What it means
SARATHI handles licence applications, tests, renewals, fees and licence records. It is the counterpart of VAHAN, which holds vehicle registrations. Both are part of the Parivahan family of transport services.
How it applies in India
For enforcement, SARATHI answers a different question from VAHAN. VAHAN tells you who owns the vehicle. SARATHI tells you whether a driver holds a valid licence. A traffic officer at a checkpoint or in an interceptor vehicle can check both: the plate against VAHAN and the driver's licence against SARATHI. Camera systems that read plates do not identify drivers, so licence checks remain a step for the officer. Stellarview's MTES cross-references Vahan and Sarathi records as part of document checks during mobile enforcement.