Documents to Check Before Hiring a Driver in India
The complete document checklist: driving licence, photo ID, PCC, and references — with red flags to watch for.
Quick Answer
Before hiring a driver in India, check four documents/signals: valid driving licence (Parivahan), government photo ID, Police Clearance Certificate, and at least one past-employer reference. Keep photocopies or clear photos. Missing any of these — especially licence or PCC for family use — is a reason to pause.
Step-by-step guide
Driving licence via Parivahan
Confirm Active status, expiry, and LMV (or correct class). Do not rely on a laminated card alone.
Open Parivahan →Government photo ID
Sight original Aadhaar, Voter ID or passport. Match face and note permanent address. You can learn Aadhaar verification basics on UIDAI.
UIDAI official site →Police Clearance Certificate
Apply via your state police portal or verify a recent PCC number. Strongest criminal-record signal for household staff.
Example police portal (Delhi) →Reference + optional extras
Call a past employer. Optional: challan history where available, medical fitness for long highway duty, and a written salary agreement.
Document checklist
| Document | Must-have? | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Driving licence | Yes | Parivahan |
| Photo ID | Yes | Sight original |
| PCC | Yes for family/live-in | State police portal |
| Reference call | Yes | Past employer phone |
| Address proof | Recommended | Match ID / rent agreement |
Run a free Driver Trust Score
Tick what you've checked. Get an instant safety read in 60 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aadhaar enough without PCC?
No. Aadhaar proves identity, not a clean record. Use both.
Can I keep copies?
Keep copies for security and society entry, store them securely, and do not share publicly.
What if documents look edited?
Stop the hire. Verify on official portals only.
Related guides
Last updated: 24 March 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy by driverrating.in