The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is the formal state agency in Sri Lanka that deals with registration of motor vehicles, issue of the driving license and renewal of licenses, and safety of road transport. Since road use and number of cars on the road are increasing in the nation, one ought to have a clear-cut idea of how the DMT works as a motorist.
In this self help guide, we shall be discussing the duties and services provided by the DMT as well as how you can gain e-services and even make appointment, get to know about ownership of vehicle as well as others.
What is the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT)?
The Ministry of Transport and Highways owns one of the most important agencies called Department of Motor Traffic. Founded by the Motor Traffic Act it mainly deals with regulation of registration and licensing of motor vehicles, provision of standards of road safety, and creation of a complete database of all vehicles registering under its hands and all drivers licensing with its aide in Sri Lanka.
It has a head office at Werahera and has many regional offices around the island.
Overview & Contact Details
| Established | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Colombo |
| Address | Department of Motor Traffic Rd, Boralesgamuwa,Sri Lanka. |
| Hotline | +94 11-2677877 |
| Telephone | +94 11-203333 |
| Fax | +94 112 698 316 |
| ad.ict@dmt.gov.lk | |
| Website | dmt.gov.lk |
| Important Links | |
| Getting Details of a Registered Vehicle | Click Here |
| Inquire about Ongoing Registration Number | Click Here |
| Registration of Ownership Transfer | Click Here |
| First Registration | Click Here |
| Charges for First Registration | Click Here |
| Charges for Registration of Ownership Transfer | Click Here |
| Driving Licenses | Click Here |
Department of Motor Traffic in Sri Lanka Applications
| Application for Registration of Motor Vehicle (Not already registered in Sri Lanka) | Download PDF |
| Statement of Hire-Purchase Agreement Relating to a Motor Vehicle | Download PDF |
| Notice of Deceased Owner | Download PDF |
| Application for Registration of Motor Vehicles consequent on Death of Registered Owner | Download PDF |
| Statement of change of possession of Motor Vehicle & Application for Registration of a Motor Vehicle on Transfer | Download PDF |
| Application for a Revenue Licence for a Motor Vehicle—Section 30 (1) | Download PDF |
| Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Registration | Download PDF |
| Change of Licensing Authority/Change of Particulars in the Certificate of Registration | Download PDF |
Key Responsibilities of the Department
The DMT performs a wide range of critical services:
- Registration of motor vehicles
- Issuance and renewal of driving licenses
- Vehicle inspections and roadworthiness certification
- Transfer of vehicle ownership
- Enforcement of traffic-related laws
- Maintaining vehicle and driver databases
- Managing vehicle revenue licenses
E-Services by the Department of Motor Traffic
To enhance efficiency, the DMT now offers several online services:
- Online Appointment Booking: For license renewals, new applications, and vehicle transfers
- Online Vehicle License Renewal (Revenue License): Available through https://motortraffic.wp.gov.lk
- Online Driving License Verification
- Mobile App Services (see below)
Online Appointment Booking
1. Visit the Department of Motor Traffic official website. dmt.gov.lk
2. Click “Appointment.”
3. Fill in all the required details and click “Book Appointment.”
DMT Mobile App – Smart Convenience
The DMT Smart App allows users to:
- Check their vehicle information
- Get appointment dates
- Access license renewal alerts
- Track exam results and license status
Available for Android and iOS, it’s designed to make common tasks easier and more accessible to the public.
- To download the app:
Vehicle Registration and Details
The DMT registers all types of motor vehicles including:
- Cars, motorbikes, vans, buses, lorries
- Special purpose vehicles
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
You can check vehicle details such as registration number, owner name, engine number, and chassis number via the official website or by visiting a DMT office.
