Driving Licence Renewal Online in India: Complete 2026 Guide
A driving licence in India is typically valid for 20 years or until age 50 (whichever comes first) — then it needs renewal. Driving with an expired licence is legally the same as driving without one. The good news: driving licence renewal online on the Parivahan Sarathi portal takes about 15 minutes of form-filling.
When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?
- Private (non-transport) licence: 20 years from issue, or until age 50 — whichever is earlier. After 50, renewals last 5 years at a time.
- Transport/commercial licence: 3 years (with medical certificate each renewal).
- Grace period: 1 year after expiry to renew without penalty. After that, a fresh driving test is needed.
Documents Required for DL Renewal
- Form 9 (renewal application — filled online)
- Existing/expired driving licence (original)
- Form 1 (self-declaration of fitness) — for all
- Form 1A (medical certificate from a registered doctor) — mandatory if you’re 40 or older, and for all transport renewals
- Proof of age and address, passport-size photos, fee payment
How to Renew Driving Licence Online on Parivahan Sarathi (Step-by-Step)
- Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in, select your state.
- Click “Driving Licence” → “Apply for DL Renewal”.
- Enter your DL number and date of birth, verify with OTP.
- Fill Form 9 online; upload photo, signature, Form 1/1A, address proof.
- Pay the fee online (indicative ₹400–₹500 total — check the live fee on the portal).
- Book a slot and visit the RTO for verification and photo capture (some states are fully online for non-transport renewals).
- Track under “Application Status”; the smart-card DL is dispatched to your address and appears in DigiLocker/mParivahan.
Time: ~15 minutes form-filling; RTO processing typically 7–30 days.
How to Renew a Driving Licence Online in India
Open the Sarathi portal and select your state
Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and choose your state from the list.
Choose Apply for DL Renewal
Click Driving Licence, then select Apply for DL Renewal.
Enter DL details and verify with OTP
Enter your DL number and date of birth, then verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Fill the form and upload documents
Complete Form 9 online and upload your photo, signature, Form 1 or 1A, and address proof.
Pay the renewal fee online
Pay the fee on the portal. The article notes an indicative total of Rs 400 to Rs 500, but confirm the live fee shown on the portal.
Book a slot and visit the RTO
Book an appointment and visit the RTO for document verification and photo capture. Some states allow fully online renewal for non-transport licences.
Track the application and receive your DL
Track progress under Application Status. The smart-card DL is dispatched to your address and also appears in DigiLocker and mParivahan.
Renewing an Expired Driving Licence
- Within 1 year of expiry: normal renewal, no test needed.
- After 1 year: fresh application required — learner’s licence and driving test again.
- Lost + expired: apply for duplicate-cum-renewal; carry an FIR copy for the lost licence.
First, check your current DL details and validity here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my DL online after it expires?
Yes, within the 1-year grace period. Beyond a year, it’s a fresh application.
Is a driving test needed for renewal?
No — not within the grace period.
Can I renew my DL in a different state?
Yes — select your current RTO on Sarathi with local address proof.
Does the renewed DL show in DigiLocker?
Yes — once issued, it appears in DigiLocker and mParivahan, both legally valid.
