Last updated: September 2026 – contact details checked against the official Vahan, Sarathi and eChallan contact pages.
If you’re stuck on a Parivahan service, such as a failed payment, a login or OTP problem, or an application that won’t move, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways runs a central helpdesk plus separate email addresses for each portal. This guide lists the official contact details, explains which one to use for which problem, and shows how to escalate a complaint if the helpdesk doesn’t resolve it.
Official Parivahan Helpline Number
The main Parivahan helpdesk number is +91-120-4925505 (also written 0120-4925505). According to the official Vahan and eChallan contact pages, it’s available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is a technical support line, not a 24×7 emergency service: it helps with problems on the online portals, not with accidents or roadside breakdowns.
Be careful with other numbers you see online. Several websites list different “toll-free Parivahan helpline” numbers that don’t appear on any official Parivahan page. Always take contact details from parivahan.gov.in itself, and never share an OTP, card PIN or password with anyone who calls you claiming to be from Parivahan.
Official Email Addresses by Service
Email is often the most reliable way to get an issue looked at, because it gives you a written record. Use the address for the right portal:
| Problem area | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle registration, RC, tax, fitness, permits, fancy numbers (Vahan) | helpdesk-vahan@gov.in |
| Learner’s licence, driving licence (Sarathi) | helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in |
| E-challan and fine payments | helpdesk-echallan@gov.in |
| mParivahan app | helpdesk-mparivahan@gov.in |
In your email, put your application number or registration number in the subject line, describe the problem in a few clear sentences, and attach screenshots of any error message and payment receipt. This saves a round of back-and-forth.
Before You Contact the Helpdesk: Quick Fixes To Try
Many common portal problems clear up on their own or with a simple fix, so it’s worth trying these first:
If none of these work, note exactly what you tried; telling the helpdesk this upfront saves them suggesting the same steps again.
What the Helpdesk Can Help With
Some problems can only be fixed by the RTO where your record is held, such as a correction that needs original documents checked. In those cases the helpdesk will usually direct you to the RTO, so it can save time to contact the RTO directly.
Complaining About a Wrong E-Challan
If you’ve received a challan you believe is wrong, for example for a vehicle that isn’t yours or an offence you didn’t commit, raise a grievance through the eChallan portal’s grievance option, attaching any evidence such as photos or documents. Don’t pay a challan you intend to dispute, since payment is usually treated as accepting it. Some states, such as Maharashtra, have their own challan grievance process; see our Maharashtra challan guide and the main e-challan guide.
How To Escalate an Unresolved Complaint
Numbers for Road Emergencies
The Parivahan helpdesk can’t help in an accident or breakdown. For emergencies, call 112, India’s national emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. On national highways, the NHAI highway helpline 1033 handles accidents, breakdowns and road hazards.
State Transport Corporation (Parivahan Nigam) Complaints
“Parivahan Nigam” usually refers to a state road transport corporation that runs public buses, such as Uttar Pradesh’s UPSRTC (Rajya Sadak Parivahan Nigam) or Maharashtra’s MSRTC. These are separate from the Parivahan portal: complaints about bus services, bookings, refunds or staff should go to that corporation’s own helpline or website, which you’ll find on its official site or printed on your ticket. The Parivahan helpdesk handles licences, registration and challans, not bus operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Parivahan helpline available 24 hours?
No. The official contact pages list the helpdesk as available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Email can be sent at any time.
Is the Parivahan helpline number toll-free?
The official number, 0120-4925505, is a regular landline number, so standard call charges from your operator may apply.
Is there a separate number for driving licence problems?
The same central number handles both vehicle and licence queries. For licence issues, email helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in so your message reaches the Sarathi team directly.
How long does the helpdesk take to respond to an email?
It varies with volume. If you haven’t heard back in about a week, follow up with your reference number or contact the RTO directly.
Can the helpline change details on my RC or licence?
Usually not. The helpdesk fixes technical issues, but changes to your record, such as a name or address correction, go through the relevant online service and your RTO.
Related guides: Parivahan Application Status, Vahan E-Services, Pay E-Challan Online.