Driving Licence Renewal Online — Full Process

When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?

A permanent Driving Licence (DL) in India is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50 years old — whichever comes earlier. After 50, DLs are valid for 5 years and must be renewed periodically.

You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before and up to 1 year after the expiry date without penalty. Beyond 1 year after expiry, you may need to retake the driving test.

This guide walks you through the complete online DL renewal process via the Parivahan/Sarathi portal.

Am I Eligible for DL Renewal?

Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

• Current Driving Licence (original)
• Aadhaar Card or address proof
• Passport-size photographs (recent, white background)
• Medical Certificate (Form 1A) — mandatory if age is 40+ or for transport vehicles

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Address proof (if address has changed since last DL)
• Self-declaration (Form 1) — for medical fitness (if under 40)

Medical Certificate Details

• Must be issued by a registered medical practitioner (MBBS or above)
• Should certify fitness to drive — covering eyesight, physical fitness, and any medical conditions
• Valid for 1 month from the date of issue

Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Visit Sarathi Portal

1. Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Select your state from the dropdown

Step 2: Start Application

1. Click "Apply Online" from the menu
2. Select "Renewal of Driving Licence (DL)"
3. Enter your existing DL number
4. Enter your date of birth
5. Click "Get DL Details" — your existing information will be fetched

Step 3: Fill Application Form

1. Verify your personal details (name, father's name, address)
2. Update address if it has changed (you'll need address proof)
3. Select vehicle classes you want to renew (LMV, MCWG, etc.)
4. Fill in any additional details requested

Step 4: Upload Documents

1. Upload passport-size photograph (JPEG, max 200 KB)
2. Upload signature (JPEG, max 100 KB)
3. Upload Medical Certificate (Form 1A) — if required
4. Upload address proof — if address is changed
5. Ensure all documents are clear and readable

Step 5: Pay Fees Online

Note: Fees vary slightly by state. Pay via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Step 6: Book RTO Appointment

1. After payment, you'll be prompted to book an appointment at your RTO
2. Select an available date and time slot
3. Note your application number and appointment date
4. Download/print the application receipt

Step 7: Visit RTO (If Required)

Some states have fully online renewal (no RTO visit needed). For others:

1. Visit the RTO on your appointment date
2. Carry all original documents
3. Biometric verification (photo and fingerprint) will be done
4. The RTO officer will verify your documents and process the renewal

Step 8: Receive Renewed DL

1. Your renewed DL (smart card) will be sent to your registered address via Speed Post
2. Delivery time: 15-30 days after RTO processing
3. Track delivery using the application number on Sarathi portal
4. You'll also get a digital copy on Parivahan/DigiLocker

Renewal Without RTO Visit (Select States)

Some states like Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra allow fully online renewal without visiting the RTO — if:

• You're below 40 years of age (no medical test needed)
• Your address hasn't changed
• No change in vehicle class
• Your existing details in the system are correct

The renewed DL is sent directly by post.

Renewal After Expiry (Grace Period)

Tip: Don't wait for your DL to expire. Apply for renewal up to 1 year before the expiry date.

How to Check DL Renewal Status

1. Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
2. Click "Application Status"
3. Enter your application number or DL number
4. View the current status (submitted, under process, approved, dispatched)

Important Tips

1. Apply before expiry to avoid any complications or gaps in your DL validity
2. Get the medical certificate ready first — it's valid for only 1 month, so time it right
3. Keep a screenshot of your application as temporary proof while the renewed DL is in transit
4. Carry your old DL to the RTO — they may retain it and issue the new one
5. Check DigiLocker after renewal — your updated DL should appear within 2-3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I drive with an expired DL while renewal is in process?

If you've applied for renewal within the grace period, carry your application receipt as proof. However, technically an expired DL is not valid — renewal application doesn't extend validity automatically.

Q2. Do I need to take a driving test again for renewal?

No, for normal renewals (within 1 year of expiry). If your DL expired more than 3-5 years ago, some RTOs may require a driving test.

Q3. Can I renew my DL from a different state?

You can apply from any RTO, but the process may take longer as records need to be verified from your original issuing state. Some states handle this smoothly online.

Q4. My DL is very old and not in the system. How do I renew?

Visit your issuing RTO with the original DL. They'll digitise your records in the Sarathi system first, then process the renewal.

Q5. Can I add a new vehicle class during renewal?

Yes, you can add additional vehicle classes (e.g., add LMV to your MCWG licence) during renewal. Additional fees and possibly a driving test for the new class will apply.

Q6. How long does it take to get the renewed DL?

Typically 15-30 days after RTO processing. The smart card is sent via Speed Post to your registered address.

Q7. Is the medical certificate mandatory for everyone?

Medical certificate (Form 1A) is mandatory for applicants above 40 years for non-transport vehicles, and for all ages for transport vehicle DLs. Below 40, a self-declaration (Form 1) is usually sufficient.

Q8. What if my photo/address on the old DL is different from current?

You can update your photo and address during the renewal process. Upload a new photograph and provide current address proof. See our DL address change guide.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with Parivahan, Sarathi, or any RTO. Verify details on Sarathi portal.