Last updated: September 2026 – RTO codes checked against independent RTO records. Officer names change over time, so this guide lists offices rather than individuals; contact the office directly for the current officer.
Kerala has 14 original district RTOs, a handful of additional main offices added later, and around 69 Sub Regional Transport Offices (SRTOs) that bring services closer to smaller towns. This guide has the main KL code list, office addresses and contact details, how the sub-office system works, what a Kerala vehicle number tells you, and how to check vehicle and licence details online.
Understanding RTO in Kerala
Kerala’s RTOs operate under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Their responsibilities include:
Each district-level office is a full Regional Transport Office (RTO), headed by a Regional Transport Officer, while smaller SRTOs are headed by a Joint Regional Transport Officer and handle the same services for a smaller area. Kerala also has 14 Enforcement RTOs focused specifically on Motor Vehicles Act enforcement and road safety, separate from the registration-focused RTOs and SRTOs.
Understanding a Kerala Vehicle Number
A Kerala registration number follows the format KL-XX-YY-NNNN: KL is the state code, XX is the two-digit RTO or SRTO code, and YY-NNNN is the running series and number assigned to the vehicle. The running series (letters like AJ, BF, CH shown in some records) changes periodically as each office works through its allotment, so two vehicles with the same RTO code but different series letters were simply registered at different times.
Kerala RTO Code List (Main Offices)
| Code | Office | Address | Phone / Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL-01 | Thiruvananthapuram | Civil Station, Thiruvananthapuram | kl01@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-02 | Kollam | Civil Station, Anandavalleswaram, 695013 | 0474-2793499, kl02@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-03 | Pathanamthitta | Civil Station, Kozhencherry | kl03@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-04 | Alappuzha | Civil Station, Alappuzha, 688001 | 0477-2253160, kl04@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-05 | Kottayam | Civil Station, Collectorate PO, 686002 | 0481-2560429, kl05@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-06 | Idukki | Civil Station, Kuyilimala, Painavu PO, 685603 | 04862-232244, kl06@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-07 | Ernakulam | 2nd Floor, Civil Station, Kakkanad, Thrikkakara PO, 682030 | 0484-2422246, kl07@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-08 | Thrissur | Civil Station, Thrissur | kl08@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-09 | Palakkad | Civil Station, Palakkad | kl09@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-10 | Malappuram | Civil Station, Uphill, Malappuram, 676505 | 0483-2734924, kl10@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-11 | Kozhikode | Civil Station, Malaparamba, 673020 | 0495-2371705, kl11@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-12 | Wayanad | Vythiri Taluk | kl12@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-13 | Kannur | Civil Station, Kannur, 670002 | 0497-2700566, kl13@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-14 | Kasaragod | Civil Station, Vidyanagar PO, 671123 | 04994-255290, kl14@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-15 | Thiruvananthapuram (KSRTC vehicles) | Thiruvananthapuram | — |
| KL-16 | Attingal | Ansar Complex, NH 47, TB Junction, Attingal PO, Trivandrum, 695101 | 0470-2626400, kl16@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-17 | Muvattupuzha | Mini Civil Station, Vazhappally, Mudavoor PO, 686669 | 0485-2814959, kl17@keralamvd.gov.in |
| KL-18 | Vadakara | Vatakara Taluk | kl18@keralamvd.gov.in |
Sub Regional Transport Offices (SRTOs)
Beyond the 18 main offices, Kerala has around 69 SRTOs, mostly established between 2006 and 2020, using codes from roughly KL-19 upward (for example KL-19 Parassala, KL-20 Neyyattinkara, KL-56 Koyilandy, KL-76 Nanmanda). These bring registration and licensing services closer to smaller towns without needing a full RTO, so residents of these areas don’t have to travel to the district headquarters for routine services. If you spot an SRTO code not covered here, look it up on the Vahan portal or the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department site to confirm the office and address.
Checking Vehicle and Licence Details Online
Rather than relying only on a static list, you can check the full, current record for any Kerala vehicle or licence directly through the official portals:
Vehicle Registration in Kerala
To register a new vehicle, visit the RTO or SRTO with jurisdiction over your address with proof of identity, address proof, the sale certificate, insurance and PUC. After inspection and payment of fees and road tax, a permanent registration number is issued and a smart card RC is sent to your address. A private vehicle’s RC is valid for 15 years, after which it can be renewed for further periods; see RC renewal through Parivahan. If your RC is lost or damaged, apply for a duplicate RC at the same office.
Buying a Used Vehicle in Kerala
Before buying a second-hand vehicle, match its RTO or SRTO code against the office shown on the seller’s RC, confirm the registration status is active, and check for pending e-challans, since unpaid fines stay linked to the vehicle rather than the seller. Once you’re satisfied, complete an ownership transfer so the RC is updated in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RTOs and SRTOs does Kerala have?
Kerala has 18 main RTOs (14 original district offices plus a few added later) and around 69 Sub Regional Transport Offices, along with 14 Enforcement RTOs.
Can I find driving licence information through the RTO code list?
The code list mainly identifies vehicle registration offices. For driving licence status and services, use Sarathi Parivahan directly.
How do I check my vehicle’s details using its number?
Use “Know Your Vehicle Details” on the Vahan portal (parivahan.gov.in) and enter the registration number to see the RTO, vehicle class and registration status.
What if the office contact details here are outdated?
RTO staff and sometimes phone numbers change over time. If a number doesn’t connect, check the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department’s official website for the current listing.
Do I need to visit an RTO, or can an SRTO handle registration too?
SRTOs handle the same core services (registration, licensing, tax) as full RTOs for their area, so you don’t need to travel to the district headquarters unless your specific request requires it.
Related RTO lists: Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, or see the full RTO list in India.