From 2025–26, the Andhra Pradesh Government has increased the annual financial assistance for Auto Rickshaw and Cab drivers from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 under the Vahana Mitra Scheme, which will be disbursed on October 1, 2025.
Here are the complete details on the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process to avail the scheme benefits.
The last date to submit new applications for the Vahana Mitra Scheme 2025 has been extended to 20-09-2025.
Why the AP Vahana Mitra Scheme Is Important for Drivers
Auto Rickshaw, Motor Cab, and Maxi Cab drivers often take high-interest loans to sustain their families and maintain their vehicles.
A significant share of their earnings goes towards insurance, fitness certificates, repairs, and other essential costs. At the same time, the recently launched free bus travel scheme has further reduced their income.
To ease this burden, the Andhra Pradesh Government reintroduced the Vahana Mitra Scheme, providing annual financial assistance to support these drivers.
Eligibility for AP Vahana Mitra Scheme
To qualify for the AP Vahana Mitra Drivers Financial Assistance Scheme 2025-26, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Vehicle Ownership and Operation Requirements:
- Applicants must both own and personally drive their auto rickshaw, motor cab, or maxi cab
- The vehicle must be currently operational and used for passenger transportation
Documents Required for Vahana Mitra Scheme:
- A valid driving license issued in Andhra Pradesh is required.
- Vehicle must be registered in Andhra Pradesh with a valid RC, tax, and fitness certificate (for motor cabs and maxi cabs).
Note: Auto rickshaw drivers can apply even without current fitness certificates for this year (2025-26), but they must be obtained within one month.
Personal Documentation:
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for all applicants)
- BPL (Below Poverty Line) or White ration card
Vehicle-Specific Conditions:
- No pending traffic challans or dues against the vehicle
- Leased vehicles or those rented out to organizations, including government bodies, are not eligible
Household Rules for Beneficiaries:
- Only one vehicle (Auto Rickshaw or Motor Cab, or Maxi cab) per household can receive benefits.
- The ownership and licence of different persons in the same Household is allowed.
- In the same household, data of the applicant and family members should pass the six-step parameters.
Note: All types of pensioners, such as old age pensioners, disability pensioners, medical pensioners, and occupational pensioners, are eligible for the ‘Vahana Mitra’ scheme regardless of their age.
AP Vahana Mitra Scheme Application Timelines:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Existing beneficiary data (2023–24) shared with Village/Ward Secretariats | |
| Transport Department provides registered vehicle details to GSWS Department | |
| Online applications will be received at Grama/Ward Secretariats | |
| Last date for submitting new applications | |
| Field verification completed (Secretariat/Mandal/District level) | |
| Final beneficiary list generated and shared | |
| Financial assistance distributed by Hon’ble Chief Minister |
Note: The GSWS Department will share the list of beneficiaries who received financial assistance in 2023–24 (self-owned Auto Rickshaw, Motor Cab, and Maxi Cab drivers) with all Village/Ward Secretariats.
Therefore, old beneficiaries do not need to apply again. Only new applicants (those not covered in 2023–24) must submit a fresh application between 17 September and 19 September 2025.
How to Apply Vahana Mitra Scheme 2025
To apply for the Vahana Mitra Scheme 2025, visit your Grama / Ward Secretariat. The DA/WEDPS will submit your application online.
- Complete Aadhaar eKYC at the Sachivalayam.
- After submission, the system will check if your Aadhaar name and Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) name are the same.
How Your Application is Processed
| Case | Approval Path |
|---|---|
| ✅ RC name and Aadhaar name are the same | DA → Welfare Assistant → MPDO/MC → District Collector |
| ❌ RC name and Aadhaar name are different | District Transport Commissioner (DTC) → Welfare Assistant → MPDO/MC → District Collector |
Note: For example, if Aadhaar shows the name Donkada Ramana but the RC shows Donkada Chalam, the application will not be processed directly.
The applicant must visit the RTA office, and then the application will be sent to the District Transport Commissioner (DTC) for verification.
