Last Updated: 8 July 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 | Best within 30 days before expiry; online renewal allowed up to 1 year after expiry |
| 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 within the grace period; a late fee applies after (varies by state) |
| Medical test | Form 1A medical certificate needed only if you are 40 or above |
| Validity after renewal | Up to 20 years or until you turn 50, whichever comes first |
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?
Renewal of the licence can only be done if it is not more than one year past expiry. For online renewal, you will have to visit the Parivahan Sarathi Website. In the event you opt for the online renewal service, all you will need to do is pay an extra late fee along with the renewal charge. The window matters, so check how long it has been:
- Within 30 days of expiry: renew at the normal fee, no penalty.
- Between 30 days and 1 year: renew online, but a late fee applies for the delay.
- Between 1 and 5 years: you can usually still renew, though some RTOs ask you to visit in person and a few states require a driving test.
- More than 5 years after expiry: the licence cannot be renewed. You must apply afresh, starting with a new learner's licence and a driving test.
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 within the 30-day grace period | Around ₹400 |
| Renewal after the grace period | Around ₹400 plus a late fee (commonly ₹1,000 per year of delay) |
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?
If you renew your private driving licence, it will be valid for 20 years after the date of renewal or until you turn 50, whichever date comes first. In case you are above 50 years of age at renewal time, your licence will be renewed for a shorter period, typically five years.
How long is a commercial licence valid?
The commercial transport licence will last for a shorter amount of time, three years in this case, and hence needs to be updated every third year. The new licence has the new date of validity on it.
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. You will also make payment for the fees to the relevant Road Transport Authority (RTO) and not to Jaagruk Bharat.
Read More
- Apply for a permanent driving licence online
- How to check your driving licence status
- Change your name on a driving licence online
- Link your Aadhaar number to your driving licence
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 beyond the one-year online window, which can force an RTO visit or test.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 30 days before your licence expires, and renewal within this window carries no penalty. Applying a little 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 five years ago?
If your licence has been expired for more than five years, it cannot be renewed. You must start over with a fresh learner's licence, and then a new permanent licence, including the driving test, as if applying for the first time.
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, up to 20 years or until you turn 50, printed on the card.
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.
