How to Renew Drivers License?
According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to own a valid driver’s licence. It is an official document that is certified by the Indian Government as a legal proof to permit you to operate your vehicle on public roads.
It also means that the owner of the licence is well-acquainted with traffic regulations and rules. A fine of ₹5000 or/and imprisonment up to 3 months as a punishment on those driving without a valid driver’s licence is imposed under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Having a licence alone is not enough, though. Once expired, it is mandatory to renew it to legally drive your vehicle on public roads.
Where Do I File an Application to Renew My Driving Licence?
You need to submit the duly filled DL renewal application form with the requested documents at your nearest RTO. On the other hand, you can submit the application online as well. The driving licence for non-transport vehicles is renewed for five years, and it is renewed for three years for transport vehicles. It usually takes 20 days after submitting the application to procure the renewed driving licence.
Driving Licence Renewal Form
A Driving Licence Renewal Form is what you should look for when renewing your DL. This document can be easily downloaded from the concerned RTO website or is available at the local RTO office.
The Form 9 –
Form of Application for Renewal of the Driving Licence is quite simple to understand.
The document has a few informational queries that the applicant needs to fill out. A significant portion of these queries is related to the existing DL information.
After duly filling the form, the applicant should attach the requested documents as mentioned above before proceeding with the driving licence renewal process.
Steps for Renewal of Driver’s Licence
Most transport-related services can be availed from the RTO (Regional Transport Office) website.
On the website, for driving licence renewal after the expiry of driver’s licence, you have to select your state of residence. Once selected, you have to follow the steps given below:
Select “Apply Online” on the left side of the menu on Parivahan website Source: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/
Then, click on “Services on Driving licence”
You will receive instructions on how to fill in your application form. Read them thoroughly before proceeding. Click ‘Next’ when you’re done.
Enter your Birth date and current licence number and press “Go”
Next, you will come across “Required Services” which will display only those services which are applicable to your existing driving licence. You must select “Renewal” from the given options.
You will then be required to fill in any other relevant personal and/or vehicle-related details given in the form.
Once you follow all these steps, you will be redirected to an Acknowledgement page where you will be able to view your application ID (It is recommended that you print it). You will also receive an SMS on your registered mobile number with all the details.
You will need to visit the RTO and submit the requisite forms and documents.
Your documents will then undergo verification.
Upon verification, you will receive your license either on the same day or within a period of 15 days.
If you prefer not to go via the website route, you can collect the form from your nearest RTO. After you fill in the form and submit the required documents, the RTO officials will verify them. If you have applied for renewal at the same RTO from which you received your initial license, you should receive your renewed license within the same day. However, if you have applied at a different RTO, the process may take a couple of weeks.
Documents for Driver’s Licence Renewal
The list of documents required for renewing a driving licence in India are as follows:
Vehicle Type |
Documented Required |
Non-Transport or Private Vehicles |
Duly filled Form 9. It is the application for driving licence renewal and is available at the RTO or can be downloaded online.
Duly filled Form 1 and 1A. It is the medical fitness declaration and is available at the RTO or can be downloaded online.
The expired driving licence (book form or smart card).
Applicant’s age and address proof.
Three passport-sized photos.
|
Commercial or Transport Vehicles |
Here, the documents required to be submitted are the same as above.
The only additional document needed is the Driver Refreshing Certificate (for heavy motor vehicles only).
|
Fees for Driving Licence Renewal
The fees for driving licence renewal are as follows:
Type of Driving Licence |
Purpose |
Fees |
Book Form |
When applied within the grace period |
Rs. 200 |
When applied after the grace period |
Rs. 1000 fine + applicable fees |
Smart Card |
When applied within the grace period |
Rs. 400 |
When applied after the grace period |
Rs. 1000 fine + applicable fees |
Driver’s Licence Renewal - Validity
Validity of a permanent driver’s licence is 20 years, or until the owner reaches the age of 50. For those whose licence has already expired, a grace period of 30 days without penalty is provided for renewal. If you choose to renew your licence after 30 days, you would be charged an applicable penalty. Those who do not renew their licence within 5 years of expiry will have to apply for a new one.
On the other hand, the validity of a renewed licence for a transport vehicle is 5 years and that of a transport vehicle is 3 years.
.jpg)
Duplicate Driving Licence
At times, people tend to lose/misplace important vehicle-related documents in case of accidents. Besides, a driving licence can get damaged or stolen as well. However, if this happens to you, do not panic or apply driving licence renewal. Instead, visit the nearest RTO and get a duplicate driving licence. We have explained the steps to obtain a duplicate driving licence below.
Document Required for Duplicate Driving Licence
Submit the duly filled driving licence renewal application form
Submit the copies of the FIR, affidavit, or complaint letter (as needed)
Duly filled Form 1
Clearance report from the traffic police
Proof of address
Fee Payment receipt for obtaining a duplicate driving licence
Medical fitness certificate
Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Online
Fill the duplicate driving licence application form online
Submit the necessary documents
The RTO will verify the submitted documents and your application and issue the duplicate driving licence shortly
Steps to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence Offline
If you do not want to apply for a duplicate driving licence online, you can easily obtain it offline. Just follow the steps given below:
Visit your nearest RTO
Ask for Form LLD – the application form for obtaining a duplicate driving licence
Fill the form and attach the requested documents
Pay a nominal fee of Rs. 200 to process your application
Once you submit the application, you will receive a receipt that can be used until you receive the duplicate driving licence.
Conclusion
Adhering to traffic and road safety norms is crucial for Indian drivers. One key part of doing so is ensuring you carry a valid driving license and renewing it as and when necessary.
Another key angle is taking out a comprehensive insurance policy. Once you’ve taken care of the DL renewal part, bike insurance and car insurance policies available on Finserv MARKETS will handle the insurance portion.
With Motor Insurance on Finserv MARKETS, policyholders get access to instant claim settlement, a large network of 4000+ garages across India and much more. With your new insurance policy and renewed license, you’ll be well equipped to head out on the road.
Getting a loan to take care of my wedding and relieving my parents to enjoy the occasion was the best decision I ever made. Easy-to-apply, amazing interest rate and quick disbursal, what more can one ask for!