If you are renewing a driving licence in Kerala or applying for a new one after age 40, you need two medical documents: Form 1A (medical fitness certificate) and the Sarathi Eye Certificate (certificate of visual standards). The eye certificate is a Kerala-specific requirement — it is not applicable in other Indian states.
| Get Your Sarathi Eye Certificate + Form 1A OnlineLicensed Ophthalmologist assessment via video. Accepted at all Kerala RTOs. Both certificates issued together — within 120 minutes, from home.→ Get Your Form 1A Certificate Now ← |
Contents
- What Is the Sarathi Eye Certificate?
- When Do You Need the Sarathi Eye Certificate in Kerala?
- Visual Standards Assessed in the Certificate
- Kerala RTO Code: Where This Certificate Applies
- Why Kerala RTOs Require This Certificate Separately
- How to Get the Sarathi Eye Certificate + Form 1A Online
- How to Upload on Parivahan Sewa
- Downloading the Certificate Format
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Sarathi Eye Certificate?
The Sarathi Eye Certificate is an official document confirming that your visual standards meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). It must be:
- Signed and stamped by an Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist): not a general physician
- Accompanied by the doctor’s or hospital’s official location stamp
- Submitted together with Form 1A for licence-related processes in Kerala
| This requirement is currently exclusive to Kerala. If you are renewing a licence in any other Indian state, you do not need a separate Sarathi Eye Certificate — Form 1A covers the vision assessment. |
When Do You Need the Sarathi Eye Certificate in Kerala?
- Renewing your driving licence (mandatory if aged 40+)
- Applying for a new driving licence after age 40
- Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Visual Standards Assessed in the Certificate
| Test Area | What’s Measured |
| Visual Acuity: Unaided | Vision without glasses |
| Visual Acuity: Corrected | Vision with glasses/lenses (spherical, cylindrical, axis) |
| Visual Acuity: Binocular Corrected | Combined vision of both eyes |
| Night Blindness | Ability to see in low-light conditions |
| Squint | Alignment of eyes |
| Field of Vision | Horizontal and vertical peripheral vision (degrees) |
| Fundus Examination | Back of the eye (RE and LE) |
| Other Ocular Morbidity | Any other significant eye condition |
At the end of the assessment, the Ophthalmologist certifies whether you are fit or unfit to drive a Category I (non-transport) or Category II (transport/commercial) vehicle.
Kerala RTO Codes: Where This Certificate Applies
| Code | RTO Office | Code | RTO Office |
| KL-01 | Thiruvananthapuram | KL-08 | Thrissur |
| KL-02 | Kollam | KL-09 | Palakkad |
| KL-04 | Alappuzha | KL-11 | Kozhikode |
| KL-05 | Kottayam | KL-13 | Kannur |
| KL-07 | Ernakulam (Kochi) | KL-14 | Kasaragod |
Why Kerala RTOs Require This Certificate Separately
Due to increasing medical document fraud, Kerala RTOs now strictly require eye certification from a qualified Ophthalmologist with location stamps. The Sarathi Portal’s digitisation ensures transparency in verification and standardised visual safety checks across all Kerala RTO offices.
How to Get the Sarathi Eye Certificate + Form 1A Online
- Step 1: Fill the form on our website.
- Step 2: Upload your custom certificate template. If you do not have one, you can check here.
- Step 3: Confidential virtual consultation. A licensed medical professional will assess your condition, schedule an eye test typically within 24 hours..
- Step 4: The signed and stamped Sarathi Eye Certificate and Form 1A together will be issued within 120 minutes* and will be sent via email and WhatsApp.
- Step 5: Upload both documents on the Parivahan Sewa portal in PDF format, under 1 MB each
| Kerala Drivers: Get Both Certificates TogetherSarathi Eye Certificate from a licensed Ophthalmologist + Form 1A from a registered MBBS doctor — both online, both accepted at all Kerala RTOs.→ Get Your Form 1A Certificate Now ← |
How to Upload on Parivahan Sewa
- Save your certificate as a PDF, not a photo or screenshot
- Keep file size under 1 MB
- Go to the Application Status section on parivahan.gov.in
- Upload in the designated certificate field, Sarathi Eye Certificate and Form 1A have separate upload slots
Downloading the Certificate Format
The official format is available on the Parivahan Sewa portal: go to Drivers/Learners License → select Kerala as your state → open Application Status → enter your application number, DOB, and captcha to download.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do all Kerala RTOs require the Sarathi Eye Certificate?
Yes. It is mandatory across all Kerala RTO offices for eligible applications.
- Is the Sarathi Eye Certificate required outside Kerala?
No. This requirement is specific to Kerala only.
- Who can issue the Sarathi Eye Certificate?
Only a licensed Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist) can issue it.
- Can a general MBBS doctor issue the eye certificate?
No. Kerala RTOs require an Ophthalmologist’s signature and stamp.
- Is Form 1A also required with the eye certificate?
Yes. Both documents must be submitted together.
- At what age is the certificate mandatory?
Usually for licence renewal or new applications after age 40.
- Are online eye consultations accepted by Kerala RTOs?
Yes. Online-issued certificates are accepted if properly signed and stamped.
- How fast can I get both certificates online?
Usually within 120 minutes after consultation and assessment.
- Can I upload the certificates directly on Parivahan Sewa?
Yes. Both documents can be uploaded online in PDF format.
You can get your Form 1A medical certificate for licence renewal or online medical fitness certificate reviewed and issued online by a registered MBBS doctor.