How Will the Vahana Mitra Payment Be Transferred?
The benefit amount is not payable to the license holder or the driver of the vehicle, but exclusively to the individual in whose name the vehicle is registered.
Such an individual, whether female or male, shall have the scheme amount credited directly into his or her designated bank account through their corporation.
Note: Vahana Mitra payment not credited even if the below conditions are not also satisfied, such as:
- Only passenger vehicles are covered. Owners of goods vehicles are not eligible.
- Applicant should not be availing benefits under any other AP Government occupational scheme.
Vahana Mitra Scheme Issues and Solutions:
What should I do if RC details are not found during application?
The RTA department has already sent all vehicle records to the GSWS (Grama/Ward Sachivalayam) department. Users who earlier faced the issue of “No record found” can now reapply.
Why does it show "No vehicles found with entered vehicle number"?
If the GSWS department database shows “No vehicles found with entered vehicle number” after fetching all records, it means the vehicle is not registered with the RTA. In such cases, the applicant becomes ineligible for the scheme.
What should I upload for fitness if the vehicle (auto/taxi) is new?
The RTA has clarified that new commercial vehicles such as autos and cabs do not require a separate fitness certificate for the first two years.
During this period, the Registration Certificate (RC) itself is treated as valid proof of fitness.
Therefore, Vahana Mitra applicants with new vehicles should upload the RC instead of a fitness certificate until the vehicle completes two years.
Fitness Certificate Validity for Autos and Cabs
| Vehicle Type | Initial Validity | Renewal Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Auto / Cab (New) | 2 years | No FC required, RC is proof |
| Auto / Cab (≤ 8 years) | 2 years | Renew every 2 years |
| Auto / Cab (> 8 years) | 1 year | Renew every year |
Why are new Vahana Mitra application details not showing in WEA login after applying in DA login?
If there is a name mismatch between Aadhaar and RC (though both in the same beneficiary’s name) when applying through the DA login, the application is first sent to the RTA (DTC officer) for verification.
Only after RTA confirms eligibility will it appear in the WEA login for field verification.
If the transport department field staff marks the case ineligible, it will be rejected before reaching WEA.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Wife’s name is on the RC, husband’s name is on the Driving License. In whose name should the Vahana Mitra application be submitted?
The Vahana Mitra Scheme application must always be submitted in the name of the vehicle’s registered RC owner.
Even if the spouse (husband or wife) is holding the driving license, the application cannot be made in their name.
The applicant should be the person whose name is printed on the Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), as only the RC owner is considered eligible.
How to decide vehicle type to become eligible for Vahana Mitra scheme?
Eligibility under the Vahana Mitra scheme is not only based on vehicle type but also on the seating capacity mentioned in the Registration Certificate (RC). The classification is as follows:
| Seating Capacity (including driver) | Vehicle Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 | Motor Cab | Eligible |
| 7 to 12 | Maxi Cab | Eligible |
| 13 or more | Bus (Contract Carriage) | Not Eligible |
Most Force Traveller vehicles are registered with 13 or more seats, which places them in the Bus category and makes them ineligible. Check the “Body Type” or “Vehicle Class” in the RC to confirm eligibility.
Can I complete Vahana Mitra eKYC if my driving license was recently renewed but not yet updated?
Yes, you can complete eKYC. The backend system will verify the updated driving license details before the process can be completed successfully.
What if I already had RC and Driving License before 31-08-2025 but my application was rejected?
If your application was rejected because of data mismatch, incorrect bank details, failed e-KYC, or other technical issues, you can raise a grievance.
The grievance option will be available after the scheme payment is released by the government.
Can I apply if my auto is at the police station?
No. If the auto is at the police station and not operational, it is not eligible for the scheme.
Conclusion:
The ₹15,000 Vahana Mitra support makes it easier for drivers to manage their daily struggles and take care of their families without slipping deeper into debt.
With money going straight into their accounts, the help reaches the right hands without delays.
In the end, it’s a step toward giving hardworking drivers the respect and security they deserve.