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

Yes, in most states you can renew fully online on Parivahan Sarathi by filling Form 9, uploading your documents, and paying the fee. Some RTOs still call you in for a photo or biometric verification, but the application itself is submitted online.

How many days before expiry can I renew my driving licence?

You can apply for renewal up to one year before your licence expires, under Section 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act as amended in 2019. Applying early avoids any gap where you are driving on an expired licence. It also keeps you on the normal fee of around ₹400, before any late fee applies after expiry.

Do I need a medical certificate to renew my driving licence?

A Form 1A medical certificate, signed by a registered medical practitioner, is required only if you are 40 or above. Applicants under 40 simply submit a Form 1 self-declaration of physical fitness instead. Upload a clear scan with Form 9, since blurry uploads often hold up a renewal.

What happens if my driving licence expired more than a year ago?

The RTO must refuse to renew it unless you pass the driving test again. Since the 2019 amendment to Section 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act, this retest applies once you're more than one year past expiry, not five years as the old rule said. A late fee applies too.

Is the renewed licence the same number as my old one?

Yes, renewal keeps your existing driving licence number and only updates the validity dates. Your licence category and personal details stay the same unless you separately apply to correct or change them. The renewed licence simply carries a new validity date, set by your age on the day you renew.

How long does driving licence renewal take?

Once your Form 9 and documents are approved, the renewed licence is typically processed within a few working days, though timelines vary by state and RTO. You can track progress online and download the digital copy as soon as it is issued.

How to Renew Your Driving Licence Online in India 2026

Last Updated: 22 September 2026

With the Parivahan Sarathi of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways you can renew your driving licence. Just fill up renewal application (Form 9), upload the required documents and pay the required fee in order to get your new licence.

Renew within one year of the expiry date and you usually skip any driving test.

Driving Licence Renewal: Quick Overview

Detail	Information
Who renews	Any licence holder whose DL is about to expire or has expired
When	Up to 1 year before expiry, or within 1 year after it (Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, as amended in 2019)
Portal	Parivahan Sarathi (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
Application form	Form 9 (renewal), Form 1 self-declaration, Form 1A medical (age 40+)
Fee	Around ₹400 (₹200 renewal + ₹200 smart card); a late fee may apply after expiry (varies by state)
Medical test	Form 1A medical certificate needed only if you are 40 or above
Validity after renewal	Set by your age on the renewal date: until 40 if under 30; 10 years if 30–49; until 60 if 50–54; 5 years if 55+

Latest Update (July 2026)

Driving licences in most of the states of India have now become fully online. You just need to fill in Form 9, upload the relevant documents, and pay the fees online. However, some state governments still prefer having you visit the RTO for getting your photo and biometric information as part of the process.

How Do I Renew My Driving Licence Online?

Visit the Parivahan Sarathi portal and select your state from the list.
Open Online Services, then Driving Licence Related Services.
Choose Apply for DL Renewal (listed under "Services on Driving Licence").
Enter your DL number and date of birth, then check that your details load correctly.
Fill Form 9 on screen and upload your documents (self-declaration, medical certificate if needed, photo and signature).
Pay the renewal fee online, and book a slot if your RTO asks for a visit.
Note the application number, track the status, and collect or download your licence once it is approved.

Can I download the licence after renewal?

Once approved, you can download your driving licence online as an e-DL for daily use.

What Documents Do I Need to Renew a Driving Licence?

Document	Who needs it
Existing driving licence	Everyone
Form 9 (renewal application)	Everyone (filled online)
Form 1 self-declaration of physical fitness	Applicants under 40
Form 1A medical certificate	Applicants aged 40 and above
Two recent passport-size photographs	Everyone
Proof of age and address (self-attested)	Everyone

How Do I Renew a Driving Licence That Has Expired?

You can still renew an expired licence online on the Parivahan Sarathi website. What it costs, and whether you need a driving test again, depends on how long ago it expired:

Before expiry (up to 1 year early): renew at the normal fee, no penalty.
Within 1 year after expiry: renew online without a driving test. Section 15(3) of the Act keeps the normal fee in this window, but the Rule 32 fee table and some state portals still add a late fee once a short grace period ends, so check the payment screen.
More than 1 year after expiry: the RTO must refuse renewal unless you pass the driving test again, and the late fee applies. If your RTO asks for a fresh application instead, that starts with a learner's licence.

What is the fine for driving on an expired licence?

If you have your driving licence expired while driving your vehicle, it is considered a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and there may be a punishment of a fine of ₹5,000. So it is advisable to get your driving licence renewed on the next possible occasion when you want to drive.

What Is the Fee to Renew a Driving Licence?

Situation	Approximate fee
Renewal before expiry or within the grace period	Around ₹400 (₹200 fee + ₹200 smart card)
Renewal after the grace period	₹300 + ₹1,000 for each year or part year of delay, plus the smart-card fee (₹1,500 in Delhi for one year)

Do renewal fees vary by state?

The above-mentioned quote has been prepared according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, but the amount quoted may differ slightly from one state to another. Therefore, you should consider it as an approximate quote and confirm the final amount on the payment page.

How Long Is a Renewed Driving Licence Valid?

A renewed private (non-transport) licence takes its validity from your age on the renewal date, under Section 14 of the Motor Vehicles Act as amended in 2019. It runs until you turn 40 if you're under 30, for 10 years if you're 30 to 49, until you turn 60 if you're 50 to 54, and for 5 years if you're 55 or older.

How long is a commercial licence valid?

A transport (commercial) licence is valid for five years at a time. If it covers vehicles carrying dangerous or hazardous goods, that part is valid for three years. The renewed card shows the new validity date.

Renewing on the Official Portal, the Simple Way

Can Jaagruk Bharat help me renew my licence?

If you are having issues dealing with the documentation process and the process of getting the driving licence in different states of India, Jaagruk Bharat will help you understand the process and fill out the forms. The government fee is paid to the relevant Regional Transport Office (RTO), and Jaagruk Bharat's own service charge is shown before you pay it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most renewal problems come from a few avoidable slip-ups, so check these before you apply:

Using a non-official or paid website instead of the government Parivahan Sarathi portal.
Skipping the Form 1A medical certificate when you are 40 or above.
Letting the licence lapse more than one year past expiry, after which you must pass the driving test again.
Uploading blurry document scans, the most common reason a renewal is held up.
Assuming a new licence number is issued, when renewal keeps your existing number.