How to Get a Driving License in Sri Lanka (2025)
The Department issues the following types of licenses:
- Learner’s Permit
- Temporary Driving License
- Permanent Driving License
- International Driving Permit
The following is a guide to acquiring a driving license in Sri Lanka in 2025, taking as an example the present process as it is carried out by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT):
Obtaining a driving license in Sri Lanka is a systematic procedure following which there is a written and practical test. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is in charge of issuance of driving licenses of light vehicle, motorcycles, heavy vehicle and special-purpose vehicle.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
You must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old (for motorcycles and light vehicles)
- Have a valid National Identity Card (NIC) or passport
- Be medically fit (eye and physical fitness tests required)
- Be a Sri Lankan citizen or hold valid resident status
Step 2: Submit Application for a Learner’s Permit
Where to apply:
- DMT Werahera office, Colombo office, or any District Secretariat
- Or apply online at: https://online.dmt.gov.lk
Documents required:
- National Identity Card (NIC)
- Birth certificate (if required for verification)
- Recent passport-size photographs (color, background as per DMT standards)
- Completed Form DMT-1A (available online or at DMT offices)
- Medical report (from a registered medical practitioner)
- Eye test certificate
- Application fee (around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 depending on class)
Once accepted, you will be issued a Learner’s Permit valid for 6 months.
Step 3: Prepare for the Written Theory Test
The written test assesses your knowledge of:
- Road signs
- Traffic rules
- Road safety
- Basic driving laws
- Vehicle operation symbols
You can download or study from past DMT exam papers or attend classes at a registered driving school.
Step 4: Sit for the Written Test
| Department of Motor Traffic Sample Exam Papers—Sinhala | Download PDF |
| Department of Motor Traffic Sample Exam Papers—Tamil | Download PDF |
- You will be given a multiple-choice test (paper or digital format)
- Held at DMT offices and authorized exam centers
- You must score at least the minimum passing mark to proceed
- Results are usually available on the same day or within 24 hours
Once passed, your practical driving test date will be scheduled.
Step 5: Take Driving Lessons
Enroll with a registered driving school or private instructor to:
- Practice driving with supervision
- Learn proper road discipline
- Get familiar with clutch, gear, brake, and reverse functions
- Practice parking, hill starts, and emergency stops
Use your Learner’s Permit during this period to practice on public roads with an instructor or licensed driver.
Step 6: Attend the Practical Driving Test
At the assigned date:
- Arrive with your vehicle (or use one provided by the driving school)
- Bring your Learner’s Permit and NIC
- Perform tasks such as:
- Vehicle check
- Reverse parking
- Turning and lane control
- Traffic light compliance
- Hill starts (manual vehicles)
The examiner will assess your driving skill and safety awareness.
Step 7: Get Your Driving License
If you pass the practical test:
- You will receive a temporary driving license first
- The permanent plastic smart card license will be issued in 2–3 weeks
You may receive it:
- Via registered post
- Or collect it from the relevant DMT office
Step 8: Apply for an International Driving Permit (Optional)
If you plan to drive abroad:
- Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) at the DMT
- Submit your local license, passport copy, and application form
- Pay the applicable fee
The IDP is valid in over 150 countries and usually issued within a day.
If You Fail…
You can reapply for both the written or practical test after 14 days. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but fees apply for each retake.
