A Guide to Renew Your Driving Licence Online

Driving licence is an imperative, a must-have. It is a crucial necessity for all riders and drivers out there! And most importantly, it is a legal requirement. It is important to renew your licence online or offline, but on time. This will ensure that you can continue operating your loved vehicles legally and without any complications.

In the digital era that we are in now and here, the process of renewing your driving licence is a lot more convenient than it ever was, thanks to the introduction of online driving licence renewal services. In this comprehensive guide blog, we will walk you through the step by step process of how to renew your driving licence online (But then if you are someone who prefers a handshake over a hyperlink, we’ve got you covered too in our Renewal of Driving Licence Offline section!).

This Blog will be your one-stop to understand everything from the Documents required to answering your Frequently Asked Questions.

Importance of Renewing Your Driving Licence

A valid driving licence is your ticket to freedom on the roads. Renewing your driving licence is not a formality, but a legal obligation. That will ensure that you can continue to drive legally on Indian roads. Not renewing your licence could get you to some trouble. The consequences can range from hefty fines to even imprisonment in certain situations. It could also lead to the inability to claim insurance in case of an accident. However, on the other hand,  a valid driving licence provides some extra benefits. It serves as a proof of identity, or proof of your address making it a crucial document for various official purposes. Renewing driving licence in India is a breeze. Don’t let a simple task turn into a major headache. Get the renewal of your driving licence done either online or offline, it is simple.

Documents Required for Online Driving Licence Renewal

Before getting started on the renewal of driving licence online, do ensure to have the following documents ready:

• Your existing driving licence
• Form 1 (self-declaration of physical fitness)
• Form 1A (medical certificate, if applicable)
• Form 2 (driving licence renewal form)
• Proof of age and address (Aadhaar card, passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Vehicle fitness certificate (only for commercial vehicle licence renewal)

The applicable documents have to be uploaded during the process of application for renewal of driving licence online. Hence, it is important to have digital copies or scanned versions of these documents readily available with you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Driving Licence Online

As we discussed earlier, the renewal of driving licence online is an easy task, it’s almost a breeze. Follow the following simple steps to renew your driving licence online:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and navigate to the “Driving Licence Related Services” section under “Online Services.” Ensure that you are in the right authorized website, i.e., the official website of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, meant for the renewal of driving licence.

• Step 2: Select your state from the drop-down menu and click on “Apply for DL Renewal.”

• Step 3: Click “Continue” and enter your driving licence number, date of birth, and the captcha code. Then, click “Get DL Details.”

• Step 4: Verify your details and click “Yes” to proceed. Select “Submit Request” and choose your state again.

• Step 5: Select your RTO (Regional Transport Office). If you choose a different RTO, you’ll need to apply for a change of address and pay an additional fee.

• Step 6: Select “Renewal of DL” and fill out the online application form. Upload soft copies of the required documents.

• Step 7: Pay the applicable fees online using various payment methods such as credit/debit card, net banking, or digital wallets. Download the payment receipt for future reference. Keep the Payment receipt safe, either in a screenshot form or a pdf form, for safety purposes.

• Step 8: Once your documents are verified, voila, you will receive your renewed driving licence via post at your registered address within 15 working days.

Didn’t we tell you that it is a simple task! Renewing your license online is fast, easy, and saves you a trip. Your renewal process happens at the comfort of your couch.

Fees for Online Driving Licence Renewal

The driving licence renewal fee would vary based on the type of licence, the duration of the renewal process, i.e.,  it depends on how much you have delayed to renew;  it also depends on the mode of renewal (smart card or a booklet). The breakdown of the fees for the renewal of driving licence are provided here below:

• Driving Licence Renewal: Rs. 200
• Driving Licence Renewal (after the grace period of 30 days): Rs. 300
• Additional fees per year (for delay in renewal): Rs. 1,000
• Additional fees for renewal in smart card format: Rs. 200

If you are someone looking to renew your Driving Licence for Heavy Vehicles, the fee for application of heavy licence is Rs.1000. However, for passenger and heavy cargo vehicles, the Fee is Rs.1500.

Just a gentle heads up! Please note that these fees are subject to change and it may vary slightly across different States or Union territories, across the Country. It may not greatly vary from each other, but it is advised to check before making the payment.

Tracking Your Driving Licence Renewal Status

If the application process for your driving licence was a breeze, the tracking is as easy as it gets. It is a smooth sail! The following steps help you track the status of your application of renewal of driving licence:

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and navigate to the “Vehicle Related Services” menu under the “Online Services” tab.

Step 2: Select the “Application Status” option and enter your application number, date of birth, and the captcha code.

Step 3: Click “Submit” to view the current status of your application.

This convenient feature allows you to stay updated on the progress of your renewal application, ensuring transparency and convenience throughout the process. Thanks to Digital India initiatives, the status updates are also frequently forwarded via SMS.

Offline Renewal Process

If you are someone who is delightfully analogue, or if you get to face any technical challenges with the online process, you can always resort to the driving licence renewal process by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). The following steps delineate the offline process of renewing your driving licence:

Step 1: Obtain the driving licence renewal form (Form 9) from the RTO office or download it from the official website.

