As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicle owners and drivers in India must hold a valid driving license. Driving without a valid permit is punishable by law and can attract fines and even lead to imprisonment.

Generally, driving licenses in India are issued with a validity of 20 years. At the end of this validity period, you must renew your license to continue using it. Here, in this guide, we offer step-by-step instructions on how to renew your driving license. 

What are the ways to apply for driving license renewal in India?

You can either renew your license online or offline, depending on your preferences. In both methods, you have to submit the required documents and pay the renewal fees to extend the validity of your driving license. Let’s take a closer look at each method. 

  1. Online Application 

Thanks to the government of India's digital initiatives, renewing your driving license is easier than before. The online application process saves a lot of time, and you can complete it from the comfort of your home. When you apply online, the renewed license is sent to your home, and you don't have to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the same.

To reduce the time people spend in queues at the RTO, the government now offers various transport-related services online, including renewing the license. 

Here's what you have to do when you apply online:

  • Visit the website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in)
  • On the home page, select the tab "Driving License" and choose "Services on Driving License – Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/Others."

You will be taken to a page that gives the instructions for application submission. Click on "Continue" once you have read the instructions. Note that you will have to select the RTO based on your current residence address. You are eligible for NOC (No Objection Certificate) only when the RTO to which you're applying is the same as the last RTO, where your current license was endorsed.

  • Once you click on continue, you will be taken to the application form. Enter the required details:
    • Driving License Number
    • Date of Birth 
    • Category of the Driving License Holder (this is not mandatory and applies only to ex-servicemen, refugees, diplomats, repatriates, foreigners and physically challenged) 
  • You need to mention the state to which the application must be submitted. 
  • Also, the RTO office for your residence address. To find this, enter the Pin-code of your home. The application will automatically choose the correct RTO for your address.  
  • Once you have entered all the details, click on Proceed. 
  • You will be directed to the corresponding state’s website. 
  • Follow the instructions on the screen.
  • Upload the required documents and pay the renewal fees. 
  • Once you have paid the renewal fees, the system generates an acknowledgement receipt. Download (or print it) for future reference. 

Once you have completed the online application process successfully, you will receive a success message on the screen. That's it. The process is complete, and your renewed driving license will be sent to your address via India Post.

Online renewal of the driving license is incredibly easy, and the entire process can be completed within a few minutes without any intervention from third parties.

  1. Offline Application 

You can also renew your driving license by visiting the RTO office under which your residence falls. Approach the RTO personnel, pay the renewal fees, and be issued an application form.

Fill in the details in the application form. Submit it along with self-attested photocopies of the required documents. Once you submit the form and documents, the RTO officials will process your request. 

If you have provided all the required details, then you will be issued a renewed driving license on the same day itself. Sometimes, the renewed license may be sent to your home via post.

Renew your Driving License on Time to Avoid Penalties

Irrespective of the method you choose, renewing your driving license is a hassle-free task. Make sure to provide the required documents and your renewed license is issued on the same day (if applying at the RTO), or within a week (when applying online). Forgetting to renew your driving license on time not only incurs huge penalties but can even lead to imprisonment. So, make sure to set a reminder and start the renewal process right after the expiry date.

FAQs on Driving License Renewal 

1 What are the documents required for driving license renewal in India? 

Irrespective of the method of application (online/offline), you have to submit a set of documents along with your application form. Here is the list of documents to be submitted:

  • Duly filled application form (Form 9).
  • If the applicant is over the age of 40 years, you have to submit Form 1A. This form is certified by a doctor after verifying the health and physical capabilities of the applicant. 
  • The original driving license is about to expire or expire.
  • Recent passport size photographs in colour. 
  • Aadhaar card

If you’re applying online, you have to scan and upload these documents along with your application form. On the other hand, if you’re applying offline, you need to submit self-attested photocopies of the required documents. 

2. How long is a driving license valid in India? 

In India, driving licenses are issued for 20 years.

3. When should you renew your driving license? 

In India, driving licenses are issued for 20 years or up to age 50 (whichever comes earlier). You can renew the permit for up to one year before expiry. If your driving license has already expired, you are granted a grace period of one year for renewing it. If you fail to renew within one year after expiry, the license lapses, and you have to apply for a new one.

4. Can I make changes to my residential address when I renew my driving license? 

Yes. You can change your residential address and name when you renew. However, you have to provide the relevant document proofs for any changes that you request. 

5. Should I retake the driving test when I renew? 

No. In most cases, the practical test for driving is not necessary when you renew. However, if you have crossed the age of 50, or if there are significant changes in your health condition, you may be asked to retake the driving test.

6. What is the validity of a renewed driving license? 

The validity of transport vehicle licenses on a renewal is three years from the date of renewal. For non-transport vehicles, the validity is five years from the date of renewal.

7. What is the fee for renewing a driving license in India? 

The standard fee is Rs. 200. However, the actual price varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Additionally, the new license card issued will be a smart card, which costs Rs. 200 extra.

Note that these fees apply only when you renew the license within the grace period (30 days from the date of expiry). If you apply after that, you will be charged additional fees of around Rs. 1500, depending on when you apply.