Your driving license goes beyond serving as just another identity proof, it is your legal permit to drive on public roads. It does, however, have an expiry date, similar to other official papers. The good news is that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has simplified the driving licence renewal process throughout India and offers both online and offline choices to make the process quick and hassle-free.
In this guide, we will cover the driving licence renewal process, documents needed, applicable fees, and much more, so you can stay compliant and confident behind the wheel.
When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?
In India, a private (non-transport) vehicle driving license is valid for 20 years or until the licensee reaches the age of 40, whichever comes first. After that, licences are renewed for 10 years, and then further renewals are for 5 years.
The validity for commercial or transport vehicles is normally 3 years, depending on the licence category.
There is a 30-day window from the date of expiry during which the licence can be renewed without incurring a late fee. If you renew again, however, a late fee will be due, and occasionally, submission of a medical verification form may also be required. Keep in mind also that if a licence has lapsed for over 5 years, most RTOs consider it invalid for renewal. Then you would have to get a new licence.
Tip: Always initiate the renewal process at least a few weeks before the expiry date. Driving with an expired licence is illegal and may incur a fine of up to ₹5,000, imprisonment, or both.
Documents Required to Renew Driving Licence
To avoid last-minute hassle, keep the following documents handy before applying:
- Application form for driving licence renewal (Form 9, available at RTO or Parivahan portal).
- Original expired driving licence.
- Proof of age (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card).
- Proof of address (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Electricity Bill, etc.).
- Form 1A medical certificate (mandatory for applicants over 40 years, or for commercial vehicle licences).
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
Driving Licence Renewal Online Steps
Follow the steps as mentioned below for driving licence renewal online:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal and click on “Online Services”.
- Click the “Driving Licence Related Services” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the state where you need the licence to be renewed.
- You are redirected to a new page with a list of driving licence-related services – click “Apply for Driving Licence Renewal”.
- Read the instructions for the renewal process carefully and click “Continue”.
- Enter the details asked, such as driving licence number, date of birth, and Captcha, and then click on “Proceed”.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, along with passport-sized photographs and digital signatures.
- Pay the necessary fees and verify payment status.
Once you are done, you can check the application ID on the “Acknowledgement Page”. The details are sent via SMS to the applicant’s registered mobile number as well.
Driving Licence Renewal Offline Steps
If you aren’t confident about applying online, you can opt for driving licence renewal offline too. Have a look at the steps involved:
- Visit the local Regional Transport Office (RTO).
- Fill up the driving licence renewal form and submit it with proper documents.
- If you are applying for the renewal in another state, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the previous RTO.
- Provide driving licence details, along with a passport-sized photograph.
- Pay the standard fees.
- Depending upon certain age criteria, you might be required to undergo a medical examination (to be declared physically fit) and take a driving test.
- Once you pass the driving exam, the RTO will issue a driving licence.
If no driving test is required, a date will be provided on which you can visit the RTO and collect the driving licence.
Scheduling an RTO Appointment before Driving Licence Renewal
Booking an appointment ahead of your driving licence renewal is essential, particularly in metropolitan areas and busy states. This guarantees seamless biometric data collecting if necessary, reduces wait times, and simplifies document verification. Here’s how you can schedule your RTO appointment step by step:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Click on “Driving Licence Related Services”.
- Select your state and city (e.g., Maharashtra → Pune).
- Choose the service: “Appointments (Slot Booking)”.
- Enter your licence details and select the service type as “Renewal”.
- View available dates and time slots at your nearest RTO.
- Confirm and book your appointment.
- Save or print the appointment slip for your visit.
Once your slot is booked, visit the RTO with all required documents and the appointment slip to complete the process.
Licence Validity: Private vs. Commercial Vehicles
The validity of a driving licence in India depends on whether it is for private (non-transport) or commercial (transport) use. The validity of most private licences is 20 years or until the licence holder reaches the age of 40, whichever comes first. Once the holder crosses 40, renewals must occur every 5 years.
