How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Ahmedabad: Online & Offline Process

Over 2 crore driving licences are issued in India every year, and a significant chunk belongs to urban hubs like Ahmedabad. As the city’s traffic volume continues to grow, touching nearly 40 lakh registered vehicles, keeping your licence up to date is critical for safe and hassle-free commuting. An expired licence not only invites penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but could also affect your insurance claims and road privileges. 

Thankfully, Gujarat’s transport department, in sync with the Parivahan Sewa portal, has digitised much of the process and made it possible for residents to renew driving licence from the comfort of home. Keep reading as this guide will take you through both the online and offline methods for driving licence renewal in Ahmedabad. From eligibility and documentation to timelines and fees, we’ve simplified everything you need to know about the entire process. 

When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?

You should ideally apply for renewal 30 days before your licence expires. In Gujarat, applications filed up to 30 days before expiry are processed without penalty, and you can still renew within 30 days after expiry without extra charges. If you delay beyond the 60-day window (30 days before and 30 days after), you’ll face an additional late fee of Rs 300 for the post-grace renewal. If you delay even more, you will be charged Rs 1,000 per year of delay. 

Start early, especially if you anticipate needing a medical certificate (for applicants over 40 years old) or if you suspect any discrepancies in your existing records. Road Transport Offices (RTOs) can be busier around peak months, and online appointment slots may fill up quickly during end-of-month.

Licence Validity & Grace Period

License Validity

• Private Vehicle Licence: Valid for 20 years from issue or until you turn 40 years, whichever comes first. 
• Commercial/Transport Vehicle Licence: Typically, valid for 3 years from the issue date, requiring renewal every three years thereafter. 

Grace Period

A 30-day grace period follows the expiry date, allowing you to renew at standard fees (Rs 200) if you apply within this window. Beyond these 30 days, you’ll incur the late-renewal fee (Rs 300 + Rs 1,000 per year of delay), and if the licence has expired for over a year, you may need to undergo a basic driving competency test at the RTO. 

Documents Required to Renew Driving Licence

Whether your preferred mode of application is online or offline, have these originals and self-attested copies ready: 

1. Form 9: This is the official driving licence renewal application. It serves as the Know Your Customer (KYC) document.  
2. Original Driving Licence: You must submit your current or expired driving licence.  
3. Proof of Age and Address: Self-attested copies of documents such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate. An address proof, like an electricity bill, can also be used.  
4. Form 1: A self-declaration form regarding your physical fitness.  
5. Form 1A: Required for applicants above 40 years (or as specified by the state), along with a valid medical certificate.  
6. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent copies.  
7. Renewal Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment, if applicable. 

Make sure that all scanned copies are clear and readable if you are renewing online. The documents should also be the latest version as per the official guidelines. Before submitting, verify the details on your existing licence and double-check that you are using the correct documents as prescribed by the official authorities. 

Steps to Renew Driving Licence Online

Follow these quick and easy steps to renew your driving licence from the comfort of your home: 

1. Visit Sarathi Parivahan: Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal and select “Online Services” and then head to “Driving Licence Related Services”. 
2. Choose Your State: Select “Gujarat”, then click “Services on Driving Licence (Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/Others)”. 
3. Apply for Renewal: Find “Apply for DL Renewal”, read the instructions, and click “Continue”. 
4. Enter Licence Details: Fill in your licence Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha, then click “Get DL Details” to fetch your record. 
5. Upload Documents: Attach the scanned Form 9, Form 1/1A, licence, proofs, and photos. 
6. Make Payment: Use Net Banking, UPI, or a Card to pay the renewal fee. On-screen, you’ll see the exact amount (Rs 200 if within grace, higher if late). 
7. Print Acknowledgement: Download and print the receipt, which includes your application reference number. 
8. Schedule RTO Visit: If prompted for in-person verification or a driving test, book your slot online and note the appointment details. 

You’ll receive SMS or email updates on your application status; keep your reference number handy for any queries. 

