Driving licence renewal
Renewing your driving licence is a must if you want to keep driving legally in India. Once your licence expires, it’s no longer valid — and using it can land you with fines or legal trouble. That’s why timely renewal isn’t just smart, it’s necessary.
Thankfully, the process has become more convenient. You can renew your licence online through the Parivahan Portal or go the offline route by visiting your nearest RTO. In this guide, we’ll walk you through who can apply, which documents are required, how much it’ll cost, and exactly how to get it done — without the usual hassle.
Validity of Driving Licence in India
In India, the validity of a driving licence depends on the vehicle type and the age of the licence holder:
- For private vehicles, a driving licence is valid for 20 years or until the person turns 50 years old, whichever comes first.
- For commercial vehicles, the validity is 5 years.
Grace Period for Driving Licence Renewal
After your licence expires, you get a 30-day grace period to renew it without paying any late fee. This means you can complete the renewal process within this time and avoid extra charges.
If you miss this grace period, you may be required to pay a late fee or, in some cases, even retake the driving test, depending on how long the licence has been expired.
What If Your Driving Licence Expires?
Driving with an expired licence is not legally permitted in India. If your licence has been expired for over one year, you may lose the option to renew it directly. In such cases, you might have to apply for a new driving licence and go through the full process again — including the driving test.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Driving Licence Renewal
📄 Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal in India
🪪 Original Licence
Your current or recently expired driving licence
🧾 Form 2
Filled renewal application form
🩺 Form 1A
Medical certificate (only for age 50+ or commercial licences)
🧍 Proof of Identity & Address
Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or utility bill
📸 Passport-size Photos
Usually 2 recent photos
💳 Fee Payment Receipt
Proof of payment for the renewal fee
🔄 Step-by-Step Process for Driving Licence Renewal
Step-by-Step Process for Driving Licence Renewal
🌐 Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal
Go to parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the menu
🧾 Step 2: Fill Out Form 2
Complete the online renewal application form with your details
📤 Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Submit scanned copies of ID, address proof, medical certificate (if needed), and photos
💳 Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
Pay the application fee online through the secure payment gateway
📅 Step 5: Book an Appointment (if required)
Some RTOs require a visit for biometric verification or photo capture — check your RTO instructions
🧑💼 Step 6: Visit RTO (if called)
If an RTO visit is needed, carry originals of your documents and attend on your scheduled date
📬 Step 7: Get Your Licence
Once verified and approved, your renewed driving licence will be delivered by post or can be downloaded online (depending on state)
💰 Driving Licence Renewal Fees in India
| Type of Service | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| Driving Licence Renewal (Private Vehicle) | ₹200 |
| Renewal after grace period (Late Fee) | ₹300 + ₹100/month delay |
| Renewal of Commercial Driving Licence | ₹250 |
| Smart Card Fee (if applicable) | ₹200 |
| Duplicate Driving Licence (if lost/damaged) | ₹250 |