Tips for Success
- Study past exam papers and road signs
- Take at least 10–20 hours of practical driving lessons
- Be calm and confident during the test
- Check your vehicle for lights, brakes, tires before the test
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
First Registration Charges – Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Reg. Fee (Rs.) | Number Plate (Rs.) | Inspection (Rs.) | Docs/Postal (Rs.) | Transfer Fee (Rs.) | Penalty (After 90 Days – 5+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Car (≤1600cc / ≤80KW) | 25,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 7,750 | 12,000 – 50,000 |
| Motor Car (>1600cc / >80KW) | 40,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 7,750 | 12,000 – 50,000 |
| Dual Purpose Vehicle (≤1000cc) | 20,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 7,750 | 6,000 – 35,000 |
| Dual Purpose Vehicle (>1000cc) | 25,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 7,750 | 12,000 – 50,000 |
| Bus / Light Motor Coach | 7,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 3,750 | 14,000 – 27,000 |
| Motor Lorry / Light Lorry | 7,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 3,750 | 8,000 – 19,600 |
| Prime Mover (Lorry) | 25,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 3,750 | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Vehicle for Disabled Persons | 2,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 2,800 | 4,000 – 10,000 |
| 4-Wheel Tractor / Agri (New) | 8,000 | 2,400 | 1,000 | 150 | 2,060 | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| 4-Wheel Tractor / Agri (Used) | 8,000 | 2,400 | 1,000 | 150 | 2,060 | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| 2-Wheel Tractor (New/Used) | 2,000 | 2,400 | 1,000 | 150 | 1,150 | 3,500 – 8,000 |
| Tractor Trailer / Bouser | 7,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 2,800 | 4,000 – 12,000 |
| Motor Lorry Trailer | 15,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 3,100 | 10,000 – 18,000 |
| Special Purpose Vehicle | 30,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 2,800 | 6,000 – 20,000 |
| Motor Ambulance | 10,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 1,800 | 4,000 – 9,000 |
| Hearse | 10,000 | 3,300 | 1,000 | 150 | 1,800 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Motorcycle / Light Motorcycle | 3,000 | 2,400 | 500 | 150 | 500 | 3,000 – 8,000 |
| Motor Tricycle / Tricycle Van | 5,000 | 2,800 | 1,000 | 150 | 500 | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Quadricycle | 7,000 | — | 1,000 | 150 | 500 | 8,000 – 16,000 |
| Motor Home | 35,000 | — | 1,000 | 150 | 500 | 12,000 – 50,000 |
Reserved Vehicle Number Fees
| Reserved Number Range | Reservation Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 10,000 | 100,000 |
| 10,001 – 20,000 | 200,000 |
| 20,001 – 30,000 | 300,000 |
| 30,001 – 40,000 | 400,000 |
| 40,001 – 50,000 | 500,000 |
Important Notes:
- Penalty fees apply if registration is delayed beyond 90 days.
- Only number plate fee applies to government and diplomatic vehicles.
- Special conditions may apply to prototype, leased, or specially approved vehicles.
- Charges may be updated annually by the DMT.
Getting Details of a Registered Vehicle Owner
You can retrieve vehicle ownership details in Sri Lanka by:
- Sending an SMS to 1919 with the format:
V REGNUMBER(e.g., V CAA1234) - Visiting a DMT office with valid reasons (e.g., accident, purchase verification)
- Using third-party services approved by DMT
Note: Due to privacy laws, full owner names may not always be disclosed without valid cause.
Who is the Commissioner of Motor Traffic in Sri Lanka?
Mr. Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe is the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic as at 2025. He is the key actor in the policy-making, digital transformation, and enhancing public services in the department.
Vehicle Licence Renewal Online—Sri Lanka
The DMT allows vehicle license renewal through its official portals and partner platforms. Here’s how:
- Visit: https://motortraffic.wp.gov.lk
- Enter your vehicle number and NIC
- Pay the fee via online banking/card
- Download or receive your e-license via email
How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts?
While not directly related to Sri Lanka, here’s a quick guide for expats:
- Visit the Massachusetts RMV website: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles
- Log in with your credentials
- Confirm eligibility and update address
- Pay renewal fees
- Receive your license by mail
On the United States, Sri Lankans are in a position to exchange licenses or get verification documented in some states with the help of an International Driving Permit (IDP) certified by the DMT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do all DMT services need to have an appointment?
Yes, in the majority of services, there is now the need to call in advance to make a reservation that minimises the waiting time and avoiding the crowded situation.
2. Is it possible to renew my license non personally?
Yes, when there is a license renewal without changes, the DMT Smart App or web is used.
3. How do you tell the validity of a Sri Lankan driving license?
An ordinary driving license has a duration of 8 years after which it has to be renewed.
4. What is the procedure to transfer ownership of vehicle?
Take both a buyer and a seller and show original documentation to a branch of DMT and pay the corresponding transfer fee.
Final Thoughts
As part of the modernization process, the Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka is still working to provide its services to the needs of a very high number of motorists. With online renewals of licenses, smart applications and online appointments, the department is becoming faster and easier to work with.
As a new driver or a car owner or one who just wants to know the motor traffic records, the DMT functioning is important as you are guided in the best legal road experience in Sri Lanka.
