Driving Licence

A valid driving licence is mandatory for operating any motor vehicle in India. Whether you’re applying for a new licence or renewing an existing one, understanding the process can save you time and avoid penalties. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about driving licence application and renewal, with special focus on online procedures through the Parivahan Sarathi portal.

What is a Driving Licence?

A driving licence is an official document that legally permits you to drive motor vehicles on Indian roads. Issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), it serves as both a driving permit and a valid form of identification.

Types of Driving Licences in India

• Learner’s Licence (LL) – Valid for 6 months, allows supervised driving
• Permanent Driving Licence – Valid for 20 years (non-transport) or 3 years (transport)
• International Driving Permit – Valid for driving abroad in certain countries
• Commercial Driving Licence – Required for driving commercial vehicles

Validity Periods

• Non-transport vehicles: 20 years from date of issue
• Transport vehicles: 3 years, renewable every 3 years until age 50, then annually
• Senior citizens (50+): Renewable every 5 years for non-transport vehicles

Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence Renewal

Before renewing your driving licence, ensure you meet these basic requirements:

• Your current driving licence should not be suspended or revoked
• You must be medically fit to drive
• All pending traffic challans should be cleared
• Age requirements: Minimum 18 years for non-transport, 20 years for transport vehicles

When to Renew Your Driving Licence

• Before expiry: Ideal time to renew without penalties
• Within 30 days of expiry: Late fee applies
• After 30 days of expiry: Additional penalties and possible re-testing required

Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal

Essential Documents Checklist

• Form 9 – Application for renewal (available online)
• Original driving licence or smart card
• Age proof: Birth certificate, 10th class certificate, or passport
• Address proof: Aadhar card, voter ID, utility bills, or passport
• Medical certificate (for transport vehicle licences and applicants above 40)
• Passport-size photographs (2-3 recent color photos)
• Fee payment receipt

Additional Documents for Special Cases

• Change of address: New address proof documents
• Name change: Gazette notification or marriage certificate
• Duplicate licence: Police FIR copy and affidavit

Step-by-Step Guide: Online Driving Licence Renewal via Parivahan

The Parivahan Sarathi portal makes DL renewal convenient and paperless. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the Parivahan Portal

• Visit the official Parivahan website (parivahan.gov.in)
• Click on “Online Services” and select your state
• Choose “Driving Licence Related Services”

Step 2: Register and Login

• Create an account if you’re a new user
• Provide mobile number and email for OTP verification
• Login using your credentials

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Select “Renewal of Driving Licence” service
• Enter your current DL number and personal details
• Upload required documents in specified formats (JPG/PDF)
• Verify all information carefully

Step 4: Pay Fees Online

• Review the fee structure for your licence category
• Make payment using credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI
• Save the payment receipt for future reference

Step 5: Book Appointment (if required)

• Some states require RTO visit for biometric verification
• Select convenient date and time slot
• Print the appointment confirmation

Step 6: Submit and Track

• Submit your application after final review
• Note down the application reference number
• Track status using the reference number on Parivahan portal

Once approved, you can easily proceed to your Driving License Download section to get your digital copy.

Offline Driving Licence Renewal Process

For those who prefer or need to visit the RTO physically:

Visit Your Local RTO

• Locate your jurisdictional RTO office
• Obtain Form 9 from the counter or download online
• Fill the form completely with accurate details

Submit Documents

• Submit original documents along with photocopies
• Get documents verified by RTO officials
• Pay the prescribed fees at the counter

Biometric and Photo Capture

• Provide fingerprints and digital photograph
• Verify the captured data before confirmation
• Collect acknowledgment receipt

Collection

• Smart card driving licences are usually dispatched by post
• Some RTOs offer same-day collection for certain categories
• Track delivery status through SMS or portal

Driving Licence Renewal Fees and Penalties

Standard Renewal Fees (2025)

Additional Charges

• Smart card fee: ₹200
• Speed post charges: ₹50
• Duplicate licence: ₹200
• Endorsement fee: ₹200 per category

Note: Fees may vary by state. Check your state transport department website for current rates.

