How to Verify a Driving License in Bangladesh: A Complete Guide (2025)
If you’re an employer, car‑rental operator, insurance broker, or simply a citizen who wants to be sure a licence is genuine, you need a reliable way to check a driving licence in Bangladesh (BD). The process has become far more digital over the last few years, but there are still a few manual routes you might need to know. This post walks you through every option, step‑by‑step, with handy tables, checklists, and a FAQ at the end so you can validate any Bangladeshi licence quickly and confidently.
Why a Driving‑License Check Matters
| Situation | What You Risk If You Skip Verification |
|---|---|
| Hiring a driver | Unqualified drivers, higher accident risk, potential legal liability |
| Car‑rental business | Fraudulent rentals, loss of vehicle, insurance denial |
| Insurance underwriting | Under‑priced policies, claim disputes, regulatory penalties |
| Personal verification (e.g., borrowing a car) | Driving with an invalid or suspended licence, traffic fines |
| Legal proceedings | Inaccurate evidence, court delays, possible contempt charges |
A quick licence check can protect you from costly mistakes, keep your fleet safe, and ensure compliance with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) regulations.
The Three Main Ways to Check a Licence
| Method | Where to Access | Typical Turn‑around | Cost | Required Info | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online BRTA Portal | https://brta.gov.bd/driving‑license‑verification | Instant (seconds) | Free | Licence No., Date of Birth, Captcha | 24/7, no travel, printable receipt | Internet required, occasional server downtime |
| SMS / USSD Service | Dial 1622 (BRTA helpline) then follow prompts | 1‑3 minutes | ৳ 5 per query | Licence No. | Works on basic phones, no internet | Limited to basic details, not suitable for bulk checks |
| In‑Person at BRTA Office | Any BRTA Regional Office (e.g., Dhaka, Chittagong) | 1‑2 business days | ৳ 20 (verification fee) | Original licence, NID copy, application form | Official stamp, useful for disputed cases | Time‑consuming, travel required |
Tip: For organizations that need to verify dozens of licences weekly, the online API (BRTA‑API) is the most scalable solution. You’ll need to register as a corporate user and pay a modest subscription fee.
Step‑by‑Step: Verifying a Licence Online (The Most Common Method)
- Gather the basics – You’ll need the licence number (the alphanumeric code printed on the front) and the holder’s date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY). Having the driving licence’s photo ID number can speed up the search.
- Open the portal – Go to the official BRTA verification page:
https://brta.gov.bd/driving-license-verification. Make sure the URL starts with https:// to avoid phishing sites. - Enter the data – Fill in the licence number, date of birth, and complete the CAPTCHA.
If the licence number contains spaces or hyphens, enter it exactly as shown on the card. - Click “Verify” – The system instantly returns a status screen showing:
- Licence status – Valid / Expired / Suspended / Cancelled
- Issue & expiry dates
- Class of vehicle (e.g., Light Motor Vehicle, Heavy Goods Vehicle)
- Any pending penalties (e.g., traffic fines, court orders)
- Download the receipt – Click “Print” or “Download PDF”. The document includes a QR code that can be scanned by any BRTA officer for quick cross‑check.
- Record the result – Store the PDF in your verification log, noting the date, the officer (if applicable), and any remarks.
What if the licence doesn’t appear?
- Double‑check the number for typographical errors.
- Verify that the licence isn’t older than 20 years; older licences may have been replaced by a new format.
- If it still fails, contact the BRTA helpline (1622) or visit the nearest office.
Using the SMS / USSD Service
If you’re out in the field (e.g., a transport manager checking a driver on the spot), the SMS route is a lifesaver.
- Dial 1622 from any Bangladeshi mobile.
- Select “3 – Licence Verification” from the menu.
- Enter the licence number when prompted.
- Receive a text with the licence status and validity dates.
Example SMS flow
You: 1622
BRTA: 1- New licence 2- Renewal 3- Licence verification 4- Help
You: 3
BRTA: Please type your licence number (e.g., B12345678)
You: B12345678
BRTA: Licence B12345678 is VALID. Issue: 15/03/2018, Expiry: 14/03/2028.
Limitations:
- Only shows valid/invalid status—no fine details.
- No batch verification (one query per licence).
In‑Person Verification: When to Choose It
Sometimes a printed confirmation with the official BRTA seal is required—particularly in legal disputes or when dealing with foreign authorities. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Original driving licence | Proof of the number you are verifying |
| National ID (NID) copy | Identity verification of the applicant |
| Completed “Licence Verification Form” (BRTA Form‑04) | Official request record |
| Payment receipt (৳ 20) | Covers processing fee |
Procedure
- Submit the form and documents at the counter.
- The officer will pull up the record in the BRTA database.
- You receive a “Licence Verification Certificate” (LVC) stamped and signed.
