Driving Licence Renewal in India: Online & Offline Process

Team AckodriveApr 12, 2023

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Driving Licence expiring soon? You must renew it to avoid penalties for driving with an expired DL in India. In this article, we will tell you how to renew Driving Licence online and offline. Read on.

Driving Licence Renwal

Driving Licence (DL) renewal: Why is it necessary?

Having a valid Driving Licence is mandatory for every motor vehicle driver in India, as per The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Driving with an expired or invalid licence is a punishable offence in the country. Thus, you must get your DL to drive a motor vehicle and renew it on time to avoid penalties. 

How to apply for renewal of a Driving Licence?

You can apply for a Driving Licence renewal online by visiting the Parivahan website. Or, you can physically visit your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) to complete the offline Driver’s Licence renewal process. Here are both methods of applying for DL renewal.

Driving Licence renewal online

Here are the steps you need to follow to renew Driver's Licence online.

  • Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal and click on the tab called “Online Services”.

  • Step 2: Select “Driving Licence Related Services” from the drop-down menu.

  • Step 3: Choose the state where you need your licence renewed.

  • Step 4: Once redirected to a new page, click on “Apply for DL renewal” from the listed DL-related services.

  • Step 5: On the new screen, read all the instructions about the DL renewal application submission online.

  • Step 6: Enter all the required details.

  • Step 7: Upload all the required documents, digital signatures and your passport-size photograph.

  • Step 8: Finish the payment procedure through a preferred gateway.

Upon successfully completing the mentioned steps, you will get an application ID. The details of your application will be sent to your registered mobile contact via SMS. Or, you can locate the details via the acknowledgement page, which will appear on the screen after submitting the application.

In case the online application for the renewal of Driving Licence seems complicated, you can follow the offline method. 

Driving Licence renewal offline

Here are the steps to follow to renew your Driving Licence offline.

  • Step 1: Visit the local Regional Transport Office (RTO).

  • Step 2: Fill out the DL renewal application form and submit it along with other documents.

  • Step 3: Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous RTO in case you are applying for DL renewal in another state.

  • Step 4: Give a passport-size photograph and provide essential details related to your Driving Licence.

  • Step 5: Pay the standard fee for the procedure.

  • Step 6: If required, schedule a slot for a medical test and/or driving test.

  • Step 7: Take your test and submit a medical certificate to obtain your DL (required for transport vehicle drivers and aged drivers only).

Also, read: NOC for Car

How to get an online appointment for the renewal of Driving Licence?

For DL renewal appointment booking online, you can follow these steps.

  • Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sarathi portal.

  • Step 2: Select the state where you need the procedure done.

  • Step 3: Choose the DL renewal service under the “Appointments” section.

  • Step 4: Schedule an appointment based on the available slots.

  • Step 5: On the day of the appointment, visit your local RTO with the acknowledgement receipt, application ID, and other documents.

Documents required for renewal of Driving Licence

For both online and offline methods of renewing driver's licence, you will need to submit the following documents.

  • Form 2 as the application of DL renewal. (You can obtain this form online or get it from your local RTO).

  • Your expired DL

  • Age proof

  • Address proof

  • Form 1 for physical fitness self-declaration (only for non-transport vehicles)

  • Form 1A or medical fitness declaration (only for transport vehicle drivers and aged drivers)

  • Passport-size photograph of the applicant

Driving Licence renewal form

Form 2 is the major form of application you’ll need to fill out for Driving Licence renewal. It allows you to convey all your essential details to the RTO regarding the expired DL.

Apart from Form 2, one may need to submit Form 1 and Form 1A for medical fitness declaration. All these forms are downloadable via the Privahan portal. Or, you can get them from your local RTO. 

Renewing Driving Licence after expiry date in India

The government offers a grace period of 30 days from the date of DL expiration. You can renew an expired Driving Licence within a month without having to pay any penalty. However, if you fail to apply for renewal within a month, the fees of the process will increase by Rs. 1,000. 

