Driving Licence Rules Set to Change in Maharashtra: Domicile Certificate Likely Mandatory from August 1, 2026

People planning to apply for a driving licence in Maharashtra may soon have to complete one extra formality before getting behind the wheel. The state government is preparing to introduce a new rule that could make a domicile certificate compulsory for all driving licence applicants.

Maharashtra Driving Licence New Rules: Domicile Certificate May Soon Become Mandatory

The proposal, which was announced in the Maharashtra Assembly by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, is still awaiting legal clearance. If approved, the new requirement is expected to come into effect from August 1, 2026. Alongside the proposed licence rule, the government has also shared fresh details about its upcoming bike taxi policy, including charges for operators, safety measures and action against unauthorised services.

Under the proposed rules, anyone applying for a driving licence in Maharashtra will have to submit a domicile certificate as proof that they are a resident of the state.

The Transport Department has already prepared the draft rules and forwarded them to the Law and Judiciary Department for legal examination. The new requirement will become effective only after the draft receives approval and the government issues an official notification.

The state government says the move is aimed at bringing greater uniformity and transparency to the driving licence issuance process.

What Is a Domicile Certificate and Why Is It Needed?

A domicile certificate is an official government document that confirms a person's permanent or long-term residence in a particular state.

It is already required for several government services, including educational admissions, state government jobs and reservation-related benefits. If the proposal is implemented, it will now become part of the documentation needed for obtaining a driving licence in Maharashtra.

However, the government has not yet clarified which documents applicants will need to submit to obtain or verify domicile status for licence applications. Those details are expected to be announced after the final notification is issued.

The government is yet to clarify how long-term residents without domicile certificates or people who have migrated from other states will be treated under the final rules.

Bike Taxi Rules in Maharashtra

Apart from the driving licence proposal, the Maharashtra government has also outlined its plan to regulate app-based bike taxi services. According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the government is working on a policy that will legalise bike taxi operations while introducing a regulatory framework covering aggregator platforms, drivers and passenger safety.

Bike Taxi Operators May Have to Pay Daily Fee

The draft policy proposes a fixed contribution from operators towards regulation and driver welfare. Bike taxi operators may have to pay Rs 5 per day to the state government. An additional Rs 2 from every completed ride will be deposited into a welfare fund for drivers.

Although the daily charge appears modest, it could have a significant impact when applied across thousands of vehicles operating every day. The per-ride welfare contribution may also influence fares, platform commissions or driver earnings after implementation.

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