Renewing your driving license in India is a straightforward process that ensures you remain legally authorized to drive after your license expires. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to renew your driving license:
1. Check the Expiry Date
- Driving licenses are generally valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first.
- It’s advisable to apply for renewal within 30 days before or after the expiry date. Renewing within this period avoids additional fees.
2. Required Documents
- Application Form 9: This is the application form for renewal.
- Original Driving License: The expired or soon-to-expire license.
- Age Proof: (e.g., birth certificate, Aadhaar card)
- Address Proof: (e.g., utility bills, rental agreement, passport)
- Passport-sized Photographs: Typically two to three recent photographs.
- Medical Certificate Form 1A: Required if the applicant is above 40 years old, completed by a certified medical practitioner.
- Self-declaration of physical fitness: Form 1.
3. Application Process
- Online Method:
- Visit the Sarathi Parivahan website.
- Navigate to “Online Services” and select “Driving License Related Services.”
- Choose your state and click on “Apply Online” and then “Services on Driving License (Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/Others).”
- Fill out the necessary forms and upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest RTO if required.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Offline Method:
- Visit your local RTO office.
- Collect Form 9 from the office or download it from the RTO’s website.
- Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
- Submit the form and documents to the RTO office.
- Pay the applicable fee at the RTO.
4. Fee Payment
- The renewal fee varies by state but generally ranges from INR 200 to INR 500.
- A late fee may apply if you renew after the grace period (30 days post-expiry).
5. Submission and Verification
- Submit your completed application form along with all required documents at the RTO.
- The RTO will verify your documents.
6. Medical Test (if applicable)
- If you are above 40 years of age, you may be required to undergo a medical examination.
7. Issuance of Renewed License
- Once your application and documents are verified, the RTO will process your renewed license.
- The renewed license can be collected from the RTO or sent to your address via mail.
Additional Information
- Validity of Renewed License:
- The renewed license is usually valid for 5 years for non-transport vehicles and 3 years for transport vehicles.
- International Driving Permit Renewal:
- If you have an international driving permit (IDP), you must ensure that your domestic license is valid, as the IDP is only valid if your Indian driving license is valid.