How to Renew Driving License Online in India

Your driving licence (DL) in India has a validity period, after which you must renew it to continue driving legally. The good news is that the entire process can now be started online through the Sarathi Parivahan portal — saving you multiple trips to the RTO.

This guide covers the complete DL renewal process, fees, documents, and how to get your digital driving licence.

When Should You Renew Your Driving License?

The validity of a driving licence depends on the type:

• Non-transport (private) vehicles: Valid for 20 years from the date of issue, or until the holder turns 50 — whichever is earlier. After age 50, it is valid for 5 years at a time.
• Transport (commercial) vehicles: Valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

Important Timelines

Tip: Apply for renewal 30 days before your DL expiry to avoid any gap in validity.

Documents Required for DL Renewal

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

1. Original Driving Licence (or a copy of the old DL number)
2. Proof of Address — Aadhaar card, passport, utility bill, or voter ID
3. Passport-size photographs (recent)
4. Medical Certificate (Form 1-A) — required in certain cases (see section below)
5. Self-declaration in Form 1 (health declaration, if medical certificate is not needed)
6. Age proof — if updating date of birth

Note: If your address has changed, carry proof of your new address.

Step-by-Step Online Process (Sarathi Parivahan Portal)

Follow these steps to apply for DL renewal online:

Step 1: Visit the Sarathi Portal

1. Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your State and then your RTO from the dropdown menus.

Step 2: Select the Service

3. From the services listed, click on "DL Renewal" (under Driving Licence services).

Step 3: Enter Your DL Number

4. Enter your existing Driving Licence number and date of birth.
5. Click "Get DL Details" — your current DL information will be displayed.
6. Verify the details and proceed.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

7. Fill in the application form with your personal details.
8. Update your address if it has changed.
9. Select additional endorsements if needed (e.g., adding a new vehicle class).

Step 5: Upload Documents

10. Upload scanned copies of:
    • Your photograph
    • Signature
    • Medical certificate (Form 1-A), if applicable
    • Address proof (if address has changed)

File format: JPEG/JPG, file size usually under 200 KB per document.

Step 6: Pay the Fee Online

11. Pay the renewal fee using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
12. Save the payment receipt for your records.

Step 7: Book an Appointment (if required)

13. Some states require you to book a slot for biometric verification or document check at the RTO.
14. Select a convenient date and time from the available slots.

Step 8: Visit the RTO (if required)

15. On the appointed date, visit the RTO with original documents for verification.
16. Biometric data (photo and fingerprint) may be captured at the RTO.

Step 9: Receive Your Renewed DL

17. After successful verification, your renewed DL will be dispatched to your address by Speed Post.
18. You can also download a digital copy via DigiLocker or the mParivahan app.

Fees for DL Renewal

DL renewal fees vary slightly from state to state. Here is the typical fee structure:

Note: Fees are subject to change. The exact amount will be shown on the Sarathi portal during your application. Some states charge additional service or IT fees.

Medical Certificate — When Is It Required?

A Medical Certificate in Form 1-A is required in the following cases:

1. Transport/Commercial DL — mandatory for every renewal, regardless of age.
2. Age 40 and above — required for non-transport DL holders who are 40 years or older at the time of renewal.
3. Renewal after long expiry — if your DL has been expired for more than 1 year.

How to Get the Medical Certificate

• Visit any registered medical practitioner (MBBS or above).
• The doctor will examine your eyesight, general fitness, and any medical conditions.
• The certificate must be in Form 1-A as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Some states allow you to upload the medical certificate online; others require you to submit it at the RTO.

Self-Declaration (Form 1)

If a medical certificate is not required in your case, you can submit a self-declaration of fitness in Form 1 during the online application.

Renewing an Expired License (More Than 5 Years)

If your driving licence has been expired for more than 5 years, the process is different:

1. You cannot simply renew online — you will need to visit the RTO.
2. You must apply for renewal along with a driving test.
3. The RTO may require you to take a fresh driving test to confirm your driving ability.
4. A medical certificate (Form 1-A) is mandatory.
5. Late fees will be applicable.
6. In some states, if the DL has been expired for a very long period, you may be asked to apply for a fresh driving licence.

Tip: Don't let your DL lapse for more than 5 years. Renew it on time to avoid the hassle of re-testing.

How to Download Digital DL (DigiLocker & mParivahan)

Once your DL is renewed, you can access a digital copy. A digital DL is legally valid for verification purposes in India.

Option 1: DigiLocker

1. Visit https://digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app.
2. Sign in or register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
3. Go to "Issued Documents" or search for "Driving Licence" under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
4. Enter your DL number and date of birth.
5. Your digital DL will be fetched and stored in your DigiLocker account.

Option 2: mParivahan App

1. Download the mParivahan app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Register with your mobile number.
3. Enter your DL number to link your driving licence.
4. Your digital DL (with QR code) will be available in the app.
5. You can show this during traffic checks — it is accepted as valid proof.

Official app: Only download mParivahan from official app stores. The official website is https://mparivahan.gov.in.

How to Track Your DL Renewal Application Status

After submitting your renewal application, you can track its status online:

1. Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
2. Select your State and RTO.
3. Click on "Application Status" from the menu.
4. Enter your Application Number or DL Number.
5. The current status of your application will be displayed (e.g., submitted, under verification, approved, dispatched).

You will also receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number at each stage of processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I renew my driving licence online without visiting the RTO?

In many states, the entire renewal process can be completed online if no driving test is required and your biometric data is already on record. However, some states still require a one-time visit to the RTO for biometric verification. Check your state's specific requirements on the Sarathi portal.

2. How long does it take to get a renewed driving licence?

After successful verification, the renewed DL is usually dispatched within 7–30 days via Speed Post. The digital DL on DigiLocker/mParivahan may be available sooner.

3. Can I drive while my DL renewal is in process?

If you have applied for renewal before the expiry date and have the acknowledgement receipt, you can generally continue driving. However, if your DL has already expired, it is advisable not to drive until you receive the renewed licence or a temporary receipt from the RTO.

4. What if my address has changed since the original DL was issued?

You can update your address during the renewal process itself. Upload a valid address proof (Aadhaar, passport, utility bill) for your new address. Some states may require an address change application to be filed separately.

5. Is there a penalty for driving with an expired licence?

Yes. Driving with an expired licence is a traffic violation under the Motor Vehicles Act. You can be fined up to ₹5,000 and your vehicle may be impounded. It is best to renew your DL on time.

6. Can I renew my DL from a different state than where it was originally issued?

Yes, you can apply for renewal at the RTO of your current residence, even if your original DL was issued in a different state. You will need to provide proof of your current address.

7. Do I need to take a driving test for DL renewal?

No driving test is required for routine renewals. A driving test is only required if your DL has been expired for more than 5 years or if the RTO has specific reasons to assess your driving ability.