driving licence renewal
M Parivahan App
A driving licence renewal is essential to continue driving legally in India. An expired licence is invalid, and driving without renewal can lead to penalties or fines.
The driving licence renewal process is now easier with online renewal through the Parivahan Portal. You can also renew your licence offline by visiting the RTO office. In this guide, we will cover the eligibility, required documents, fees, and step-by-step process for renewing your driving licence hassle-free
When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence? ⏳✅
A driving licence in India is valid for:
- 20 years or until the holder turns 50 years old (whichever is earlier) for private vehicles.
- 5 years for commercial vehicle licences.
Grace Period for Driving Licence Renewal
You get a 30-day grace period after expiry to renew your licence without a penalty.
If you miss the grace period, you may have to pay a late fee or even retake the driving test.
What Happens If Your Driving Licence Expires?
You cannot drive legally with an expired licence.
If the licence is expired for more than 1 year, you may have to reapply for a fresh licence.
Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence Renewal 🚗✅
Before applying for driving licence renewal, you must meet the RTO eligibility criteria based on your vehicle type and age.
Age-Based Eligibility
✅ Below 50 years – Renewal required every 20 years or as per licence validity.
✅ Above 50 years – Renewal required every 5 years with a medical fitness certificate.
Private vs. Commercial Vehicle Licence
✅ Private vehicle licence – Can be renewed without a driving test if within the grace period.
✅ Commercial vehicle licence – Requires a medical certificate (Form 1A) and may need a re-test.
Renewal After Licence Expiry
✅ If renewed within 1 year – No extra test required.
✅ If expired for more than 1 year – You may need to apply for a fresh licence and take the driving test again.
Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal 📄✅
To renew your driving licence online or offline, you need to submit the following documents as per RTO guidelines:
- Expired Driving Licence – Original or photocopy of the expired licence.
- Proof of Age (Any One Required) – Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Birth Certificate.
- Proof of Address (Any One Required) – Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Ration Card, Utility Bill.
- Passport-Size Photographs – As per RTO specifications.
- Form 1 (Self-Declaration of Physical Fitness) – Mandatory for private licence holders.
- Form 1A (Medical Certificate) – Required for commercial vehicle drivers and applicants above 50 years.
How to Renew a Driving Licence Online (Step-by-Step Guide) 🚗✅
You can renew your driving licence online through the Parivahan Portal by following these steps:
1️⃣ Visit the Parivahan Portal
- Go to parivahan.gov.in and select your state.
2️⃣ Apply for Licence Renewal
- Click on “Driving Licence Related Services” → “Apply for DL Renewal”.
- Enter your licence number and date of birth.
3️⃣ Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned copies of your expired licence, ID proof, and medical certificate (if required).
4️⃣ Pay the Driving Licence Renewal Fees
- Complete the online payment (fees vary by state, covered in the next section).
5️⃣ Book an RTO Appointment (If Required)
- If your licence is expired for more than a year, you may need a driving test.
6️⃣ Download Acknowledgment Slip
- After submission, download the receipt for reference.
7️⃣ Receive Your Renewed Driving Licence
- Once approved, your renewed licence will be sent via post to your registered address.
How to Renew a Driving Licence Offline (RTO Process) 🏢✅
If you prefer the offline method, you can renew your driving licence at the RTO by following these steps:
1️⃣ Visit the Nearest RTO
- Go to your local RTO office where your licence was issued.
- Collect the Driving Licence Renewal Form (Form 9) or download it from the Parivahan Portal.
2️⃣ Submit Required Documents
- Attach a copy of your expired licence, ID proof, address proof, and passport-size photos.
- For commercial licences or applicants above 50 years, submit Form 1A (Medical Certificate).
3️⃣ Pay the Renewal Fees
- Pay the driving licence renewal fees at the RTO counter or online.
4️⃣ Book a Driving Test (If Required)
- If the licence has expired for more than one year, you may have to appear for a driving test.
5️⃣ Receive Your Renewed Licence
- Once approved, the renewed driving licence will be issued and sent by post.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees & Processing Time 💰✅
The driving licence renewal fees in India vary by state but follow standard RTO guidelines. Below is a general breakdown:
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in India
Renewal Fee (Private Licence) – ₹200
Renewal Fee (Commercial Licence) – ₹500
Late Renewal Fee (After Grace Period) – ₹300 to ₹1,000 (varies by state)
Smart Card Driving Licence Fee – ₹200
👉 Exact fees can be checked on the Parivahan Portal.
Processing Time for Renewed Licence
The renewed driving licence is issued within 7-30 days after application approval.
Applicants can track their renewal status online (covered in the next section).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your Driving Licence ❌✅
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth licence renewal process:
- ❌ Applying After Expiry – Late renewal may result in extra fees or retaking the test.
- ❌ Incorrect or Missing Documents – Always double-check uploaded documents before submission.
- ❌ Not Getting a Medical Certificate (If Required) – Applicants above 50 years and commercial drivers must submit Form 1A.
- ❌ Skipping Status Check – Always track your renewal application status online to avoid delays.
FAQs (Common Questions & Answers)
Conclusion
Renewing your driving licence online is the fastest and most convenient method to stay legally compliant. By following the correct application steps, avoiding mistakes, and tracking your renewal status, you can receive your updated driving licence hassle-free.
To avoid penalties, make sure to renew before expiry and use the Parivahan Portal for a smooth application process. 🚗💨