🪪 DOTM Data Verified — May 25, 2026 | Source: dotm.gov.np

Nepal Driving License 2026 — Online Form, Smart Card Print Check, Fees & Complete Step-by-Step Guide

📅 Last updated: May 25, 2026 — All procedures, fees, and portal links verified from the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) official website (dotm.gov.np) and online application portal (applydl.dotm.gov.np). Fees current as of 2083 BS. Smart card printing backlog information updated from DOTM office confirmations, May 2026.

Whether you are applying for your first driving license in Nepal, checking if your smart card has been printed, renewing an expired license, or adding a new vehicle category — this is Nepal’s most complete, accurate, and up-to-date driving license guide for 2026. Everything here is sourced directly from the Department of Transport Management (DOTM) official system and verified against current portal data. No middlemen, no agents, no outdated information.

⚡ Nepal Driving License 2026 — Fast Answer

Apply Online At

applydl.dotm.gov.np

Also via dotm.gov.np → Online Services

Print Check Online

dotm.gov.np

PDF lists → Ctrl+F your name

SMS Print Check

SMS to 31003

Type: LC [your license number]

Cat A Fee (Bike)

रू 1,500

After passing trial exam

Cat B Fee (Car)

रू 2,000

After passing trial exam

Trial Retest Fee

रू 400–500

Per additional attempt

Written Test

25 Questions

Pass = 13/25 correct in 25 min

Smart Card Backlog

12–18 months

System-wide — not your fault

🔍 Nepal Driving License Print Check — 3 Ways to Check Your Smart Card Status

The most searched driving license query in Nepal in 2026 is: “के मेरो driving license print भयो?” (Has my driving license been printed?). After passing your trial exam, smart card printing takes months due to a system-wide backlog at DOTM. Here are the three official ways to check your status right now — no need to visit the office.

🪪 Check Your License Print Status — Without Visiting the Office

DOTM publishes official lists of printed licenses. Use any of these 3 methods to check instantly:

DOTM Website PDF

Go to dotm.gov.np → “Details of Printed Licenses” → Download your province/office PDF → Press Ctrl+F → Search your name or application number

SMS Check

Send SMS to 31003: Type LC [your license number] and send from any Nepali number (NTC/Ncell). DOTM replies with your current status. Standard SMS charges apply.

DOTM Portal Login

Login at applydl.dotm.gov.np with your application ID and registered mobile number. Check your application status dashboard directly.

Helper Tools

Unofficial tools like merolicense.com and licenseprintcheck.com aggregate DOTM PDF data into searchable databases. Useful but always verify with official DOTM for anything legal.

Understanding Your Print Status — What Each Status Means

✅ Approved

Your smart card has been printed and is ready for collection at your DOTM office.

→ Visit your DOTM office with citizenship + application receipt. Working hours: Sun–Fri 10 AM–4 PM.

🖨️ Printed

The card has been generated and is being dispatched to your district office or is at the central office.

→ Call your local DOTM office first to confirm they’ve received your card before visiting.

⏳ Pending

Your application is awaiting printing. This is the most common status — do NOT panic. Backlog of 12–18 months is normal in 2026.

→ Keep checking monthly. A digital copy from your DOTM account is legally valid while waiting.

❌ Rejected

There is an error in your application — typically a data mismatch between your DOTM details and citizenship certificate.

→ Visit your DOTM office with original citizenship. Submit a correction request at the counter.

⚠️ The 12–18 Month Smart Card Backlog — What You Need to Know As of May 2026, Nepal’s DOTM faces a significant nationwide smart card printing backlog. Applicants who passed their trial exam 12–18 months ago are still waiting. This is not an error with your specific application. It is a system-wide delay caused by supplier contract issues for card blanks and high application volumes. A “Pending” status after 18 months does not mean your application is lost — DOTM records are preserved. Your temporary driving slip (payment receipt with license number) is legally valid for driving within Nepal until your physical card arrives. If you urgently need your license (for travel abroad, employment, or peace mission), apply for the Fast Print / Urgent Print service — cards issued within 3 working days.

