A Driving Licence is one of the most common identity documents in India. While it is mainly used to prove that someone is legally allowed to drive, it has many other uses. In recent times, it has become very helpful in online KYC (Know Your Customer) and travel purposes.
This article will explain in simple words how your driving licence can help in online KYC processes and while travelling within India or abroad. We will also cover how it makes life easier, saves time, and offers a secure way to confirm your identity.
What Is a Driving Licence?
A driving licence is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the Government of India. It allows a person to drive a vehicle legally on Indian roads. The driving licence contains:
- Full name of the person
- Photograph
- Signature
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Licence number
- Validity dates
- Type of vehicles allowed
Because it has personal details and a government-issued photo, it is also accepted as a valid identity and address proof.
What Is KYC?
KYC stands for “Know Your Customer.” It is a process used by banks, telecom companies, online services, and financial institutions to verify your identity. KYC is done to prevent fraud, money laundering, and fake accounts.
There are two main types of KYC:
- Offline KYC: Submitting photocopies of documents in person
- Online KYC (e-KYC): Verifying documents through online platforms
Documents commonly used for KYC include:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving licence
How a Driving Licence Helps in Online KYC
Many people think Aadhaar or PAN is required for KYC. But in many cases, the driving licence is also accepted and can be used as both identity proof and address proof.
Let’s see how it helps in different sectors.
A. Bank Account Opening
Most banks now allow online account opening. They ask for KYC documents to verify your identity. You can upload your driving licence as part of the KYC process. It is accepted by major public and private sector banks.
The bank may:
- Ask for a scanned copy or photo of your licence
- Use your details (name, address, date of birth) to verify against government records
- Accept it as a valid proof of identity and address
Some banks also allow video KYC, where you show your driving licence during a live video call with a bank official.
B. SIM Card Activation
When you buy a new mobile SIM, telecom companies are required to do KYC. Earlier, you had to give photocopies of Aadhaar or voter ID. Now, many telecom providers accept driving licence as a valid KYC document.
During SIM registration, you can:
- Upload a photo of your driving licence online
- Show it physically at the store
- Use it during e-KYC for instant activation
C. Opening Demat and Trading Accounts
To invest in the stock market or mutual funds, you must complete KYC with stockbrokers and investment platforms. Driving licence is accepted as proof of identity and address for such services.
In digital KYC:
- Upload the scanned copy of your licence
- The details are verified digitally
- Your account is activated without physical paperwork
D. Loan Applications
Banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) ask for KYC documents during loan processing. Your driving licence can be submitted while applying for:
- Personal loan
- Vehicle loan
- Home loan
- Education loan
Many online loan platforms accept driving licence for e-KYC. It helps in quicker loan disbursement.
E. Digital Wallets and UPI Apps
Apps like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and others require KYC for full access. Driving licence can be used to complete full KYC and unlock all features such as:
- Higher wallet limits
- Bank transfers
- Cashback offers
F. Insurance Policies
While buying motor insurance, health insurance, or life insurance, insurers need KYC. Driving licence can be submitted while:
- Buying a new policy
- Renewing an existing one
- Filing a claim
Insurance companies accept it as valid proof of ID and address.
Digital Driving Licence on mParivahan and DigiLocker
You don’t always need to carry the physical copy of your licence. You can store and show it digitally using government apps:
a. DigiLocker
- Issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT
- Stores your driving licence in digital format
- Can be shown at airports, railway stations, and traffic checks
b. mParivahan
- App by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Lets you download and carry your driving licence digitally
- Accepted by traffic police across India
These apps make travel and verification easier, especially if you forget your wallet.
Features of Driving Licence That Make It a Good KYC Document
- Government-issued: Officially issued by the transport department
- Photo ID: Has a clear photo of the holder
- Address Proof: Shows permanent residential address
- Unique Number: Licence number is unique to each person
- Easy to Carry: Can be physical or digital
- Updated Information: Contains date of birth, issue date, and expiry date
These features make it reliable and widely accepted for both online and offline use.
How to Keep Your Driving Licence Secure
As your driving licence is now used for so many purposes, it is important to keep it safe:
- Do not share it on unknown websites
- Keep a digital copy in your email or secure folder
- Renew it before the expiry date
- Use official apps like DigiLocker to avoid carrying the original
- Report immediately if lost or stolen
Limitations to Know
Though the driving licence is useful in many areas, it has a few limitations:
- Some platforms may prefer Aadhaar or PAN for e-KYC
- Not valid as identity proof in all foreign countries
- In case of a mismatch in name or address, it may cause verification failure
- Not accepted in place of a passport for international air travel
So, while it is very useful, it’s best to combine it with other documents when needed.
Suggested read- How to Check Driving Licence Status in India
Conclusion
A driving licence is much more than just permission to drive a car or bike. It is a versatile and powerful identity document that helps you in many online and offline situations. From KYC verification to hotel check-ins, domestic flights, loan applications, and online services, your driving licence plays an important role.
With the rise of digital KYC and paperless travel, using your driving licence smartly can save time, reduce stress, and help you stay ready for any verification process. It is easy to carry, legally accepted, and widely trusted.
If you haven’t yet explored the full use of your driving licence beyond driving, now is a good time to start. Make sure it is always updated, stored safely, and used wisely.
Let your driving licence become your all-in-one companion for smooth digital life and secure travel.