Driving Licence Renewal India: Online Guide & Fees

A driving licence renewal is not just about avoiding fines it’s the law. In India, a driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 40 years old, whichever comes first. After that, renewal is required every 5 years. For commercial licences, the validity is 3 years, and renewal must be done before expiry.

Driving with an expired driving licence can lead to a penalty of up to ₹5,000. It can also cause problems with motor insurance claims if you get into an accident. The government allows a 30-day grace period after the licence expires. If you renew after 30 days, you must pay additional fees and possibly a late fine of ₹1,000 for every delayed year.

Key Points:

• Validity: 20 years or till 40 years of age.
• Grace period: 30 days post expiry.
• Late fee: ₹300 + ₹1,000 per delayed year (varies by state).
• Commercial licences: Renew every 3 years.

Renewing your driving licence online in India is quick and hassle-free with the sarathi parivahan portal. Most states now support DL renewal online India, and the process takes just a few steps.

Steps for Online Driving Licence Renewal:

1. Visit the Parivahan website – Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
   
2. Select Your State – Choose the state where your driving licence was issued.

3.Apply for Driving Licence Renewal – Click on “Driving Licence Services” and then “Apply for DL Renewal.”

5.Now click on the Apply on the third option Apply for Dl Renewal.

• Fill in Your Details – Enter your DL number, date of birth, and other details.
  
• Upload Documents – Upload Form 9 (renewal application), Form 1 or Form 1A (medical certificate for age 40+), and your recent photo and signature.

• Pay Fees Online – Pay the driving licence renewal fees (₹200 standard, ₹300 after the grace period).
• Book Slot for Biometrics/Verification – If required, book an appointment at your RTO.
• Download Receipt – Save the receipt and acknowledgement number for status tracking.

Processing Time:

Your renewed driving licence is usually dispatched within 7–21 working days. You can track the status using the Parivahan DL renewal status check feature.

If you prefer not to apply online, you can renew your driving licence directly at your nearest RTO (Regional Transport Office). The RTO licence renewal process is straightforward but may take more time compared to online renewal.

Steps for Offline Driving Licence Renewal:

1. Visit the RTO – Go to the RTO where your licence was originally issued or where you currently reside.
   
2. Get the Required Forms – Fill out Form 9 (Driving Licence Renewal Application) and Form 1A (medical certificate if you are 40 years or older).
   
3. Submit Documents – Provide your current driving licence, age proof, address proof, passport-size photos, and medical certificate (if required).
   
4. Pay the Fees – Pay the DL renewal fees of ₹200 (or ₹300 if you’re applying after the 30-day grace period).
   
5. Biometric Verification – Complete photo and fingerprint scanning at the RTO.
6. Receive Your Licence – A temporary receipt is provided immediately, and the renewed licence is sent to your address within 15–30 days.
   

The driving licence renewal fees in India depend on when you apply and whether you renew on time or late.

Driving Licence Renewal Fees (India)

Type	Fee (₹)	Notes
Renewal within validity / grace period	₹200	Apply before expiry or within 30 days
Late renewal (after 30 days)	₹300	Additional late fee after grace period
Penalty per delayed year (after 1 yr)	₹1,000/year	For licences expired more than 1 year
Smart card fee	₹200	May vary by state
Postal charges	₹50 – ₹100	Only in states where postal delivery applies

Timelines:

• Online renewal (Parivahan): 7–21 days.
• Offline renewal (RTO): 15–30 days.

Not every driving licence renewal in India is the same. Some situations need extra documents or follow a different process.

NRI Driving Licence Renewal

If you are an NRI or currently living abroad:

• You can apply online through the Parivahan portal or authorize someone in India to visit the RTO on your behalf.
• Required documents include your old DL, passport copy, visa, and Form 9.
• If the licence has expired, you can renew it up to 5 years after expiry, but late fees apply.
  

