Driving licence renewal is a mandatory process that every licence holder must complete before their licence expires. In India, driving licences are typically valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes earlier. After age 50, licences need to be renewed every 5 years.
This comprehensive guide covers both online and offline renewal processes, required documents, fees, and status tracking to help you navigate the renewal process smoothly and avoid penalties for driving with an expired licence.
Complete Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria for DL Renewal
Who Can Renew Their Driving Licence?
- Validity Period: Licence holders whose driving licence is about to expire or has expired within the last 5 years
- Age Criteria: Applicants must be at least 18 years old for private vehicles and 20 years old for commercial vehicles
- Medical Fitness: Applicants above 40 years (for commercial vehicles) and 50 years (for private vehicles) need a medical certificate
- No Pending Challans: Applicants should not have any pending traffic challans or legal cases
- Document Validity: All supporting documents (address proof, age proof) must be valid
Important Notes
- Driving with an expired licence can result in penalties up to ₹5000
- If your licence has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to apply for a fresh licence
- Commercial vehicle drivers need to renew their licence every 3 years until age 50, then annually
- Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your licence expiry date
Required Documents for DL Renewal
Essential Documents Checklist
- Existing Driving Licence: Original driving licence that needs to be renewed
- Duly Filled Application Form: Form 9 for renewal without change of address
- Passport-sized Photographs: 3-4 recent color photographs with white background
- Age Proof: Birth certificate, PAN card, passport, or 10th mark sheet
- Address Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, or rental agreement
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A): Required for applicants above certain age limits
- Application Fee: As prescribed by the state transport authority
Special Cases - Additional Documents
- Address Change: If renewing with address change, additional address proof documents required
- Commercial Licence Renewal: Additional medical tests and certificates may be required
- Expired Licence (Beyond 30 days): May require additional declaration forms
- International Driving Permit: Additional documents for converting foreign licence to Indian licence
Online Driving Licence Renewal Process
Visit Parivahan Sewa Portal
Navigate to the official Parivahan website. Ensure you're using the genuine website to avoid phishing attempts.
Open Official Parivahan PortalSelect Driving Licence Services
Click on "Online Services" and select "Driving Licence Related Services" from the dropdown menu.
Direct Link to DL ServicesChoose Your State and Apply for Renewal
Select your state from the dropdown menu and click on "Apply for Driving Licence Renewal".
Fill Application Form and Upload Documents
Complete the online application form with accurate details and upload scanned copies of required documents.
Pay Renewal Fee Online
Pay the renewal fee using available online payment methods (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI).
Schedule Appointment (If Required)
Some states may require a visit to the RTO for document verification or biometric data collection.
Receive Renewed Licence
After successful verification, your renewed driving licence will be dispatched to your registered address.
Benefits of Online Renewal
- Convenient process from home or office
- Reduced paperwork and documentation
- Faster processing in most cases
- Online payment options
- Real-time application status tracking
- Digital acknowledgement and receipts
Offline Driving Licence Renewal Process
Visit Local RTO Office
Go to the RTO office where your original licence was issued or the RTO jurisdiction of your current address.
Collect Application Form
Obtain Form 9 (application for renewal of driving licence) from the RTO counter or download it online.
Download Form 9 (PDF)Fill the Form and Attach Documents
Complete the form with accurate details and attach all required documents along with passport-sized photographs.
Submit Application and Pay Fee
Submit the completed application form with documents at the RTO counter and pay the renewal fee.
Biometric Verification (If Required)
Some RTOs may require biometric verification or fresh photograph capture.
Collect Acknowledgement Receipt
Keep the acknowledgement receipt safe as it contains your application number for status tracking.
Receive Renewed Licence
After processing, collect your renewed driving licence from the RTO or receive it via post.