💡 Step-by-Step: Check Your License Print Status via DOTM Website (PDF Method) 1. Go to dotm.gov.np/category/details-of-printed-licenses/
2. Select your Province and your DOTM office
3. Download the latest PDF list published for your office
4. Open the PDF → press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac)
5. Type your full name or your application number
6. If your name appears → your license is printed and ready for collection
7. If your name does not appear → check back in 2–4 weeks
Tip: New PDF lists are typically published every 2–4 weeks per office. Bookmark the page and check monthly.

📝 How to Fill the Nepal Driving License Online Form — Step by Step

The complete driving license application is done online at applydl.dotm.gov.np. You do not need to visit a cyber café — you can complete this from your smartphone or computer at home. You WILL need to visit the DOTM office in person for biometrics, medical test, fee payment, written exam, and trial exam.

📌 Before You Start — DOTM Account Requirement You must create a DOTM account at applydl.dotm.gov.np before applying. Registration requires: your citizenship number, date of birth, and a working Nepali mobile number (+977). Make sure all details exactly match your citizenship certificate — mismatches cause application rejection. Update your personal profile completely (name, address, citizenship details) before clicking “Apply for New License” — the apply button will be inactive if your profile is incomplete.

Create DOTM Account (First-Time Applicants)

Visit applydl.dotm.gov.np → Click “Register” → Enter your citizenship number, full name (exactly as on citizenship), date of birth, and Nepali mobile number → Enter OTP sent to your number → Account created. If you already have an account from a previous license, skip this step and login directly.

Complete Your Profile — Critical Step

After login, go to “Personal Details” → Fill in your complete address (Province, District, Municipality, Ward No.), citizenship number, blood group, and emergency contact. Upload a clear photo of your citizenship certificate. The “Apply for New License” button will remain inactive until your profile is 100% complete. Double-check every detail against your physical citizenship card before saving.

Click “Apply for New Driving License”

From the dashboard homepage → Click Apply for New Driving License → Accept the Terms and Conditions checkbox → Click Next. You can only apply for ONE category per application. If you want both Category A (bike) and Category B (car), you will need two separate applications.

Select Your License Category

Choose from the vehicle category images displayed: Category A (motorcycle/scooter) or Category B (car/jeep/van) are the most common for new applicants. Click on your desired category image → click Next. See the Categories section below for the full list of all license categories in Nepal.

Select Your Province and DOTM Office

Select your Province → then select your nearest DOTM office. For Kathmandu Valley residents: Chabahil, Ekantakuna, or Radhe Radhe transport offices are the primary options. Each office has a daily application quota — if the quota for your preferred date is full, you cannot book that date. Log in early (6–8 AM) on the day new slots open for the best chance of getting your preferred appointment date.

Select Your Appointment Date (Biometrics Day)

A calendar shows available dates → Green dates have open slots → Red/grey dates are fully booked. Select an available date for your biometrics and document verification visit. The calendar on the right side shows which days are occupied. If all upcoming dates are booked, wait for the next availability — DOTM typically releases new dates on the 1st of each Nepali month (Shrawan 1, Bhadra 1 etc.).

Submit Application — OTP Verification

Review all your details on the confirmation screen → Click “Apply” → An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number → Enter the OTP → Application submitted successfully. You are redirected to the dashboard where you will see your application number and appointment details. Print or screenshot your application slip immediately — you need it on your biometrics day.

Pay the Application Fee (Online or Bank)

After application submission, pay the initial government fee of रू 500 (written exam + one trial attempt). Payment options: ConnectIPS, eSewa, Khalti, or in person at Rastriya Banijya Bank or NIC Asia Bank branches. Keep the digital payment receipt — you must show it at every DOTM office visit.

⚠️ Daily Quota Fills Up Fast — Apply Early in the Morning DOTM’s online form system has a daily quota limit per office (typically 300–500 applicants per day). When the quota fills, the system shows “Quota Completed for Today” and your application is not accepted. The quota resets at midnight Nepal time. Set an alarm for 6:00–6:30 AM on the day you plan to apply — this gives you the best chance of securing your preferred appointment date before the quota fills. Many applicants fail because they try to apply at 10 AM and find the quota already full.

🚗 Nepal Driving License Categories — All Types Explained

Nepal’s Department of Transport Management issues driving licenses in multiple categories based on vehicle type. Each category requires a separate application, written test, and trial test. You must hold a lower category license before applying for higher categories in some cases.

Category K

Moped (low-power two-wheelers)

Mopeds, motorized cycles below 50cc engine capacity

Minimum age: 16 years

Category A

Motorcycle & Scooter — Most Common

All motorcycles, scooters, and bikes regardless of engine size

Minimum age: 16 years

Category B

Car, Jeep & Van — Most Common

Private light vehicles — cars, jeeps, vans, SUVs for personal use

Minimum age: 18 years

Category C

Small Commercial Vehicles

Tempo, minibus, mini truck — small commercial transport

Minimum age: 18 years

Category D

Large Commercial Vehicles

Bus, truck, heavy goods vehicles — commercial transport

Minimum age: 21 years | Must hold Cat B first

Category E

Heavy Equipment & Construction

Excavators, cranes, bulldozers, heavy construction machinery

Minimum age: 21 years

Category H

Agricultural & Small Transport

Rickshaw, tractor, power tiller — agricultural and small transport use

Minimum age: 18 years

📌 Most Nepali applicants apply for both Category A + Category B The most common approach in Nepal is applying for both Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) through two separate applications on the same day. This lets you take both written and trial tests during the same DOTM office visits, saving significant time. Important: You cannot select multiple categories in a single application — each requires its own form, its own appointment, and its own fee. If adding a category to an existing license (e.g., you have Cat A and want to add Cat B), the written examination is typically waived — you only need to pass the trial test.

📄 Required Documents — Nepal Driving License 2026

Bring these documents to your DOTM office appointment on biometrics day. Originals and photocopies of all documents are required. Incomplete documents = your appointment is cancelled and you must rebook.

🪪

Nepali Citizenship Certificate

Original + photocopy. Both sides. Details must exactly match your DOTM online profile.

✅ Mandatory for all applicants

🩸

Blood Group Certificate

From any recognized hospital or medical center in Nepal. A simple blood group test at a lab (रू 100–200) suffices.

✅ Mandatory for all categories

👁️

Eye Test / Vision Certificate

From a registered eye specialist. Minimum vision: 0.5 in both eyes. Required for Category B and above. Not always required for Category A.

✅ Mandatory for Cat B, C, D, E

📸

Passport-Size Photographs

2 recent photos, white background, clear face. Same specifications as citizenship photo. Bring extra — some offices request more.

✅ Mandatory — bring 4 to be safe

🖨️

Printed Application Slip

Print your application form from the DOTM portal after submitting. Attach a passport photo to the slip before visiting.

✅ Mandatory — print before going

🧾

Payment Receipt

Digital or printed receipt showing the रू 500 government fee payment. Required on all subsequent visits (written exam day, trial day).

✅ Mandatory — keep every receipt

📋

Existing License (If Adding Category)

Original driving license if you already hold a license and are adding a new category. Smart card or old paper license both accepted.

✅ Only for adding category

💰 Nepal Driving License Fee Structure — 2083 BS (2026)

The following fee structure is current as of 2083 BS (2026 AD) as prescribed under Nepal’s Transport Management Rules 2054. All fees are paid to government accounts — do NOT pay any fee to intermediaries or agents.