---

Senior Citizens (40+ Years)

• A medical certificate (Form 1A) from a certified doctor is mandatory for drivers aged 40 years and above.
• Eye and fitness tests may also be required at the RTO.
  

---

Name or Address Change

• If you want to update your name or address, submit supporting documents (Aadhaar card, utility bills, marriage certificate, etc.) along with the renewal application.
• Additional fee of around ₹200–₹400 may be charged depending on the state.
  

Expired Licence Beyond 5 Years

• If your licence has been expired for over 5 years, you cannot renew it.
• You must apply for a new driving licence and pass the test again.
  

Renewing a driving licence is simple, but small mistakes can cause delays or extra fees. Here’s how to avoid common issues and track your application.

Tips to Avoid Problems:

• Apply before expiry – Don’t wait till the last moment. Apply at least 30 days before your licence expires to avoid penalties.
• Check documents twice – Missing forms like Form 9 or medical certificate (Form 1A for 40+) can result in rejection.
• Avoid agents – Most online DL renewal India processes are quick and don’t require middlemen who may overcharge.

Keep payment proof – Save your fee payment receipt from the Parivahan portal orRenewing a driving licence is simple, but small mistakes can cause delays or extra fees. Here’s how to avoid common issues and track your application.

1. Go to the Parivahan Sarathi website.
2. Click on “Status of Licence” or “DL Application Status.”
3. Enter your application number, date of birth, and state.
4. The portal will show whether your new licence has been printed or dispatched.

The rules for driving licence renewal in India have recently become stricter, with higher fines and new guidelines for seniors and repeat violators.

Key Updates:

• Higher Fines for Expired DL: Driving with an expired licence can now lead to a fine of up to ₹5,000 as per the 2023–2025 Motor Vehicles Act updates.
• UP Enforcement Drive: In Uttar Pradesh, over 3 lakh vehicles and 60,000 licences are facing suspension due to ₹5,000 crore in unpaid fines.
• Senior Driver Rules: Drivers over 60 years must now renew their licences every 5 years with mandatory medical, vision, hearing, and cognitive tests. For those over 70 years, the renewal validity drops to 3 years.
• Grace Period Confirmed: A recent court ruling confirmed that licences expired but within the 30-day grace period are still considered valid, ensuring no claim rejections by insurance companies during this time.
• New Proposal on Traffic Violations: The government is planning double fines for traffic violations when children are onboard, along with a demerit points system that could lead to licence suspension.

What This Means for You:

• Always renew your driving licence online or at the RTO before the expiry date to avoid heavy penalties.
• Senior citizens must plan for frequent renewals and mandatory medical checks.

1. Can I renew my driving licence online in India?
Yes. Most states allow online driving licence renewal via the Parivahan Sarathi portal. You can upload documents, pay the fee, and book an RTO slot if needed.

2. What is the driving licence renewal fee in India?
The standard fee is ₹200 if renewed on time. A late fee of ₹300 + ₹1,000 per delayed year applies if renewed after the grace period.

3. Do I need a driving test for DL renewal?
No test is needed if you apply within 5 years of licence expiry. If expired beyond 5 years, you must apply for a new licence and pass the driving test.

4. What documents are required for DL renewal?

• Original driving licence
• Form 9 (application form)
• Form 1A (medical certificate for age 40+)
• Age and address proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
• Passport-size photos
  

5. What is the grace period for driving licence renewal?
The government allows a 30-day grace period after expiry. After this, a late fee applies

6. How long does it take to get a renewed licence?
Online applications are processed within 7–21 days, while offline RTO renewals may take 15–30 days.

Renewing your driving licence in India is now easier than ever with the Parivahan online system and digitized RTO services. The process is quick, taking just 15–20 minutes online, and the fees start at only ₹200 if renewed on time.

However, with stricter rules and higher fines (up to ₹5,000 for expired DL), it’s essential to keep your licence valid. Whether you’re renewing for yourself, as an NRI, or as a senior citizen, following the correct process and timeline will save you time, money, and legal trouble