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

Driving licence renewal is more than just a formality—it’s a legal necessity that keeps you road-ready and compliant with the Motor Vehicles Act. Whether your daily commute is via Salt Lake or you take weekend excursions along the Hooghly, a valid driving licence in Kolkata guarantees peace of mind and uninterrupted mobility. But here’s the thing, you can easily renew driving licence in Kolkata. With both online and offline options available, the process is now simpler than ever. From knowing when to apply to compiling the correct paperwork and scheduling appointments, this guide will guide you through every stage.

When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?

Depending on the type of licence given and the age of the bearer, every driving licence issued in Kolkata and across India is valid for a particular term. A regular driving licence for private automobiles in Kolkata is valid for 20 years from the date of issuance or until the licence holder reaches 40 years of age, whichever comes first. To avoid fines and legal issues, it is ideal to renew driving licence at least 30 days before it expires.

Key Points:

• Private vehicle licence: Valid for twenty years or until age forty, whichever comes first.
• Commercial vehicle licence: Valid for 5 years.
• Grace period: 30 days after expiry for penalty-free renewal.
• Retest: After 5 years have passed, you must reapply as a new applicant and retake the test.

Documents Required to Renew Driving Licence

To renew driving licence in Kolkata, you need to submit a set of documents. Your age and the kind of car you drive affect the criteria.

For private/non-transport vehicles:

• Duly completed renewal application form (Form 2 or Form 9).
• Original expired driving licence.
• Age proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport).
• Address proof (e.g., utility bill, Aadhaar card, passport).
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Medical certificate (Form 1A) if age is above 40
• Application fee payment receipt

For commercial/transport vehicles: 

• All documents listed above.
• Regardless of age, a medical certificate (Form 1A).
• Certificate of driver’s renewing training for large motor vehicles.

General Tips:

• For verification, bring both self-attested photocopies and originals.
• Ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and signed.
• Maintain the receipt for the application fee for your records.

Steps to Renew Driving Licence Online

The Parivahan Sewa platform makes the online renew driving licence process in Kolkata quick and user-friendly. Here is a thorough walkthrough:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa official webpage.
• Select Your State
• Under the ‘Online Services’ tab, click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.
• Select ‘West Bengal’ from the drop-down menu.

2. Apply for Renewal

• Select ‘Apply for DL Renewal’ or ‘Apply for Driving Licence Renewal’.
• Read the instructions and press ‘Continue’.

3. Enter Details

• Enter your driving licence number, date of birth, and captcha code.
• To get to the next stage, click ‘Proceed’.

4. Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of the necessary papers, application form, proof of age and residence, and medical certificate if relevant.

5. Select Smart Card Option

• Choose whether you want a smart card licence (an additional fee applies)
• Using your chosen payment option, such as a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI, pay the driving licence renewal fees online.

6. Download Receipt

• After making a successful payment, download and print the acknowledgement receipt.

7. Visit the RTO (If Required)

• Sometimes, you need to visit the RTO for biometric verification or to submit original documents. Bring all originals and your receipt.

8. Verification and Dispatch

• Within a few days, after document verification, the renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address.

Steps to Renew Driving Licence Offline

You can complete the driving licence renewal process offline at your nearest RTO if you prefer the conventional method or experience issues with the online system.

1. Visit the Nearest RTO

• Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office in Kolkata.

2. Collect and Fill Application Form

• Request Form 9 (renewal application) or get it from the Parivahan site.
• Complete the form carefully.

3. Attach Required Documents

• If necessary, provide self-attested copies of age evidence, address proof, expired driving licence, passport-size photographs, and medical certificate.

4. Submit Application

• Submit the application and documents at the RTO counter.

5. Pay Fees

• Pay the renewal fees at the designated counter and keep the payment receipt for safekeeping.

6. Verification Process

• RTO authorities will check your papers. You may be requested to provide further details or biometrics.

7. Receive Renewed licence

• Your renewed driving licence will be sent to your address or given to you at the RTO after verification is complete.

Scheduling an Appointment to Renew Driving Licence

Appointment booking is especially important for online applicants who are required to visit the RTO for biometric verification or document submission. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to do the needful:

How to Book an Appointment Online:

• Visit the Parivahan Sewa website and select your state, ‘West Bengal’.
• Select ‘LL/DL Service Slot Booking’ under ‘Appointments’.
• Type your application number, date of birth, and captcha code.
• Select your desired day and time period, and then click ‘Submit’ to book the slot.
• At the appointed time, go to the RTO with all necessary paperwork and your payment receipt.

Driving Licence Renewal Fees

Renewing your driver’s licence in Kolkata is easy and comes with a minimal cost if you renew it on time. Below is the fee structure: 

Service Type	Fee
Driving licence renewal (within the grace period)	Rs. 200 – 250
Driving licence renewal after the grace period	Rs. 300
Additional fine per year of delay (post grace period)	Rs. 1,000/year
Smart card driving licence (optional)	Rs. 200
Commercial/Transport vehicle DL renewal	Rs. 250

Steps to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status

To stay up to date on the status of your driving licence renewal, follow these easy steps: 

To check the status online:

• Go to the Parivahan Sewa site.
• Select ‘West Bengal’ by clicking on ‘Driving Licence Related Services’.
• In the upper right corner, click on ‘Application Status’.
• Enter your application number and any required information.
• To see the present status of your driving licence renewal, click ‘Submit’.

To check the status offline:

• Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Kolkata.
• Provide the RTO officer with your application number and other relevant information.
• The official will notify you of your renewal status by checking their database.

Summary:

You can renew driving licence in Kolkata easily if you know the precise process, necessary documentation, and timeframe. This guide ensures you know exactly what to expect, whether your preferred path is the conventional offline route at your local RTO or the online route via the Parivahan website. From knowing when to renew, to what documents you need, and how to track your renewal status, we’ve covered it all to help you avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.

Driving with an expired license not only attracts fines but also invalidates your insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Make sure you renew driving licence 30 days before expiration to avoid any late fees and penalties. So, stay ahead, keep your documents up to date, and continue driving legally and stress-free in Kolkata.

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