With over 20 lakh registered vehicles as per the regional transport records, Lucknow sees hundreds of thousands of drivers on the road every day. One thing that remains constant as the city evolves is that you need a valid driving licence to drive legally. Often, car owners wait until the last minute and are unaware of the deadlines or procedures required to renew driving licence. This guide is here to help. Whether you drive occasionally or every day, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about driving licence renewal in Lucknow, both online and in person. From status checks and appointment booking to necessary paperwork and renewal fees, we’ve addressed everything to ensure your process is simple and stress-free.
When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?
A driving licence for private vehicles in India is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the licence holder turns 40, whichever comes first. The validity of commercial vehicle licenses typically ranges from three to five years, depending on the type of vehicle.
Applying for renewal is advised either 30 days before the expiry date or up to one year after the licence expires. If you apply after the one-year mark, you may need to retake the driving test. Not only does renewing on time help you avoid fines, but it also guarantees that your insurance claims will be valid in case of an accident.
Documents Required to Renew Driving Licence
Keep the following documents ready to guarantee a seamless and successful driving licence renewal in Lucknow:
- Form 2: Application form for renewal.
- Original Driving Licence (to be renewed).
- Age Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Passport.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, Voter ID, Aadhaar card, or rental agreement.
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A): Mandatory if the applicant is over 40 years old or renewing a commercial licence.
- Passport-sized Photographs (as per RTO requirements).
- Application Fee Payment Receipt (for online submissions).
Ensure that every document is up to date and valid to prevent delays when submitting it. If you apply online, it’s a good idea to scan copies ahead of time.
Steps to Renew Driving Licence Online
Driving licence renewal online in Lucknow is hassle-free through the Parivahan Sewa portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Parivahan Sewa website.
- Select “Driving Licence Related Services” and choose Uttar Pradesh as your state.
- Click on “Apply for DL Renewal” under the “Services on DL” section.
- Fill in the required details like DL number, date of birth, and captcha.
- Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents.
- Pay the renewal fee through the online gateway.
- Book an appointment at the nearest RTO (if required).
- Download the application acknowledgement for reference.
Once submitted, the renewed licence is usually dispatched to your registered address within a few weeks.
Steps to Renew Driving Licence Offline
If you prefer a traditional approach or face issues online, here’s how to renew your driving licence offline in Lucknow:
- Visit the nearest RTO in Lucknow.
- Collect and fill Form 2 for DL renewal.
- Attach photocopies of required documents along with originals for verification.
- Submit passport-sized photographs as required.
- If you are above 40 or renewing a commercial licence, submit Form 1A (medical certificate).
- Pay the applicable fee at the RTO counter
- Complete your biometric verification, which includes taking a photograph and providing fingerprints.
- Collect the acknowledgement slip and await the licence dispatch.
Offline applications may take slightly longer, but they are equally valid and useful for applicants who prefer in-person assistance.
Scheduling an Appointment to Renew Driving Licence
Whether you’re applying online or offline, scheduling an appointment is often required in Lucknow to complete biometric verification or submit documents. Here’s how to schedule your appointment online:
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal.
- Select “Driving Licence Related Services” and choose Uttar Pradesh.
- Click on “Appointments (Slot Booking)” from the menu.
- Enter your application number, date of birth, and RTO office.
- Select the preferred date and time for your visit.
- Confirm the slot and download the appointment slip.
This process guarantees quicker RTO service and helps you to avoid long queues. Particularly in busy RTOs like Lucknow, walk-ins without appointments could lead to delays or rejections.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Lucknow
The fee structure for DL renewal is set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and applies across all RTOs in Uttar Pradesh, including the RTO in Lucknow. Here’s a breakdown:
| Service | Fee (INR) |
| Renewal of Driving Licence (non-transport) | Rs. 200 |
| Renewal after expiry (grace period over) | Rs. 300 + Rs. 100/month |
| Renewal of Commercial DL | Rs. 250 |
| Smart Card fee (if applicable) | Rs. 200 |
| Medical Certificate (Form 1A) | Rs. 100 – Rs. 200 (if required) |
Note: These are standard rates as of 2025. Additional fees may apply for re-tests, duplicate cards, or biometric verification. Always cross-verify with the official Parivahan portal for current charges.
Steps to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status
Once your application is submitted, tracking the status is simple via the Parivahan portal:
- Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal.
- Choose “Uttar Pradesh” from the state drop-down.
- Click on “Application Status” in the main menu.
- Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha Code.
- Click Submit to view the current status.
You’ll be able to see whether your documents are under verification, the DL is approved, printed, or dispatched. If approved, your renewed licence is usually delivered within 7–14 working days.
Summary
Driving licence renewal in Lucknow is no longer time-consuming. The digitalisation of transport services has helped to simplify both online and offline approaches, making the whole process easier for citizens. Everything can be done with just a few clicks or a brief visit to your closest RTO, from verifying your eligibility and compiling the required paperwork to paying the renewal fees and following your application. Whether you want offline assistance or the ease of online renewal, you can now easily renew driving licence, stay legally compliant, and avoid unnecessary fines.
FAQs
Q. Can I renew my driving licence online in Lucknow?
Yes, the Parivahan Sewa portal lets you renew driving licence online in Lucknow. The procedure involves submitting the paperwork, paying the fees, and scheduling a visit to your nearest RTO.
Q. What is the validity of a renewed driving licence in India?
Once renewed, a driving licence for commercial vehicles is valid for five years; for private automobiles, it is valid for 20 years or until the holder reaches the age of 40, whichever comes first.
Q. What happens if I don’t renew my driving licence on time?
If you fail to renew driving licence within the 30-day grace period, a late fee of Rs. 300 will be charged. Additionally, you are also subject to penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, as driving with an expired licence is prohibited.
Q. What documents do I need to renew my driving licence in Lucknow?
Driving licence renewal requires Form 2 (the application form), your original driving licence, Form 1A (a medical certificate if you are over 40 or have a commercial driving licence), recent photos, and proof of your address.
Q. How long does it take to get the renewed driving licence?
Depending on the RTO workload and postal service, the renewed driving licence is normally sent within 7–14 working days after it is successfully submitted and accepted.
Q. Is a medical certificate mandatory for driving licence renewal?
If you renew a commercial driving licence or are over 40 years of age, you must have a medical certificate (Form 1A). People under 40 who own a private car are not required to submit this certificate.