Steps to Renew Driving Licence Offline

If you would like to go ahead with the traditional route, here are the steps you need to  follow: 

1. Visit the Ahmedabad RTO: Go to the RTO office covering your area (for example, Vastrapur, Navrangpura, or Paldi). 
2. Obtain Form 9: Pick up the renewal form from the counter or download and print it from Parivahan. 
3. Complete the Form: Fill in your personal details, Name, Date of Birth, licence Number, etc. and sign. 
4. Attach Documents: Submit Form 9, Form 1/1A (if applicable), original licence, proofs, and photographs. 
5. Pay Fees: At the fee collection counter, pay the renewal charges and keep the receipt. 
6. Verification: The RTO clerk will verify your documents. If your licence has expired for over 12 months, a driving competency test may be required. 
7. Dispatch: Once approved, your renewed licence is typically mailed to your registered address within 2–3 weeks. 

Offline processing times vary based on RTO workload, and delivery can take up to 30 days.

Scheduling an Appointment to Renew Driving Licence

To avoid long queues for driving licence renewal, book an appointment online even if you’re applying offline: 

1. Access Appointment Portal: From Parivahan, choose “Online Services” → “Appointments for Licence Services”. 
2. Select Service: Pick “Drivinglicence Renewal”, choose “Gujarat”, and your RTO location. 
3. Choose a Slot: Available express (same-day) or regular slots will be displayed; pick the one that suits you. 
4. Confirm and Pay: Enter your reference number (if renewing online) or provide your basic details and pay the appointment fee (if applicable). 
5. Attend on Time: Bring originals and an acknowledgement to the RTO at least 15 minutes before your slot. 

A pre-booked appointment can save you 1–2 hours of waiting time during peak hours. 

Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Ahmedabad

Here are the associated costs when you renew driving licence in Ahmedabad: 

Note: Fees may vary slightly by licence class and state notifications; always confirm at the time of application. 

Steps to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status

If you want to stay updated on the process of your driving licence renewal, follow these steps: 

1. Visit Sarathi Portal: Navigate to “Online Services” → “Drivinglicence Related Services” → “Application Status”. 
2. Select State: Choose “Gujarat”, then click “Application Status”. 
3. Enter Details: Provide your Application Reference Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha. 
4. Submit & View: Click “Submit” to see stages such as “Under Verification”, “Fee Paid”, “Dispatched”, etc. 

By regularly checking your application status, you can be informed of any additional steps needed on your part and avoid any potential delays in receiving your renewed licence.  

Tips for a Smooth Renewal

For a smooth process, follow these tips and you will never face an issue when you renew driving licence: 

• Scan Early: Upload high-resolution scans (300 dpi) of all documents to avoid portal rejections. 
• Check Details: Verify names, dates, and addresses on your existing licence; errors can delay renewal. 
• Opt for Express Slots: If you’re in a hurry, select an express appointment, subject to availability. 
• Backup Copies: Keep digital backups of all forms and proofs in case of technical glitches. 
• Follow Up: If dispatch is delayed beyond three weeks, visit the RTO with your reference number. 

Summary:

You can renew driving licence in Ahmedabad with the help of an online or offline process, whichever best suits your needs. It is important to start the renewal process well before the expiry date to avoid interruptions in your driving privileges. Collect all necessary documents such as proof of identity, address, and passport-size photographs before beginning the process. For those who prefer a digital method, the official online portal offers a straightforward approach where you fill out the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive a confirmation with a reference number.  

For offline renewals, visit the local RTO with a filled application and supporting documents, pay the fee at the counter, and collect the receipt for tracking your application. Appointments can be scheduled online or via a phone call to reduce waiting times. Fees are set according to official guidelines and may vary; ensure that you verify the current fee schedule before proceeding. Finally, the status of your driving licence renewal can be tracked online using the application or reference number, ensuring that you remain informed throughout the process. 

Also Read: Parivahan Sewa: RTO & Vehicle Services

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