A driver's licence is a mandatory requirement to drive on Indian roads as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It acts as legal proof that permits you to drive your vehicle on public roads. Driving licence renewal online is quite easy and can be done in a few simple steps. You can visit the RTO’s official website for this procedure and only have to pay minimum charges for the renewal. If you don’t know how to renew driver's licence, let us check out the steps in detail here.
According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to own a valid driver’s licence. It is an official document that is certified by the Indian Government as a legal proof to permit you to operate your vehicle on public roads.
It also means that the owner of the licence is well-acquainted with traffic regulations and rules. A fine of ₹5000 or/and imprisonment up to 3 months as a punishment on those driving without a valid driver’s licence is imposed under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Having a licence alone is not enough, though. Once expired, it is mandatory to renew it to legally drive your vehicle on public roads.
You need to submit the duly filled DL renewal application form with the requested documents at your nearest RTO. On the other hand, you can submit the application online as well. The driving licence for non-transport vehicles is renewed for five years, and it is renewed for three years for transport vehicles. It usually takes 20 days after submitting the application to procure the renewed driving licence.
A Driving Licence Renewal Form is what you should look for when renewing your DL. This document can be easily downloaded from the concerned RTO website or is available at the local RTO office.
Form of Application for Renewal of the Driving Licence is quite simple to understand.
The document has a few informational queries that the applicant needs to fill out. A significant portion of these queries is related to the existing DL information.
After duly filling the form, the applicant should attach the requested documents as mentioned above before proceeding with the driving licence renewal process.
The list of documents required for renewing a driving licence in India are as follows:
Vehicle Type |
Documented Required |
Non-Transport or Private Vehicles |
|
Commercial or Transport Vehicles |
|
The fees for driving licence renewal are as follows:
Type of Driving Licence |
Purpose |
Fees |
Book Form |
When applied within the grace period |
Rs. 200 |
When applied after the grace period |
Rs. 1000 fine + applicable fees |
|
Smart Card |
When applied within the grace period |
Rs. 400 |
When applied after the grace period |
Rs. 1000 fine + applicable fees |
Validity of a permanent driver’s licence is 20 years, or until the owner reaches the age of 50. For those whose licence has already expired, a grace period of 30 days without penalty is provided for renewal. If you choose to renew your licence after 30 days, you would be charged an applicable penalty. Those who do not renew their licence within 5 years of expiry will have to apply for a new one.
On the other hand, the validity of a renewed licence for a transport vehicle is 5 years and that of a transport vehicle is 3 years.
At times, people tend to lose/misplace important vehicle-related documents in case of accidents. Besides, a driving licence can get damaged or stolen as well. However, if this happens to you, do not panic or apply driving licence renewal. Instead, visit the nearest RTO and get a duplicate driving licence. We have explained the steps to obtain a duplicate driving licence below.
Submit the duly filled driving licence renewal application form
Submit the copies of the FIR, affidavit, or complaint letter (as needed)
Duly filled Form 1
Clearance report from the traffic police
Proof of address
Fee Payment receipt for obtaining a duplicate driving licence
Medical fitness certificate
Fill the duplicate driving licence application form online
Submit the necessary documents
The RTO will verify the submitted documents and your application and issue the duplicate driving licence shortly
If you do not want to apply for a duplicate driving licence online, you can easily obtain it offline. Just follow the steps given below:
Visit your nearest RTO
Ask for Form LLD – the application form for obtaining a duplicate driving licence
Fill the form and attach the requested documents
Pay a nominal fee of Rs. 200 to process your application
Once you submit the application, you will receive a receipt that can be used until you receive the duplicate driving licence.
Adhering to traffic and road safety norms is crucial for Indian drivers. One key part of doing so is ensuring you carry a valid driving license and renewing it as and when necessary.
Another key angle is taking out a comprehensive insurance policy. Once you’ve taken care of the DL renewal part, bike insurance and car insurance policies available on Bajaj Markets will handle the insurance portion.
With Motor Insurance on Bajaj Markets, policyholders get access to instant claim settlement, a large network of 4000+ garages across India and much more. With your new insurance policy and renewed license, you’ll be well equipped to head out on the road.
Yes. You can make changes to your address and name when renewing the driving licence. However, ensure that you attach relevant documents as proof when submitting the application.
A practical DL test is not necessary when renewing the driving licence. But if you are above the age of 50 years old or suffering from a medical condition, then you will have to take the DL test.
Yes. But it should be done before the licence expires.
Yes. You can renew your driving licence within 5 years of its expiry. A penalty of Rs. 10 per year is charged if the licence is not renewed within 30 days of its expiration date.
Your driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issuance or till the driver attains the age of 50 years. The validity of the document depends on whichever clause comes earlier.
The process is similar to making a new application for a driving licence. Visit the official website https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do. Go to Driver’s/Learner’s Licence. Click on the drop-down menu and choose Bihar. Go to the Apply for Renewal of Driving Licence tab. Fill out the forms along and upload supporting documents. After you submit the application online, make note of the application number. You will have to visit the RTO in person for the verification process. Once the documents are verified and the renewal fee paid, you will be granted a new driving licence.
The Regional Transport Office issues you a renewed licence.
You have to submit your PAN and Aadhaar Cards with your application for the renewal of a driving licence.