Driving licence holders who still have an old or inactive mobile number linked to their licence should consider updating it. Keeping the correct number registered with the transport database can help motorists receive important alerts, OTPs and other communications related to their driving licence.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has encouraged driving licence holders and registered vehicle owners to ensure that their current mobile numbers are recorded in the VAHAN and Sarathi databases. An online facility has also been provided so that eligible users can update their contact details without making an unnecessary visit to an RTO.
Several recent media reports have mentioned September 25, 2026 in connection with the mobile-number update. However, motorists should be careful about treating this as a nationwide deadline after which a driving licence will automatically be suspended. The official MoRTH communication available on the subject focuses on encouraging citizens to update their numbers and does not specify September 25, 2026 as a universal deadline for automatic DL suspension.
Why Keeping Your Mobile Number Updated Matters
An active mobile number is increasingly important as transport-related services move online.
If an old number remains attached to your driving licence record, you could face difficulty receiving OTPs or important service-related communications. MoRTH has specifically noted that outdated contact details can prevent important service alerts, messages and statutory notices from reaching the intended recipient.
Keeping the correct number in the Sarathi database can therefore make it easier to use online driving licence services and receive relevant communications without interruption.
The facility is particularly useful for people who obtained their driving licences years ago and may have changed their mobile numbers since then.
Is September 25 Really the Last Date?
Recent reports have circulated claims that September 25 is the deadline for updating the mobile number associated with a driving licence.
However, the available official MoRTH communication should be distinguished from those media reports.
The ministry's July 2025 office memorandum noted that a significant number of vehicle owners and driving licence holders had not updated their mobile numbers in the VAHAN and Sarathi databases. It called for an awareness campaign and encouraged citizens to update their numbers through the Transport Portal.
It did not state that every driving licence without an updated mobile number would automatically be suspended after September 25, 2026.
Therefore, licence holders should update outdated contact information, but claims about automatic suspension after that specific date should not be presented as confirmed nationwide policy unless supported by a separate notification from the relevant transport authority.
How to Update Mobile Number in Driving Licence Online
The process can be completed through the official Sarathi Parivahan system where the service is available.
First, visit the official Sarathi Parivahan portal and select your state. Look for the service related to updating the mobile number and choose the driving licence option where applicable.
Enter the requested information, which may include your driving licence number, date of birth or other identification details.
Once the system retrieves your licence information, check the details carefully before proceeding.
Enter the mobile number you currently use and complete the required authentication process. An OTP or Aadhaar-based verification may be required depending on the service flow and applicable requirements.
After successful verification, submit the request and retain any acknowledgement or confirmation displayed on the screen.
Mobile Number Update Is an Official Online DL Service
Updating the mobile number associated with a driving licence is an officially recognised online service.
Government notification material listing Aadhaar-authenticated online transport services specifically includes “Updation of Mobile number in Driving Licence” under Sarathi-related services.
This makes it possible for motorists to maintain updated contact information without relying on agents or unofficial websites.
How to Check Whether Your Number Needs an Update
People who are unsure whether their current mobile number is associated with their driving licence can check their licence-related information through the official transport portal and use the available mobile-update facility.
If the number is old, inactive or missing from the relevant record, updating it can prevent problems when an OTP or official communication is required.
Motorists should also remember that a driving licence and a vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) are separate records. The mobile number associated with a DL is handled through Sarathi, while vehicle-related records are maintained through VAHAN.
Avoid Fake Websites and Agents
Because driving licence services involve personal information, motorists should avoid entering their licence details, Aadhaar information or OTPs on unknown websites.
Use only the official Parivahan/Sarathi service for a driving licence mobile-number update. Never share an OTP with an agent or another person claiming that it is required to update the licence on your behalf.
After completing the process, check the status or acknowledgement and keep your registered mobile number active.
Keeping contact information current is a sensible step for anyone using digital transport services. But motorists should also distinguish official government requirements from unverified deadline claims circulating online.
Important: MoRTH has officially encouraged driving licence holders to update their mobile numbers in the Sarathi database and provides an online facility for doing so. However, the official material reviewed does not confirm September 25, 2026 as a nationwide deadline after which licences without updated mobile numbers will automatically be suspended.
