bring the original citizenship certificate for verification. A certified copy is usually accepted for the file submission.

A certificate from an authorized driving school is not always mandatory for basic categories, but is recommended and sometimes required for professional license categories. For B and K categories, self-taught applicants can take the exams directly without a formal school certificate.

For the online portal, scanned copies are uploaded. When you visit the transport office, bring both originals and photocopies — originals for verification, copies for the file. Typically, you submit photocopies and show originals. Requirements may vary slightly by office.

Apply at the Department of Transport Management (DOTM) central office in Kathmandu. You need: your valid Nepal driving license, citizenship certificate, passport copy, passport-size photos, application form, and payment of the IDP fee. IDPs are valid for 1 year.

A Nepal driving license is generally not directly valid in India for driving. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or convert your license to an Indian license if staying long-term. Check with Indian transport authorities for current bilateral agreements and requirements.

Tourists can drive in Nepal using their foreign driving license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 15 days. For longer stays, you should apply for a Nepal driving license. Contact DOTM for the latest regulations on foreign license recognition.

Visit the DOTM office with your foreign license (original + translation if not in English/Nepali), valid visa, passport, citizenship or resident permit, and photos. Depending on the agreement with the issuing country, you may be exempt from some exams. Contact DOTM for current procedures.

The IDP fee is approximately NPR 500–1,000. The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. You must hold a valid Nepal driving license to obtain an IDP.

A Nepal driving license alone is typically not recognized in Gulf countries. You usually need to convert it to a local license after arrival. The process varies: UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia each have their own conversion procedures. An IDP may help during the initial period. Check with the respective transport authority.

Nepal is not a signatory to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic for most countries' recognition purposes. In Japan, Korea, and Australia, you would typically need an IDP plus your Nepal license for short-term driving, or a local license conversion for longer stays. Requirements differ by country.

The IDP issued from Nepal is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. It must be carried alongside your original Nepal driving license, not as a standalone document. Renew the IDP annually if needed.

Visit your transport office with your original citizenship certificate (showing correct spelling), the incorrect license, an application form for correction, and pay the correction/replacement fee. The corrected license will be reissued as a new smart card. Do not drive with an incorrectly spelled license as it may cause issues at checkpoints.

DOTM portal maintenance and downtime is common, especially during peak hours or update periods. Try: clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, trying at a different time of day, or checking the DOTM Facebook page for maintenance announcements. You can also use our site as an alternative for status checking.

Wait 24 hours as payment reconciliation can take time. If still not showing, take your payment proof (eSewa/Khalti screenshot, bank statement) to your transport office or contact DOTM helpline. Do not make a duplicate payment without confirming the first payment failed.

Visit your local transport office in person with your application receipt and ask about the delay. You can also call the DOTM helpline or raise the issue through the DOTM portal's complaint/inquiry section. Sometimes delays are caused by data discrepancies that need manual correction.

If the photo or signature is incorrect or unclear, you can request a reprint by visiting your transport office. You may need to pay a reprint fee. A new biometric capture may be required to update the photo. This is considered a correction/replacement request.

A license suspension means DOTM or traffic police have temporarily revoked your driving privileges, usually due to serious traffic violations, accumulation of penalty points, drunk driving conviction, or court orders. You cannot legally drive until the suspension period ends. Contact the relevant transport office or court for details.

Visit your transport office with: the incorrect license, original citizenship certificate showing the correct DOB, an application for correction, and pay the correction fee. DOB correction requires careful verification as it involves identity data. Processing time is similar to a regular license replacement.

Try: resetting your password using the "Forgot Password" option, checking if your account is registered with your citizenship number or mobile number, clearing browser cookies, or trying from a different device. If all else fails, visit the transport office for account recovery with your citizenship certificate.

Complaints can be filed: through the DOTM central office in Kathmandu, via the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport's complaint portal, through the CIAA (Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority) for corruption-related issues, or by contacting the district administration office.

If the exam was cancelled by the transport office (not by you), the fee is typically carried over to your rescheduled exam. If you cancel voluntarily without rescheduling, the fee policy depends on the specific office. Contact your transport office directly to clarify fee transfer or refund options.

DOTM central office can be reached at their Kathmandu headquarters. The general inquiry number is available on dotm.gov.np. For specific offices, visit the DOTM website's office directory page for local contact numbers of each transport office across Nepal.

Yes. Once you have submitted your renewal application and received the acknowledgement receipt, you can drive using the receipt along with your old license as proof of pending renewal. Carry both documents at all times until your new smart card is ready for collection.

Address changes are typically processed during renewal. If you've moved and want to update your address before renewal, visit your transport office with your updated citizenship certificate (showing new address) and request an address update. A new smart card will be issued with the updated details.