Update your mobile number on Parivahan through the official portal

You can update the mobile number linked to your vehicle registration on Parivahan.gov.in, the official portal run by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The process is online and takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your registration details ready. You will need your vehicle registration number (the one printed on your registration certificate), your current registered mobile number or email address, and access to a computer or smartphone with internet.

The update is important because this is the number the transport authority uses to contact you about renewal notices, violation alerts, and other registration-related matters. If you have changed your phone number since you registered the vehicle, updating it ensures you receive these notifications.

Key Takeaways

  • You log in to Parivahan.gov.in using your vehicle registration number and the mobile number or email currently on file with the transport authority.
  • The portal will send a one-time password (OTP) to your current registered number to verify your identity before allowing changes.
  • After you update your mobile number, the transport authority in your state will receive the change request and confirm it within a few working days.
  • If you cannot remember your current registered number, you can search for your vehicle details on Parivahan using your registration number and chassis number.

Step-by-step process to change your mobile number

Start by visiting Parivahan.gov.in and looking for the "Vahan" section (this is the registration database). On the homepage, find the option to "Know Your Vehicle Details" or "Search Vehicle". Enter your vehicle registration number (for example, DL-01-AB-1234) and your chassis number, which you can find on your registration certificate or the vehicle itself.

Once the system displays your vehicle details, look for an option to "Update Mobile Number" or "Edit Profile". The exact wording varies slightly by state, but it will be clearly marked. Click this option and the system will ask you to enter the mobile number currently registered with the transport authority. Parivahan will then send an OTP to that number. You must enter this OTP to proceed — this step confirms you are the registered owner or authorized user.

After the OTP is verified, you can enter your new mobile number. Double-check the number before submitting because this is what the transport authority will use going forward. The system will show a confirmation message with a reference number. Save or screenshot this reference number in case you need to follow up.

What happens after you submit the update

Once you submit the change, your state's transport authority receives the request. Processing time is usually between 3 to 7 working days, though some states may take longer during peak periods. You will not receive an automatic confirmation email or SMS — you have to check the portal yourself to see if the change has been processed.

To verify the update went through, log back into Parivahan after a week and search for your vehicle details again. Your new mobile number should appear in the "Know Your Vehicle Details" section. If it still shows the old number after 10 days, contact your state's Regional Transport Office (RTO) directly with your reference number from the submission.

If you do not remember your current registered number

If you have changed your phone number and no longer have access to the old one, you cannot complete the OTP verification step online. In this case, you will need to visit your Regional Transport Office in person or contact them by phone.

Bring your vehicle registration certificate, a valid photo ID, and a written request stating that you want to update your mobile number. Some RTOs allow you to submit this request by post or email, but policies vary by state. Call your local RTO first to ask whether they accept postal or email requests, and what documents they need. This route takes longer — usually 2 to 4 weeks — but it is the only way forward if you cannot access your old number.

Common reasons the update does not work

The most common problem is entering the registration number incorrectly. The format varies by state — some use hyphens (DL-01-AB-1234), others use spaces or no separators at all. Check your registration certificate for the exact format and copy it carefully. If you still get an error, try searching by chassis number instead, which you can find on the certificate or the vehicle's chassis plate.

Another frequent issue is that the OTP does not arrive. This usually means the mobile number on file with the transport authority is incorrect or inactive. If you do not receive the OTP within 2 minutes, wait 5 minutes and request it again — sometimes there is a delay. If it still does not arrive after the second attempt, you will need to visit the RTO in person because the online route requires OTP verification.

Occasionally the portal itself is slow or temporarily unavailable, especially during peak hours or after system updates. If you see an error message, try again after an hour. If the problem persists, check the Parivahan website for any maintenance notices or contact your state's transport authority helpline.

What to do if the RTO has not processed your request

If more than 10 working days have passed and your new number still does not show on the portal, contact your Regional Transport Office directly. Have your reference number from the submission ready. You can usually reach the RTO by phone, email, or in person — the contact details are on your state's transport department website.

Explain that you submitted an update request on a specific date (give the date and reference number) and ask for the status. If there was a technical error or the request was lost, the RTO can resubmit it or process it manually. This usually resolves the issue within a few more days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my mobile number if my vehicle registration has expired?

Yes, you can update your mobile number even if your registration has expired. The Parivahan portal allows you to make this change independently of renewal status. However, you should also renew your registration if it has lapsed, as driving with an expired registration is illegal.

Do I need to update my mobile number on Parivahan if I only changed my phone number?

Yes. The transport authority uses the number on Parivahan to send you renewal reminders, violation notices, and other official communications. If you do not update it, you may miss important notices about your vehicle.

What if I have multiple vehicles registered in my name?

You must update the mobile number for each vehicle separately on Parivahan. Search for each registration number and follow the update process individually. The same mobile number can be linked to all your vehicles if you want.

Is there a fee to update my mobile number on Parivahan?

No, updating your mobile number through Parivahan.gov.in is free. If someone asks you to pay for this service, they are not representing the official transport authority.

Can I update my mobile number through the RTO office instead of online?

Yes. You can visit your Regional Transport Office with your registration certificate and a valid ID to request the update in person. This takes longer than the online method but works if you cannot access the Parivahan portal or do not have your current registered number.