Driving Licence (DL) renewal fees

The Driving Licence renewal charges depend on how long you take to apply for one. The DL renewal charge increases if you don’t complete the renewal process within the grace period.

Services Charges
Renewal fees within 30 days of DL expiration Rs. 200
Renewal fees after 30 days of DL expiration Rs. 1,000 (as a penalty) + applicable charges

You can obtain certain additional services by paying an additional amount along with the regular cost of DL renewal.

Additional services Charges
Getting the address changed on DL Rs. 200 + applicable charges
Getting a smart card Rs. 200 + applicable charges

How to check Driving Licence (DL) renewal status

You need to follow these steps online to check your Driving Licence renewal status.

  • Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal.

  • Step 2: Pick your state of residence for online services from the drop-down menu.

  • Step 3: Click on the “Application Status” button available on the top-right of the screen.

  • Step 4: Enter your “Application Number” and “Date of Birth”.

  • Step 5: Fill in the Captcha code as mentioned on your screen and click “Submit”.

How to renew Learner’s Licence

As of now, the government doesn’t allow Learner’s Licence renewal. So, if your Learner’s Licence expires, you need to apply for a new one. Here are the steps you can follow to get a new Learner’s Licence instead of a Learning Licence renewal.

  • Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal.

  • Step 2: Choose your state of residence from the drop-down menu.

  • Step 3: Under “Learner Licence”, click on “Expired Learner Licence Issue Again”.

  • Step 4: Enter your “Expired Learner’s Licence Number” and “Date of Birth”.

  • Step 5: Click on “Submit” and pay the fees to get the Learner’s Licence issued again.

Driving Licence renewal after 50 years of age

A Driving Licence comes with a validity period of 20 years, or until the holder reaches 50 years of age. Based on what comes first, a DL holder can apply for renewal at the earliest. 

However, after crossing the age of 50 years, a person has to renew his or her DL every 3-5 years. Plus, the person may be asked to provide a medical certificate and go through a driving test as well. The rest of the process is similar to a regular application for DL renewal.

RTO guidelines for renewal of Driving Licence in India

While applying for DL renewal online or offline, you should abide by the following guidelines as per the RTO.

  • Keep all the required documents handy.

  • Make sure you have scanned copies of documents while applying online.

  • Provide correct details such as your registered phone number, date of birth, etc.

  • Visit your state RTO’s official website to know the latest rules applicable to the procedure.

Now, you know all about Driving Licence renewal in India, including the application process online/offline, documents, fees, etc. However, you must be careful with the state-specific guidelines while applying for the same. 

Updating address on Driving Licence

While renewing your DL, you can even update the address mentioned on it if required. It is essential to have the current address updated on your DL. It allows you to notify the nearest RTO about your current address.

The procedure will cost Rs. 200 in addition to the fees of DL renewal. Moreover, you will need to get a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the RTO where the licence was originally issued. Also, the new RTO will require an address proof for your new residential address. Then, you can apply for an address change on DL.

Also, read: NOC for Bike

Applying for Duplicate Driving Licence

In case your DL gets stolen or lost, you must apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence to legally drive a vehicle in India. Here are the basic requirements for a duplicate DL application.

  • Application form

  • Information about your permanent DL

  • Passport-size photographs

  • First Information Report (FIR) for the stolen DL

  • Applicable fees

Frequently asked questions

Let’s answer a few more questions about Driving Licence renewal online and offline.

Is the renewal process similar for private and commercial Driver’s Licence?

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The procedure for renewal of Driving Licence is pretty much similar for both private and commercial vehicle drivers. However, there may be a difference in the type of documents required for licence renewal.

For commercial DL renewal involving heavy motor vehicles, the RTO may ask for the Driver Refreshing Certificate. This certificate is offered to a driver after a one-day-long heavy vehicle driving course.

Can I change my address while renewing my Driving Licence?

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Yes, you can change your address while renewing your Driving Licence. You will need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for an address change from the original RTO. Also, an amount of Rs. 200 will be added to the overall fees of the renewal procedure.