Fee Type	Amount (NPR)	When Paid	Payment Method
Application Fee (Written + 1st Trial)	रू 500	During online application or at office	eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Bank
Medical Test Fee	रू 200–300	At DOTM office on biometrics day	Cash at office counter
Trial Retest Fee (per attempt)	रू 400–500	After failing trial — before retesting	eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Bank
License Issuance — Category A (Bike) AFTER PASSING	रू 1,500	After passing trial exam — 10+ days later	eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Bank
License Issuance — Category B (Car) AFTER PASSING	रू 2,000	After passing trial exam — 10+ days later	eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Bank
License Renewal (before expiry)	रू 500–1,000	Before 5-year expiry date	Online or at office
License Renewal (after expiry, within 1 year)	रू 1,500–2,500	Must renew within 1 year of expiry	Online or at office
Duplicate License Fee	रू 1,500–2,000	If original lost or damaged	At office with police report
Urgent / Fast Print Fee	रू 3,000–5,000+	For 3-working-day card delivery	At office with supporting docs
International Driving Permit (IDP)	रू 1,000	At DOTM office with valid Nepal license	At office

⚠️ Never Pay Agent Fees — All Processes Are Free/Government-Fixed The driving license process in Nepal attracts intermediaries (brokers, “helpers”, agents) who charge रू 3,000–15,000 to “process your application faster.” This is unnecessary. The entire application from online form to biometrics to exam booking is self-service via the DOTM portal. Agents do not have special access and cannot speed up your application beyond what you can do yourself for free. If someone at the DOTM office asks for additional unofficial payment — note their name and report to the DOTM complaint desk or call the anti-corruption hotline.

📋 Complete Nepal Driving License Process — From Application to Smart Card

Phase 1: Online Application (Home / Phone)

Register & fill the online form at applydl.dotm.gov.np

Create account → complete profile → apply for license → select category → select office and appointment date → submit with OTP → pay रू 500 fee. Print your application slip.

Phase 2: Biometrics Day at DOTM Office

Document Verification

Arrive at your DOTM office 30 minutes before your appointment. Present: printed application slip (with photo attached), original citizenship + photocopy, blood group certificate, eye test certificate (if required). Staff verify your details against the online application. Any mismatch = sent back with a correction notice.

Biometric Capture — Fingerprint, Photo & Digital Signature

After document verification, proceed to biometric station. Your fingerprints (both hands), digital photograph, and digital signature are captured and linked to your license application. This data is stored on your eventual smart card. The process takes approximately 5–10 minutes.

Medical Test — Eyesight & Color Vision

A DOTM-appointed medical officer conducts a simple vision test. Minimum requirements: 0.5 vision in both eyes (with or without glasses/contacts). Color blindness test is also conducted. Pay the medical fee (रू 200–300) at the counter. Applicants who fail the vision test cannot proceed — get glasses/contacts and reapply.

Book Your Written Exam Date

After biometrics and medical clearance, log back into applydl.dotm.gov.np and book your written exam slot. Written exams are typically conducted at your chosen DOTM office on specific days. You receive an admit card (digital — downloadable from portal) for the exam.

Phase 3: Written Exam

Attend the Written Exam — Computer-Based Test

Arrive at DOTM with: original citizenship, application printout, payment receipt, admit card. The exam is computer-based: 25 multiple-choice questions from DOTM’s official question bank. Available in Nepali or English. Passing score: 13 out of 25 correct. Time limit: 25 minutes. Results shown immediately after submission. If you pass → proceed to trial exam booking. If you fail → you can reappear (check rebooking policy with your office).

Phase 4: Trial (Practical) Exam

Book and Attend the Trial Exam

After passing the written exam, log in to portal → book your trial exam slot. Category A (Motorcycle): Must complete a designated narrow track course without putting your foot down at any point. You need minimum 70 points. Category B (Car): Must complete an 8-shaped (figure-of-eight) track without touching boundary markers, plus a hill-start section without rolling backward. Minimum 70 points to pass. You are allowed 3 trial attempts within 18 months of your written exam. Fail all 3 → must reapply from scratch after 90 days.

Pay the License Issuance Fee After Passing

After passing your trial exam, wait 10+ days then visit your DOTM office to pay the license issuance fee: रू 1,500 (Category A) or रू 2,000 (Category B). Your payment receipt with your license number serves as a temporary driving license legally valid throughout Nepal until your smart card arrives. Some offices also issue a 1-year temporary license document.

Phase 5: Smart Card Collection

Wait for Smart Card Printing (12–18 months currently)

Check your status monthly at dotm.gov.np/category/details-of-printed-licenses/ or via SMS to 31003. When your name appears in the PDF list → collect your card at your DOTM office during working hours (Sunday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM). Bring: original citizenship + application receipt for verification.

💡 Written Exam & Trial Test Tips — Nepal Driving License 2026

📚

Use DOTM’s Official Question Bank

DOTM publishes the exact question bank from which all 25 exam questions are drawn. The same questions repeat regularly. Download the official bank from dotm.gov.np or use the “Nepal Driving License” app on Android Play Store. Study all questions — aim to recognize every single question before exam day. Most applicants who fail the written exam simply did not study the official bank.

🏁

Practice the Trial Track Before Test Day

The Category A narrow track and Category B 8-figure track are the most common failure points. Many DOTM offices have visible trial tracks — visit and observe other applicants before your own test day. For Category B, the hill-start without rolling backward is the critical moment. Practice this specifically on an inclined road with an instructor before your trial date.

⏰

Arrive 30 Minutes Early — Every Visit

DOTM offices handle hundreds of applicants daily. Late arrivals risk losing their slot for the day. Arrive 30 minutes before your written exam and 30 minutes before your trial exam. Bring all documents in a single organized folder — fumbling for documents at the counter wastes time and creates stress.

📱

Keep Your Registered Number Active

All DOTM communications — OTP, exam results, print notifications — go to your registered mobile number. If your registered number is inactive (SIM expired, number changed), you will miss critical notifications and cannot complete OTP verifications. If your number changes, update it in your DOTM profile immediately before it affects your application.

🔍

Double-Check Profile Details Before Applying

The single most common reason for application rejection or smart card printing delay is a data mismatch — name spelled differently in DOTM vs citizenship, or date of birth entered incorrectly. Before submitting your application, compare every field in your DOTM profile with your physical citizenship certificate character by character. Even a single letter difference causes rejection.

💳

Your Receipt IS Your License While Waiting

After paying the रू 1,500/2,000 issuance fee, your payment receipt bearing your license number is legally valid as a temporary driving document within Nepal. Traffic police recognize this receipt. A digital copy of your DOTM license profile (downloadable from your account) is also legally recognized as proof. You do not need to wait for the physical smart card to start driving legally.

🔄 Driving License Renewal Nepal 2026

Nepal driving licenses (Category A, B) are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal must be done before the expiry date — or within 1 year of expiry. After 1 year of expiry, you must retake all exams from the beginning.

Renewal Scenario	Process Required	Fee	Action
Before expiry date	Online application + biometrics update	रू 500–1,000	Apply at applydl.dotm.gov.np
Within 1 year of expiry	Application + medical test + fee	रू 1,500–2,500	Apply online + visit DOTM office
More than 1 year after expiry	Full re-application — written + trial again	Full new license fee	Start from scratch completely
Lost/Damaged License	Police report + application for duplicate	रू 1,500–2,000	Visit DOTM with police report (tippani)

🏢 Major DOTM Transport Offices in Nepal

Bagmati Province (KTM Valley)

Chabahil Transport Office
Ekantakuna Transport Office
Radhe Radhe Transport Office (Bhaktapur)
Lagankhel (Lalitpur)

Gandaki Province

Pokhara Transport Management Office
Damauli, Besisahar district offices

Madhesh Province

Birgunj Transport Office
Janakpur Transport Office
Lahan, Rajbiraj district offices

Lumbini Province

Butwal Transport Office
Nepalgunj Transport Office
Bhairahawa, Ghorahi offices

Koshi Province

Biratnagar Transport Office
Dharan, Itahari district offices

Sudurpashchim Province

Dhangadhi Transport Office
Mahendranagar district office

For complete address, phone number, and working hours of all DOTM offices: visit dotm.gov.np → Office Directory section.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Nepal Driving License 2026

How to check Nepal driving license print status online?