Things to Remember for Offline Renewal
- Carry all original documents for verification
- Visit during RTO working hours (typically 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Be prepared for possible waiting times
- Keep photocopies of all submitted documents
- Note down your application number for future reference
Online vs Offline Renewal - Comparison
| Parameter | Online Renewal | Offline Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Can be done from anywhere with internet | Requires physical visit to RTO |
| Time Required | 15-30 minutes for application | 2-4 hours including travel and waiting |
| Processing Time | 7-15 working days | 15-30 working days |
| Document Submission | Digital upload of documents | Physical submission of documents |
| Payment Method | Online payment (card/UPI/net banking) | Cash payment at RTO counter |
| Status Tracking | Real-time online tracking | Manual inquiry at RTO or via phone |
| RTO Visit Required | Not always required | Always required |
Driving Licence Renewal Fee Structure
Standard Renewal Fees (State-wise)
| Licence Type | Renewal Fee | Additional Charges | Total Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle (MCWG/MC with Gear) | ₹200 | ₹30 (Service Charge) | ₹230 |
| Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) | ₹400 | ₹30 (Service Charge) | ₹430 |
| Commercial Vehicle (Goods/Passenger) | ₹500 | ₹30 (Service Charge) | ₹530 |
| International Driving Permit | ₹1000 | ₹100 (Service Charge) | ₹1100 |
| Late Renewal (After Expiry) | Regular fee + ₹30 per year | ₹30 (Service Charge) | Varies |
Important Fee-Related Information
- Fees may vary slightly between different states
- Additional charges may apply for address change or other modifications
- Online payments may include gateway charges (1-2% of transaction amount)
- Keep the payment receipt until you receive your renewed licence
- Refund policies vary by state and are generally not available after application processing begins
Check Renewal Application Status
Check Your DL Renewal Status
Renewal Status: Approved
Your driving licence renewal has been approved. Your renewed licence has been dispatched and should reach you within 7-10 working days.
Application Number:
Status Date:
Application Not Found
We couldn't find a renewal application with the provided details. Please check your application number and date of birth, or try again later.
Online Status Check
Check your renewal status through the Parivahan website using your application number and date of birth.
Check Status OnlinemParivahan App
Use the official mParivahan mobile application to check your renewal status on the go.
Download AppRTO Office Visit
Visit your local RTO office with your application receipt to check the status in person.
Renewal Processing Timeline
Standard Processing Duration
Application Submission & Verification
Application received, document verification, and initial processing. Status typically shows as "Application Received" or "Under Verification".
Processing & Approval
Application processing, background checks, and approval by RTO officials. Most renewal applications complete during this period.
Printing & Dispatch
Licence card printing, quality checks, and dispatch to registered address. For complex cases, additional verification may extend this period.
Official RTO Processing Standards
- Online Renewal: 7-15 working days from application date
- Offline Renewal: 15-30 working days from application date
- With Address Change: Additional 5-7 working days for verification
- Commercial Licence Renewal: 10-20 working days due to additional checks
- International Driving Permit: 3-7 working days from application date
Frequently Asked Questions
General Renewal Questions
You can renew your driving licence up to 1 year before the expiry date. It's recommended to start the process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid any last-minute issues.
Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in penalties up to ₹5000 under the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, insurance companies may reject claims in case of accidents.
If your licence has been expired for less than 5 years, you can renew it normally. If expired for more than 5 years, you may need to apply for a fresh licence and undergo driving tests again.
Medical certificate (Form 1A) is mandatory for applicants above 50 years for private vehicles and above 40 years for commercial vehicles. Some states may have different age criteria.
Online Renewal Specific Questions
In most cases, no physical visit is required for online renewal. However, some states may require a visit for biometric verification or document submission.
Once dispatched, driving licences are typically sent via India Post. Some RTOs provide tracking numbers, but this varies by state. Contact your RTO for delivery tracking information.
If your online renewal application is rejected, you'll receive a reason via SMS/email. You can reapply with corrected documents or visit an RTO for assistance.
Parivahan Helpline
If you face any problem in driving license, document update, vehicle details check and pay your vehicle challan, you can contact using below details –
| Problem | Email ID | Contact Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration, Fitness, Tax, Permit, Dealer | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| mParivahan Services | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| eChallan Services | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |