The Regional Transport Offices of Andhra Pradesh manage vehicle registration, driving licences, permits, road tax collection, and a range of other transport-related services for the state’s vehicle owners. With RTOs distributed across Andhra Pradesh’s districts — from Visakhapatnam in the north to Tirupati in the south — the department has progressively digitised its services through alignment with the national Parivahan and Vahan platforms.

Andhra Pradesh’s RTO Network

Andhra Pradesh has RTOs in each of its districts. Key RTO locations include Visakhapatnam (AP02), Vijayawada (AP16), Guntur (AP07), Tirupati (AP03), Kurnool (AP09), Rajahmundry (AP05), and others. Each RTO is designated with an AP prefix code, which appears in the registration number of vehicles registered in that district.

Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014, the two states have separate transport administrations. Vehicles registered in the former combined state carry AP prefix numbers, while Telangana state vehicles carry TS prefix numbers.

Vehicle Registration at AP RTO

New vehicle registration in Andhra Pradesh follows the national standard process managed through the Parivahan portal. Dealers handle initial registration on behalf of buyers for new vehicles. For used vehicle transfers, both buyer and seller must complete their parts of the transaction within 14 days of the vehicle’s delivery.

The AP transport department has implemented an online queue management system at many RTOs, allowing applicants to book appointment slots for in-person services rather than waiting in walk-in queues. This has significantly improved the efficiency of in-person rto andhra pradesh interactions in the state.

Driving Licence Services in Andhra Pradesh

Driving licence applications and renewals in Andhra Pradesh are managed through the national Sarathi portal, with Andhra Pradesh-specific RTO options. The state has established automated driving test tracks at several RTOs including Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati, which use computerised assessment to evaluate driving test applicants objectively.

Andhra Pradesh also issues international driving permits through designated RTOs for residents who need to drive in foreign countries that recognise the IDP. Applications can be initiated online through the Sarathi portal.

Road Tax in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh levies a one-time lifetime road tax on private vehicles at the time of registration. Rates are based on the vehicle’s age, cost, and fuel type. The state has implemented concessional road tax rates for electric vehicles as part of its EV promotion policy. For commercial vehicles, periodic tax payments (quarterly or half-yearly) are required.

Road tax payments can be made online through the Parivahan portal, and digital receipts are generated and linked to the vehicle’s record in the Vahan database.

HSRP in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has mandated HSRP plates for all vehicles in the state. The state’s transport department has empanelled authorised vendors for HSRP manufacture and fitting. Vehicle owners can book HSRP plates through the state’s designated booking portal and choose fitting centres at authorised dealers or designated HSRP fitting points across Andhra Pradesh’s districts.

Permits for Commercial Vehicles in AP

Commercial vehicle operators in Andhra Pradesh require permits from the AP RTO. Stage carriage permits (for state buses and private bus services), contract carriage permits (for taxis, cabs, and autos), and goods carriage permits are among the categories managed. National permits for inter-state operation are also issued, subject to the relevant reciprocal arrangements between states.

The AP transport department has implemented online permit application and renewal processes for most vehicle categories, reducing the need for frequent RTO visits.

RTO Gujarat: Services Comparison

Like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat has made substantial progress in digitising its transport services through the Parivahan platform. Gujarat’s RTOs — serving a state with a large and growing vehicle fleet — offer online vehicle registration, driving licence management, permit applications, and tax payment. Gujarat has been particularly active in HSRP enforcement and has one of the more developed online HSRP booking systems. Both states demonstrate the progressive alignment of regional transport services with national digital infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh RTO network provides a comprehensive range of vehicle administration services that are increasingly accessible through digital channels. Understanding which services can be completed online through the Parivahan portal and Sarathi platform, and how to navigate in-person services when required, helps AP vehicle owners manage their transport compliance efficiently.