Do I have to go through a driving test while renewing my licence?

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A practical driving test is usually not mandatory while renewing DL. However, if you have certain medical conditions or if you are renewing the licence after crossing the age of 50 years, an RTO may ask you to undergo a driving test.

Is there a penalty for failing to renew my DL after it expires?

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The government offers a grace period of 30 days after the expiration of a Driver’s Licence for renewal. You can apply for DL renewal within this grace period to avoid any penalty.

If a DL holder fails to renew within the grace period, the cost of the renewal procedure increases by Rs. 1,000.

Who can give me the medical certificate for Driving Licence renewal?

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While renewing your DL for a private vehicle, you can self-declare your physical fitness using Form 1. However, you may need to provide a medical fitness certificate while applying for a renewal after passing the age of 50. Similarly, Form 1A for medical fitness is required for transport vehicle drivers.

You can download Form 1A or medical fitness certificate online via the Parivahan portal. Then, take this form to a medical practitioner to get the medical examination conducted and sign the medical fitness form.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this article is subject to change based on the amendments made by the Central and State Governments and may differ from one state to another.

Explore More:


Driving Licence Test to Begin in Odisha From 18 September

– September 11, 2020

The state government of Odisha announced that the driving licence test in the state will commence from the 18th of September 2020. The state government said that the maximum capacity at the RTO will be limited to 40%. In a tweet, the State Transport Authority (STA) announced the commencement of driving tests in the state through its official Twitter handle. Applicants can book a slot for the driving licence test from 11 AM on 14 September, while the test for the Learner’s Licence will be announced at a later date. The STA also said that application for a new Learner’s Licence and Driving Licence is still not open for citizens. Also, the STA reiterated that due to the prevailing conditions of the novel coronavirus pandemic, services by the STA towards DL and LL were suspended on 25 March 2020 and that all applicants to note that all LL and DL expiring from 18 March to 31 December 2020 will remain valid until the end of December 2020. The booking for the driving test slots will begin from 14 September and will be available from 7 AM onwards until 10 PM every day. Also, retests for DL renewal will be available from the aforementioned dates.

Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Services for Driving Licence Go Online

– August 6, 2020

In the wake of the rising numbers of Covid-19 infections in the state, the Odisha state government has made DL services online. With the change to online services, the state government expects to reduce the number of people visiting RTO offices during the current situation. Services for driving licences will be available through the national web portal Parivahan and applicants will have to first book an appointment through the portal before approaching the RTO. Services include the renewal of DL, issuance of duplicate DL, change in residential address, change in name, issuance of extraction of DL, replacement of DL, change of biometric data in DL, issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC), surrender of Class of Vehicle (COV) and surrender of NOC. However, the online test for LL and DL will not be conducted.

Andhra Pradesh Transport Dept. To Start LLR and DL Tests

– May 29, 2020

The Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has said that it will start the Learners and Driving Licence tests from 1 June 2020. The tests were abruptly stopped in March after India went into lockdown to arrest the rise of COVID-19 infections in the country. The Transport Commissioner has directed the Deputy Transport Commissioners (DTCs) across the state to make required arrangements for granting DLs after the end of the fourth lockdown on 31 May 2020. Services will be resumed at RTO jurisdictions of Gudivada, Vijayawada, Nandigama, Nuzvid, Machilipatnam, Jaggaiahpet and Vuyyuru. Applicants can log into www.aptransport.org and enrol their names to book a slot for LLR and DL. For those who have produced their details to enrol for the test, they can revise their time slots. The notification also said that all applicants should compulsorily wear a face mask to appear for the tests.

Driving and Learner’s Licence Test Suspended in Odisha

– March 19, 2020

The Odisha government announed the suspension of driving and learner’s licence test until 31 March 2020. The announcement comes amid the infecticous coronavirus or COVID-19, which has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The letter issued by the govrnment states that since the novel coronavirus has become a pandemic and spreads due to large numbers of people, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where several people visit everydays to obtain DL or LL, will remain closed until 31 March 2020.


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