To check Nepal driving license print status online in 2026: Method 1 — Go to dotm.gov.np → “Details of Printed Licenses” → Download your province/office PDF → Press Ctrl+F → Search your name. Method 2 — Send SMS to 31003 typing “LC [your license number]” from any Nepal number. Method 3 — Login to applydl.dotm.gov.np with your application ID and check your application status dashboard. If your name appears in the PDF list, your smart card is printed and ready for collection at your DOTM office during working hours (Sunday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM) — bring original citizenship and application receipt.

How to apply for Nepal driving license online? Which website?

Apply for Nepal driving license online at applydl.dotm.gov.np (the official DOTM application portal). First, create an account with your citizenship details and Nepali mobile number. Complete your personal profile fully — the apply button is inactive until profile is 100% complete. Then click “Apply for New Driving License,” accept terms, select category (A for bike, B for car), select your DOTM office, choose an appointment date, submit with OTP verification, and pay the रू 500 fee via eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, or bank. You will also need to visit the DOTM office in person for biometrics, medical test, written exam, and trial exam — the online form is only the first step.

How much does driving license cost in Nepal in 2026?

Nepal driving license fees in 2026 (as of 2083 BS): Application fee (written + 1st trial): रू 500. Medical test: रू 200–300. Trial retest per attempt: रू 400–500. License issuance after passing — Category A (motorcycle): रू 1,500. License issuance — Category B (car/jeep): रू 2,000. Total minimum cost to get a new license: approximately रू 2,200–2,800 (Category A) or रू 2,700–3,300 (Category B) including medical test. These are official government fees — never pay additional agent fees.

My Nepal driving license print status shows Pending for 18 months — is it lost?

No — a Pending status after 18 months in Nepal is unfortunately common in 2026 due to a system-wide smart card printing backlog at DOTM. It is not your application specifically that is delayed. DOTM records are preserved even with long delays. Your payment receipt with license number is legally valid for driving within Nepal while waiting. If you urgently need your license (for travel abroad, employment, or peace mission), you can apply for the Fast Print/Urgent service at your DOTM office, which delivers the smart card within 3 working days for an additional fee. For a standard pending status, keep checking dotm.gov.np/category/details-of-printed-licenses/ monthly until your name appears.

How many questions are in the Nepal driving license written exam?

The Nepal DOTM driving license written exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official DOTM question bank. The exam is computer-based and available in both Nepali and English. You have 25 minutes to complete it. Passing score is 13 out of 25 correct answers (52%). Questions cover traffic rules, road signs, vehicle operation, safety regulations, and Nepal’s Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act. DOTM publishes the full official question bank on dotm.gov.np — study from this bank as questions repeat regularly in actual exams.

Can I drive with just the payment receipt after passing the trial exam?

Yes. After paying the license issuance fee (रू 1,500 for Category A or रू 2,000 for Category B), your payment receipt bearing your license number is legally valid as a temporary driving document within Nepal. Traffic police recognize this receipt as proof that your license has been issued and is pending smart card printing. A digital copy of your license profile downloadable from your applydl.dotm.gov.np account is also legally recognized. Some DOTM offices additionally provide a formal 1-year temporary license document. You do not need to wait for the physical smart card to start driving legally.

What happens if I fail the trial exam in Nepal?

If you fail the Nepal driving license trial exam: You can rebook a retest by paying a retest fee of approximately रू 400–500 per attempt. You are allowed a maximum of 3 trial attempts within 18 months of passing your written exam. If you fail all 3 trial attempts, you must wait 90 days and then reapply for the license from the beginning — including paying all fees again. The most common failure points are: Category A — putting your foot down during the narrow track course. Category B — touching boundary markers during the 8-figure track or rolling backward during the hill-start. Practice these specific challenges before your test day.

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PriceNepal Research Team

All procedure, fee, and portal information sourced from Department of Transport Management official website (dotm.gov.np) and application portal (applydl.dotm.gov.np). Smart card backlog data from DOTM office confirmations and merokalam.com (April 2026). Fees current as of 2083 BS. Last updated May 25, 2026.