Special Cases and Scenarios

Expired Driving Licence Renewal

If your licence has expired, the renewal process depends on how long it has been expired:

Within 30 days of expiry:

• Standard renewal process applies
• Pay late fee along with renewal charges
• No re-testing required

After 30 days of expiry:

• May require re-testing (written and/or practical)
• Higher penalty fees apply
• Medical certificate mandatory for all ages

Driving Licence Renewal for NRIs

Non-Resident Indians can renew their Indian driving licence:

• Apply online through Parivahan portal
• Submit documents through authorized agents
• Provide overseas address proof
• Pay fees through international payment methods
• Collect renewed licence through designated collection centers

Change of Address During Renewal

• Submit new address proof documents
• Fill additional endorsement forms
• Pay endorsement fees along with renewal charges
• New smart card will reflect updated address

Commercial Driving Licence Renewal

Commercial vehicle drivers have stricter renewal requirements:

• Medical fitness certificate mandatory
• Eye test and health check-up required
• Refresher training may be needed for certain categories
• Annual renewal after age 50

How to Track Driving Licence Renewal Status

Online Tracking Methods

Through Parivahan Portal:

• Visit parivahan.gov.in
• Go to “Know Your Application Status”
• Enter application number and date of birth
• View detailed status updates

Via SMS:

• Send SMS: DL <space> Application Number to designated number
• Receive instant status updates
• Available 24/7

mParivahan Mobile App:

• Download the official mParivahan app
• Login with your credentials
• Track multiple applications simultaneously
• Receive push notifications for status updates

Status Descriptions

• Application Submitted: Initial stage after online submission
• Document Verification: RTO reviewing submitted documents
• Fee Payment Confirmed: Payment successfully processed
• Under Process: Application being processed at RTO
• Dispatched: Smart card sent via speed post
• Delivered: Licence successfully delivered

Regional Specific Information

Driving Licence Renewal in Maharashtra (Mumbai)

• Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) handles DL services
• Online renewal available through Parivahan portal
• Key RTOs: Andheri, Thane, Pune, Nashik
• Special provisions for Mumbai residents with online document submission

Driving Licence Renewal in Delhi

• Delhi Transport Department manages DL services
• Integrated with Parivahan portal for online services
• Key RTOs: East Delhi, West Delhi, North Delhi, South Delhi
• E-governance initiatives for faster processing

Other Major States

Most states have integrated with the central Parivahan system, making the process standardized across India. State-specific portals may offer additional services and local language support.

Final Tips and Best Practices

Before You Begin

• Clear all pending traffic violations and challans
• Ensure all documents are current and valid
• Keep digital copies of documents in required formats
• Check fee structure for your specific state and licence category

During the Process

• Double-check all information before submission
• Keep application reference numbers safe
• Take screenshots of important pages
• Maintain communication through registered mobile number and email

After Submission

• Track your application status regularly
• Keep acknowledgment receipts until licence delivery
• Verify details on new licence card immediately upon receipt
• Report any discrepancies to RTO within 15 days

Useful Resources and Links

Official Government Portals

• Parivahan Portal:
• mParivahan App:
• Sarathi Portal:
• Ministry of Road Transport:

State Transport Department Websites

• Maharashtra:
• Delhi:
• Karnataka:
• Tamil Nadu:

Emergency Contacts

• Parivahan Helpline: 011-2338-1140
• National Highways Authority: 1033
• Road Safety: 1073

Ready to Renew Your Driving Licence?

Start your online driving licence renewal process today through the official Parivahan portal. Ensure you have all required documents ready and allow sufficient time for processing. Remember, a valid driving licence is not just a legal requirement but also ensures your safety and that of other road users.

For the most current information and state-specific updates, always refer to official government websites and your local RTO notifications.

Also Check:

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