For transport or commercial licences, the duration of the licence is shorter, about 3 year,s for the majority of states. Renovation after expiration requires a new medical certificate and, in some cases, a test.
Here’s a brief overview of the validity rules:
| Licence Type | Validity | Renewal Cycle After Expiry |
| Private (below 40 years) | 20 years or until age 40 | Every 20 years or until 40 |
| Private (above 40 years) | 5 years | Every 5 years |
| Commercial / Transport | 3 years | Every 3 years |
State-Level Variations
While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) sets the central rules, states may add small variations. For instance:
- In Delhi, private licence holders above 40 are asked to submit Form 1A at the time of renewal.
- In Maharashtra, commercial licence renewals are strictly tied to medical tests at every renewal cycle.
- Some states also allow online uploads of medical certificates, while others require the applicant to appear in person at the RTO.
Always check the state-specific RTO website before applying to avoid delays.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in India
Applicants are granted a grace period of 30 days from the date of expiry of their driving licence to apply for a new one. If you apply after the grace period, fines are levied.
| Services | Charges |
| Renewal fees if you apply within 30 days | Rs. 200 |
| Renewal fees after 30 days of licence expiry | Rs. 300 |
| Additional fee for delay of each year after expiry | Rs. 1000 |
| Getting the address changed on the driving licence | Rs. 200 + applicable charges |
| Getting a smart licence | Rs. 200 + applicable charges |
Steps to Check the Driving Licence Renewal Status in India
It will take just a few minutes of your time to track your application status. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Click the “Online Services” tab and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
- Choose the state.
- Select “Application Status” in the top-right corner.
- Enter details and click on “Submit”.
All information related to your renewal status is displayed on the screen. It gives you a clear idea about when you can expect the licence to be issued.
How to Update the Address on Your Driving Licence?
As mentioned above, there is a provision for changing the address on your driving licence during the renewal process. It is mandatory to have the present address updated on your licence. The process costs Rs. 200 apart from the renewal charges. You also have to get a NOC from the RTO where the expired licence was originally issued. An address proof of your new residential address has to be provided as well.
Conclusion:
Not only is driving licence renewal a legal formality, but it’s also necessary to continue driving confidently and responsibly on Indian roads. Every person can now enjoy a hassle-free, speedier experience as the government is continuously simplifying both online and offline procedures.
Staying aware of the essential paperwork, eligibility, and appointment booking process can help you save time and avoid needless delays, whether your preferred path is the digital one via Parivahan or the local RTO. Furthermore, timely renewal of your licence guarantees that your driving records stay current and valid and you avoid fines. So, avoid waiting until the last minute; instead, plan ahead and keep your licence current for a smoother journey ahead.
FAQs
Q. Can I do a driving licence renewal from a different state than where it was issued?
Yes, you can apply for a driving licence renewal in another state. In such cases, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RTO where your licence was originally issued, along with the usual renewal documents.
Q. Is driving licence renewal possible without visiting the RTO in person?
For most private vehicle holders under 40, the process can be completed fully online through the Parivahan portal. However, if a medical certificate (Form 1A) is required or if biometric verification is pending, you may still need to visit the RTO once.
Q. Can I renew my driving licence if it has expired for more than a year?
Yes, you can apply for a driving licence renewal even after one year of expiry, but additional late fees will be charged. If your licence has expired for over 5 years, it cannot be renewed, and you must apply for a new licence.
Q. What happens to insurance claims if my driving licence renewal is pending?
Driving with an expired licence can lead to rejected or reduced insurance claims in case of an accident. Timely driving licence renewal ensures your insurance remains valid and enforceable.
Q. Is the process for a commercial driving licence renewal different from that for private vehicles?
Yes. For commercial or transport licences, driving licence renewal is valid for only 3 years and requires a mandatory medical certificate at every renewal. Private vehicle licences, on the other hand, are valid for 20 years (or until the holder reaches age 40) before requiring renewal.