- The LVC can be used as legal evidence for court, insurance, or corporate audits.
Recommendation: Keep a digital copy of the LVC in your secure cloud storage for backup.
Bulk Verification for Companies: API Integration
Large fleets (taxi aggregators, logistics firms) often need to verify dozens of licences daily. BRTA offers a RESTful API that returns JSON data for each query.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Endpoint | https://api.brta.gov.bd/v1/licence/verify |
| Authentication | API key (generated after corporate registration) |
| Rate limit | Up to 500 requests per minute (sufficient for most enterprises) |
| Response sample | { "licence": "B12345678", "status": "VALID", "expiry": "2028-03-14", "class": "LMV", "penalties": [] } |
| Pricing | ৳ 2,500 per month for up to 10,000 queries; extra queries billed per 1,000 at ৳ 250 |
| Support | 24‑hour technical helpline, email [email protected] |
Implementation checklist
- Register on the BRTA portal → “Corporate Services”.
- Obtain your API key and secret.
- Test the sandbox endpoint (
https://sandbox.brta.gov.bd/...). - Integrate the call into your driver‑onboarding workflow.
- Log each response with a timestamp for audit trails.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you start any verification:
- Verify you have the correct licence number (no extra spaces).
- Confirm the holder’s date of birth (helps avoid false negatives).
- Choose the verification method that matches your urgency and volume.
- Keep a log (Excel sheet or database) with columns: Licence No., Date of Birth, Method, Status, Verified By, Remarks.
Sample log template (CSV)
LicenceNo,DateOfBirth,Method,Status,VerifiedOn,VerifiedBy,Remarks
B12345678,1990-04-12,Online,VALID,2025-09-05,John Doe,No penalties
C98765432,1985-11-30,In‑Person,SUSPENDED,2025-09-04,BRTA Dhaka,Pending court case
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Typo in licence number | Manual entry errors, especially with similar characters (O vs 0, I vs 1) | Double‑check against the physical card; copy‑paste from a scanned document if possible |
| Using an outdated portal link | BRTA updates URLs occasionally | Bookmark the official BRTA homepage and navigate from there each time |
| Relying on a single source | SMS may not show pending fines | Cross‑check with the online portal for comprehensive details |
| Skipping the expiry check | Licences can be renewed automatically, but the system may still list the old expiry date if the renewal is pending | Always verify the “Expiry Date” field, not just the “Status” |
| Ignoring the QR code | The QR code contains a digital signature that can be tampered with if printed without verification | Scan the QR code with a BRTA‑approved app to confirm authenticity |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I re‑verify a driver’s licence?
For most businesses, a annual verification is sufficient. If the driver works in high‑risk transport (e.g., passenger‑carriage), consider bi‑annual checks.
2. What does “Suspended” mean? Can the driver still operate a vehicle?
A suspended licence is temporarily revoked—commonly due to serious traffic violations or legal cases. The driver must not operate a vehicle until the suspension is lifted.
3. My employee’s licence shows as “Valid” but they have unpaid traffic fines. Where are those recorded?
The online portal lists penalties under a separate tab. If any fines are unpaid, the status may still appear as “VALID,” but you’ll see a list of pending fines with case numbers.
4. Can I verify a foreign driving licence in Bangladesh?
Foreign licences are not stored in the BRTA database. To operate a vehicle in Bangladesh, a foreign driver must obtain a Bangladeshi conversion licence; you can verify that conversion licence using the same methods.
5. Is there a way to automatically receive alerts when a licence status changes?
The BRTA API supports webhook notifications for subscribed corporate accounts. Once you enable the webhook, you’ll receive a POST request whenever the status of any licence in your watchlist changes.
6. What should I do if a licence is marked “Cancelled” but the holder insists it’s a mistake?
Ask the holder to present a cancellation notice (usually sent by post). If the notice is missing, direct them to the nearest BRTA office to initiate a re‑inquiry. You can also submit a formal grievance through the BRTA online portal.
7. Are there any privacy concerns when storing licence verification data?
Yes. The Data Protection Act 2023 (Bangladesh) classifies licence numbers as personal data. Store them securely (encrypted at rest) and limit access to authorized personnel only.
Bottom Line
Checking a driving licence in Bangladesh has never been easier, but the right method depends on your situation:
- For quick, one‑off checks – use the online portal or SMS service.
- For official proof – go in‑person to a BRTA office and obtain a stamped certificate.
- For large‑scale, automated verification – integrate the BRTA API into your HR or fleet‑management system.
By following the steps, using the tables, and keeping a solid audit log, you’ll protect your business, stay compliant with BRTA regulations, and ensure that every driver on your road is truly qualified.
Ready to Verify?
Pick the method that fits your workflow, grab the checklist above, and start verifying today. If you need help setting up the BRTA API, feel free to drop a comment below or contact our support team—happy (and safe) driving!