How to Renew Licence in India: Online & Offline Modes Explained

A driving licence is an essential document issued by the government and authorises an individual to ride a bike or drive a car on the roads. The prime reason why having a valid driving licence or renewing it without fail is essential is that it is only issued after you have successfully cleared the driving test. Hence, it ensures that the driver or the rider is well-acquainted with all the traffic laws and rules and is fit to drive the vehicle on public roads.

As per Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, an individual does not have a valid driving licence, which would mean a law violation and thus become a punishable offence. Typically, a fine of ₹500 or imprisonment up to 3 years is imposed on the offender.

Moreover, a driving licence becomes an essential document to settle insurance claims. For example, if you meet with an accident and do not have a valid driving licence at the time of the accident, the insurance company may not settle your claim for the damages.

A driving licence has a validity of 20 years till the vehicle owner reaches the age of 50. However, the DL remains valid even after one month from expiry. But you can apply for renewal after the expiry by paying a penalty. Additionally, you must keep in mind that if this document is not renewed after 5 years from the expiry date, you must apply for a fresh driving licence and undergo the complete procedure again.

If you wish to apply for driving licence renewal, you can do so by online or offline methods. The selection of these methods depends predominantly on your preference. However, in both ways, you must submit all the required documents and pay the applicable renewal fees to extend the validity.

Also, a renewed driving licence is issued for a shorter period compared to a fresh driving licence validity.

Apply for Driving Licence Renewal Online

The easiest way to renew a driving licence after the expiry date in India is to apply online. Thanks to digitalization and the government of India initiative, the online method is less time-consuming and more convenient. When you apply online, the renewed licence is sent to your home, and you don't have to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO). You can opt for this method by visiting the Parivahan driving licence renewal process. Let us look at it **Step-by-Step.

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – Parivahan Sewa.

Step 2: In the menu bar, you will find "Online Services. Select' Driving Licence Related Services" from the tab.

Step 3: This will lead you to another website of Parivahan Sarathi. On this page, select the state from the drop-down menu from where the service is to be taken.

Step 4: You will be redirected to a new page where you will find a list of services. Select "Apply for DL Renewal".

Step 5: Next, you will be led to a page that provides application submission instructions. Read all the instructions carefully before you click the "Continue" button. There are a few essential instructions that must be taken care of. These include selecting the RTO based on your present address as the driving licence holder. You shall receive a NOC (No Objection Certificate) only if the previous and current RTO is the same. Also, if you are aged over 40 years and are applying for renewal, you must read and sign Form 1-A to proceed.

Step 6: Click on "Continue"

Step 7: Your screen will display a short application form including details like Driving licence Number, Date of Birth along with a captcha, and click on "Proceed."

Step 8: Your screen will display the "Required Services" option. This option will display only the services applicable to your vehicle. You must select "Renewal" from the given options.

Step 9: Enter all the relevant details on the form. Ensure you provide authentic and correct details concerning your personal and vehicle information.

Step 10: Upload your document, photos and digital signature. However, note that this facility is available only for certain states, hence, choose the state correctly before proceeding and follow the instructions carefully.

Step 11: Make a driving licence renewal payment online, and the system will generate an acknowledgement receipt.

Step 12: Download or print the receipt for future reference.

After completing the driver's licence renewal process, your screen will display an online application process successful message. Alternatively, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number. Your renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address via post.

The Parivahan driving licence renewal process through online mode is easy and does not require the intervention of any third party. It is also time-saving as the whole process can be completed within a few minutes.

Apply for Driving Licence Renewal Offline

If you find it difficult to take the online route, you can also renew your driving licence through a physical offline procedure. Follow the below-mentioned Steps.

Step 1: For the driver's licence renewal process through offline mode, visit your Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Step 2: Fill out the renewal application form. You will have to submit a few documents along with the duly filled application form.

Step 3: If you are applying for renewal in another state, ensure you submit the NOC from the previous RTO along with the form and documents.

Step 4: Enclose your valid Driving Licence details and a recent photograph.

Step 5: Make a payment of ₹200 and book a test slot if applicable (especially if there is a change in your medical condition).

Step 7: If eligible for the test, take the test, or else you will get a renewed driving licence after your documents are verified.

Regardless of the method of application, you must have the following documents ready to either submit them offline or upload them online. Also, you must bear in mind that renewal applications will only be entertained up to one month before the date of the expiry of the licence.

• Current/ expired driving licence

• Application Form 2

• Form No.1 (Self-declaration as to the physical fitness for Non-Transport Vehicles) or Form 1A (Medical Certificate for Transport Vehicles only).

• Address proof (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Voter ID)

• Age proof (Birth Certificate, Education Certificate)

• Passport Size Photographs

• Prescribed fees and other user charges

If you are applying online, you must scan and upload these documents; otherwise, for offline applications, submit self-attested photocopies.

Remember the following points before applying for driving licence renewal in India. They are:

Parivahan driving licence renewal can be done without any fine if applied within 30 days post expiration.

Suppose the renewal application is made after 30 days from the expiry date. You will have to pay an additional charge of ₹30.

If you wish to renew your driving licence after 5 years from its expiry date, you will have to undergo a driving test and obtain a fresh licence.

The validity of the driving licence renewal in India depends on the type of licence you wish to apply for.

Similar to the validity, the fee to renew a driving licence after the expiry date in India also depends on the type of licence you apply for. You can opt for a renewed licence through a smart card or a book.

If you have applied for your driving licence renewal and wish to check your application status, follow the below Steps.

Step 1: Visit the Parivahan official website.

Step 2: Under the "Online Services" tab, click "Driving Licence Related Services".

Step 3: Check the concerned state from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select the "Application Status" tab on the top.

Step 5: Enter the required details like your date of birth, application number, and captcha.

Step 6: Click on the "Submit" button.

Step 7: After you hit the submit button, your driving licence renewal application status will be displayed on the screen.

Just like having a driving licence is mandatory, the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 also mandates every vehicle to have at least third-party insurance. Thus, it would be best to have a valid insurance policy for a bike or car to drive legally on the roads and avoid penalties. Thanks to digitalization, you can easily purchase 2-wheeler insurance online in the comfort of your home.

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