From Marina Beach to the IT lanes of OMR, driving across Chennai’s energetic streets requires more than just ability; it requires a valid driving licence. If your licence is nearing its expiry or has already expired, driving licence renewal is not only a formality but a legal need. To avoid legal complications and ensure road safety, it is essential to renew your driver’s licence promptly. Knowing how to renew driving licence in Chennai can help you save time, fines and needless delays. From online and offline application processes to necessary documentation and deadlines, keep reading as we cover everything in this guide, so you can confidently navigate the process.
When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?
In India, a private vehicle driver’s licence is valid for 20 years from the date it is issued or until the licence holder reaches 40, whichever comes first. There is also a grace period, in which you can renew your private vehicle driver’s licence within 30 days of its expiration without facing any penalties.
You should ideally submit a renewal application at least 30 days before your licence expires. The cost of renewing a driver’s licence in Chennai for non-transport cars is Rs. 500. If the renewal is finished after the 30-day grace period, a Rs. 300 penalty will be applied. An additional penalty of Rs. 1,000 is charged for every year after expiry. If you’re above 50 or if you have certain health issues, a driving test may be required to renew driving licence. If the application is submitted more than five years after the licence’s expiration date, the applicant must go through the entire process to obtain a new licence.
Documents Required to Renew Driving Licence in Chennai
Here are the Required Documents to renew driving licence in Chennai:
- Completed Form 9 (Renewal Application).
- Original driver’s licence.
- Self-declaration of physical fitness (Form 1) is required for non-transport vehicle owners under 40 years old.
- For candidates over 40 and transport vehicle owners, Form 1A (Medical Certificate) is required.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- A voter ID, passport, or Aadhaar card can be used as proof of both address and age.
- Proof of payment for the renewal process.
Advice:
- Make sure all paperwork is accurate and up to date to prevent delays
- If you’re applying online, have digital copies of your documents ready.
Steps to Renew Driving Licence Online
Here are the steps to renew driving licence online:
- Download Form 9 from the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Complete Form 9 for your driver licence renewal with all the requested information.
- Open the ‘Online Services’ drop-down option after navigating to the Parivahan Sewa site. There is a section on ‘driving licence related services’; click on it and choose the state name, in this case, Tamil Nadu.
- Select ‘Apply for DL Renewal,’ click ‘Continue’ to continue, input the applicant’s DL number and date of birth, and then select ‘Get DL Details.’
- Select ‘Yes’ to verify that the DL data listed on the screen is yours.
- Press ‘Proceed’ after entering the PIN code to obtain the name of the RTO office where the request is to be submitted.
- Enter the necessary information on the next screen, including your address, phone number, and qualifications, and click ‘Confirm’ to submit.
- Choose ‘Renewal of DL’ service on the new page and click ‘Proceed’ after completing the mobile OTP verification.
- Submit the required files to renew your DL.
- Pay the driving licence renewal fee online and note down your application number.
Steps to Renew Driving Licence Offline
If you prefer the traditional method, you can follow these steps:
- Download the DL renewal application forms from the Parivahan website or collect them from the RTO.
- Provide the necessary information on the application form.
- Gather all the paperwork needed for the driving licence renewal application.
- Submit the form and documents at the designated RTO counter.
- Pay the required fees and collect your acknowledgement receipt.
The renewed licence will be sent to your registered address when verification is complete.
Scheduling an Appointment to Renew Driving Licence
In Tamil Nadu, booking an appointment before visiting an RTO is mandatory, so follow these steps to book your slot:
- Visit the Parivahan Sarathi portal.
- Choose ‘DL Services’ after clicking on ‘Online Services.’
- After selecting Tamil Nadu as your state of residence, choose ‘Appointments’ from the list of services.
- From the Slot Booking list on the next screen, choose ‘LL/DL Services.’
- Type in your birthdate and application number.
- Enter the captcha code and click ‘Submit’ to check slot availability and confirm your appointment.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees
Renewing your driver’s licence in Chennai is easy and comes with a minimal cost if you renew it on time. Below is the fee structure:
| Driving Licence Renewal Fee in Chennai | Fee |
| Renewal of DL for non-transport vehicle drivers | Rs. 500 |
| Renewal of transport vehicle drivers | Rs. 450 |
| Penalty for renewing your driver’s licence after the grace period | Rs. 300 |
| Penalty for not renewing your driver’s licence within a year of its expiration | Rs. 1000 per year |
Steps to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status in Chennai
To check the status of your driving licence renewal application follow these steps:
- Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal.
- Select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’, under the ‘Online Services’ tab.
- From the drop-down menu, choose ‘Tamil Nadu’ as your state.
- Select ‘Application Status.’
- Enter the provided captcha code, your application number, and your birthdate.
- Press ‘Submit.’
Summary:
In Chennai, you can renew driving licence online or in person. The online approach involves visiting the Parivahan Sewa site, completing the necessary paperwork, uploading the required files, and paying the applicable fee. As an alternative, the offline process involves visiting the RTO closest to you, obtaining and completing the relevant forms, presenting them at the RTO counter along with the required paperwork and photos, and paying the renewal fee. To avoid extra costs, you must renew your licence in both situations within 30 days of its expiration.
From eligibility and document requirements to step-by-step application and fee payment, this guide has covered everything you need for a smooth driving licence renewal in Chennai. It’s also important to monitor the validity of your licence and start the renewal process as soon as possible, because driving with an expired licence can affect your driving privileges.
FAQ’s
Q1. When should I renew driving licence in Chennai?
Ans: It’s best to apply for a driving licence renewal in Chennai at least 30 days before the licence’s expiration date. There is a 30-day grace period after the expiration during which you can renew without facing further fines if you forget to do so before the expiration. The renewed licence’s validity begins on the application date, rather than the original expiration date, and a Rs. 300 fine if you apply after this grace period.
Q2. What is Form 1A in DL renewal in Chennai?
Ans: In Chennai, a medical fitness certificate (Form 1A) is necessary for the renewal of a driver’s licence, especially for those seeking commercial vehicle licences or those above the age of 40. This certificate, provided by a qualified physician approved by the Tamil Nadu RTO, guarantees that the applicant is medically fit to drive.
Q3. Which application form do I need to download to renew my driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: To renew driving licence, you need to download and fill out form 9. This form is available on the Parivahan Sewa site and is intended exclusively for driving licence renewals. During the renewal procedure, ensure you complete the form accurately and submit it along with the necessary paperwork.
Q4. Can I change my address during the renewal of my driver’s licence in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: Yes, you can change your address when renewing your driver’s licence. You must pay an additional Rs. 200 for the address change, and provide valid documentation of your new address to complete this process. To update your address, use the ‘Change of Address in DL’ option and follow the on-screen directions.
Q5. Do I need to pass the driving test to renew driving licence in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: No, you don’t need to pass a driving test to renew driving licence in Tamil Nadu, provided you apply for renewal within one year of its expiration. But if your licence has expired for more than one year, you have to go through the renewal process, including a driving test. Furthermore, if your licence expired more than five years ago, you will need to apply for a new one, which requires completing the driving test again.
