Renewing a driving licence in India is a vital process for all drivers to ensure they remain legally authorized to drive. The process has been made convenient with both online and offline options. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in renewing your driving licence in India, including the required documents, eligibility criteria, and the renewal process.
Why is Driving Licence Renewal Important?
- Legal Requirement: Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in fines or penalties.
- Insurance Validity: An expired licence can nullify your vehicle insurance claims.
- Stay Updated: Renewal ensures your information is up-to-date with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Eligibility Criteria for Renewal
- Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Expiry Date: The driving licence should be valid or expired for less than one year. If it has been expired for more than a year, a new driving test may be required.
- Medical Certificate: Applicants above the age of 40 must provide a medical certificate.
Documents Required for Renewal
- Application Form 9: This is the application form for the renewal of the driving licence.
- Original Driving Licence: The expired or about-to-expire driving licence.
- Age and Address Proof: Documents like Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.
- Passport-size Photographs: Typically, two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Medical Certificate (Form 1A): Required for applicants above 40 years of age, signed by a registered medical practitioner.
- Form 1 (Self-declaration of Medical Fitness): For applicants below 40 years of age.
Online Renewal Process
- Visit the Parivahan Sewa Portal: Go to the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Select Online Services: Click on "Online Services" and then select "Driving Licence Related Services."
- Choose Your State: Select your state from the dropdown list.
- Login/Register: Log in with your credentials or create an account if you are a new user.
- Fill in Details: Enter your driving licence number and date of birth.
- Upload Documents: Upload the necessary documents like Form 9, medical certificate, and address proof.
- Fee Payment: Pay the renewal fee online using net banking, credit/debit card, or other available options.
- Download Receipt: After successful payment, download the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Offline Renewal Process
- Visit the RTO: Go to the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) with the required documents.
- Collect Forms: Obtain Form 9 and Form 1A (if applicable) from the RTO or download them from the Parivahan Sewa website.
- Fill Out Forms: Complete the forms with accurate information.
- Submit Documents: Submit the filled forms along with the required documents and photographs at the RTO.
- Pay Fees: Pay the renewal fee at the RTO counter.
- Acknowledgement Receipt: Collect the acknowledgement receipt after submission.
Processing Time and Receipt of Licence
- Processing Time: The processing time for the renewal of a driving licence is generally 15 to 30 days.
- Receive Licence: The renewed licence will be sent to your registered address via post. You can also track the status of your licence on the Parivahan Sewa portal or your state transport department’s website.
Renewal Fees
The fees for renewing a driving licence vary from state to state. Generally, the fee ranges between INR 200 to INR 500. It’s advisable to check the exact fee on the Parivahan Sewa portal or the respective state transport department’s website.
Renewal After Expiry
- Within One Year: If the driving licence has expired but is within one year of expiry, it can be renewed without any additional penalties.
- After One Year: If the driving licence has expired for more than one year, the applicant might need to undergo a driving test again.
Tips for Smooth Renewal
- Timely Renewal: Apply for renewal well before the expiry date to avoid any legal complications.
- Keep Documents Ready: Ensure all required documents are in order and up-to-date.
- Medical Certificate: If above 40, get a medical certificate from a registered practitioner beforehand.
- Check Online Services: Utilize online services for a faster and more convenient renewal process.
Suggested read :DRIVING LICENCE GUIDANCE
Conclusion
Renewing your driving licence in India is a straightforward process that can be completed online or offline. It is essential to ensure your licence is valid to comply with legal requirements, maintain insurance coverage, and stay updated with RTO records. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently navigate the renewal process and continue driving legally on Indian roads.
