Mobile Number Update Now Mandatory for Driving Licence and Vehicle Owners — Aadhaar Linking Required
Mobile Number Update Now Mandatory for Driving Licence and Vehicle Owners — Aadhaar Linking Required
A major update from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is now impacting all registered vehicle owners and driving licence holders across India. In an effort to strengthen transparency, streamline communication, and ensure secure access to transport services, the ministry has issued an advisory mandating mobile number linkage and Aadhaar authentication for various transport-related services.
If you’ve recently received an SMS from the transport department asking you to update your contact details — it’s not a random message. It’s part of a nationwide push to connect each licence and registered vehicle with valid and verified contact information.
What’s the New Advisory?
The advisory from MoRTH is aimed at making it compulsory for all driving licence holders and vehicle owners to either link or update their mobile numbers in the official transport database. This update isn’t just a routine suggestion — it’s part of a wider plan to improve access to transport-related services and ensure authenticated user identity using Aadhaar verification.
Why This Update Matters
Mobile number updates are crucial for receiving real-time alerts and updates related to vehicle registration, fines, renewal reminders, and other transport services.
The process ensures better communication between government departments and citizens, reducing the chances of errors or missed notices.
Most importantly, it is now tied to Aadhaar authentication, which adds a layer of identity verification and transparency.
Aadhaar Linking Now Compulsory
As per the advisory, the following are now mandatory:
Linking registered vehicles with the owner’s mobile number.
Verifying the information using the Aadhaar number through OTP-based authentication.
Using Aadhaar authentication to access any service related to driving licences or vehicle registration.
Where and how to update your mobile number?
The Ministry has provided an online facility for users to complete this process. You don’t need to visit an office physically — it can be done through the official websites.
Official Websites:
Users can also access the Vaahan and Sarathi portals.
Steps to Update:
1. Visit the official portal.
2. Select the option “Update Mobile Number via Aadhaar”.
3. Enter your Vehicle Registration Number and Chassis/Engine Number.
4. Complete the Aadhaar authentication process using OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
5. Confirm and submit the update.
State-Level Alerts Also Being Sent
Apart from central directives, individual State Transport Departments are also sending out notifications and alerts, urging citizens to update their mobile numbers and authenticate via Aadhaar. These alerts are being sent to both vehicle owners and licence holders.
What’s Behind This Drive?
The initiative is also being seen as a step to curb misuse of the system. Authorities have noted that some individuals tend to change mobile numbers or addresses in an attempt to avoid fines or avoid detection of violations. By mandating Aadhaar-based verification and linking contact details, the ministry aims to create a more accountable and traceable system.