Step 2: Fill out the application form and gather all the required documents as mentioned below:

• Your existing driving licence
• Form 1 (self-declaration of physical fitness)
• Form 1A (medical certificate, if applicable)
• Form 2 (driving licence renewal form)
• Proof of age and address (Aadhaar card, passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Vehicle fitness certificate (only for commercial vehicle licence renewal)

Step 3: Visit the RTO and submit the duly filled application form along with the relevant documents. Remember, you have to hold hard-copies of relevant documents to submit at the RTO.

Step 4: Pay the applicable fees at the fee collection counter and collect the acknowledgment receipt. Depending on the RTO, it seems many places have UPI interface to pay. This depends and varies from location to location, hence it is advised to carry currency in hand.

Step 5: Your renewed driving licence will be mailed to your registered address once the document verification process is complete.

Visiting RTO for Offline Driving Licence renewal could sound overwhelming, which is not the case. However, in case you would like further assistance, you can seek help from your nearest driving school or an agent.

Renewing Learner’s Licence Online

Learner’s licence allows to practice Driving legally, to practice driving on public roads under specific conditions. This is significant to gain the necessary experience and skills before taking the test for a valid permanent driver’s license. Learner’s licence is a permit to demonstrate that you are authorized to learn how to drive. Remember, Driving without learner’s licence, though you are just learning, is still illegal.

If you are someone who is looking to obtain learner’s licence for the first time, applying for learner’s licence could be done online too. Visit the relevant website, select concerned state and click on “Application for New Learners License” from “Learner’s License” menu. Fill up the form. Since this is a new application for learner’s licence, you are required to visit RTO on scheduled date with original documents & fee slip. The fee for issue of learner’s licence for each class of vehicle is Rs.150.

There may be situations in which one holds a learner’s licence, and it has expired. You can renew learner’s licence online too. Follow the simple steps as detailed below:

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and select “Driving Licence Services” from the “Online Services” menu.

Step 2: Choose your state of residence and click on the “Expired Learner Licence Issue Again” option under the “Learner Licence” section.

Step 3: Enter your expired learner’s licence number and date of birth, then click “Submit.”

Step 4: Pay the applicable fees for the issuance of a new learner’s licence.

Once the process is complete, you will receive your renewed learner’s licence.

You are provided with a permanent valid driving licence after you appear and clear the driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I renew my driving licence after it has expired?
A: Yes, you can renew your driving licence even after it has expired. However, if the expiration date is more than five years old, you will have to apply as if you apply for a new licence and undergo all the necessary formalities.

Q: What are the penalties if caught riding or driving without a valid Driving licence?
A: The fine for driving without a valid driving licence can be anywhere from Rs.1000 to Rs.5000, depending on the state and the type of vehicle you are driving. In some cases, imprisonment is also possible for a period up to 3 months. Apart from the above, it is possible that your vehicle could be seized until you can produce a valid licence. Repeated offences may lead to disqualification from obtaining a licence for a certain period.

Q: Do I need to undergo a driving test for renewal?
A: Generally, no driving test is required for renewing your driving licence. However, if you are over 50 years old, and if you’re applying for a commercial vehicle licence, or have certain medical conditions, you may need to appear for a driving test.

Q: Can I make changes to my driving licence during renewal?
A: Yes, you can make changes to your driving licence, such as address or personal details, during the renewal process. You will need to provide additional documentation for the changes and fill out the appropriate forms.

Q: How long is a driving licence valid?
A: A driving licence in India is typically valid for 20 years from the date of issuance or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first. For commercial vehicle licences, the validity period is 5 years. Also, it is pertinent to mention that once the driver crosses the age 50, the renewed licence is valid for 5 years, and the application of renewal of driving licence must be submitted, closer to the date of expiry.

Q: Can I renew my driving licence online if I obtained it from another state?
A: Yes, you can renew your driving licence online, even if it was initially obtained from another state. However, you’ll need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original licensing authority. While this is the most common practice, the rules may vary from state to state, it is important to check with the local authorities for specific regulations.

Q: What if I don’t renew my driving licence on time?
A: If you fail to renew your driving licence within the grace period of 30 days after expiration, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of Rs. 300. Additionally, driving with an expired licence can lead to penalties, fines, or even legal consequences.

Q: Can I schedule an appointment for driving licence renewal?
A: Yes, most states in India allow you to schedule an appointment for driving licence services, including renewal, through the Parivahan Sewa website. This helps avoid long queues and waiting times at the RTO offices. This is only when you would like to renew your driving licence offline. By following the steps in Section-3 of this Blog, you can easily renew your driving licence online.

Q: How can I update my address on my driving licence?
A: To update your address on your driving licence, you’ll need to fill out Form 33 and submit it along with the required documents, such as proof of new address, to the RTO during the renewal process.

Renewing driving licence online is a convenient and time saving process, which ensures that you complete the formalities and even receive your renewed driving licence, all at the comfort of your couch. Renewing your driving licence is an essential requirement. It will ensure that you remain compliant the Rules and regulations of the Government and it permits you to operate your vehicles legally on Indian roads. By following the guide detailed in this blog post, we are sure that you will have a smooth process of renewing your driving license online.