Driving License Renewal Online

09 Feb 2019

Do you remember the first time you sat behind the wheel?

Chances are, it was during your childhood as you sat on your parent’s lap in the stationary car, pretending to steer the wheel and drive. However, as you reach the crucial milestone where you are legally an ‘adult’, you realise that actually learning to drive is a rite of passage and not just a fun activity. Driving is something that will offer you a different sense of independence and freedom.

When you are 18 years old, you get to prove your skills as a driver and apply for a driver’s license. You probably stand in a long queue at the Regional Transport Office (RTO), nervously waiting to be quizzed by the authorised officer on the rules of the road. But when you finally answer all their questions and pass the test where you drive, you are hit with a mix of relief and excitement.

You now have the right to legally drive on Indian roads.

Need to renew your driver’s license

While the Government of India puts its faith in your driving skills and allows you to drive on Indian roads, it does it with caution. The driver’s license that you get, whether it is for a 4-wheeler or a 2-wheeler; whether it is for a personal vehicle or a transport vehicle, comes with an expiration date.

The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, states the latest guidelines and rules for the renewal of one's driver's license. As per the Act, the driver is allowed to apply for license renewal within one year before or after the expiry of the license.

Thankfully, you can start the process of online driving license renewal right from the comfort of your couch. Read on to know how.

Things to know before you apply for driving license renewal online

Before you start with the process of getting your driving license renewal online, there are a few things you need to know:

• You cannot apply for the online driving license renewal before one month to the date of license expiration. For example, if your driver’s license expires on May 30, 2021, you cannot apply for renewal before April 30, 2021.
• If your driver’s license has been expired for more than 5 years, you need to apply for a fresh driver’s license. The option to renew your expired license is no longer available to you.
• If the online driving license application form and other required documents are submitted within 30 days of the license having expired, the renewal will be effective from the date of the license expiry. For example, if the driver's license expired on May 30, 2021, and the renewal application is made between April 30-June 29, then the renewed license will be effective from May 30, 2021.
• If the application for online driver’s license renewal is made after 30 days of the license’s expiry, then the date of effect of the renewed license will be the date of submission of proper application. For example, if the license expires on May 30, 2021, and the application for its renewal is made on August 20, 2021, then the license will be in effect from August 20, 2021.
• A fee of INR 30 will be levied on renewal applications made after 30 days from the date of expiration.

Next, let’s see what the process of online driving license renewal looks like.

Steps for driver’s license online application

If you are confused about the process of online driving license renewal, take a deep breath. Then, continue reading this section of the article which will take you through all the steps required to get your driver’s license renewed online. Here are the steps:

• Head to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
• Select ‘State’
• Select ‘Driving license’
• Select ‘Services on Driving License’
• Enter the Driving License Number and Date of Birth
• Select the 'Get Driver's License Details' option
• Fill in any missing details and hit ‘Proceed’

Once you proceed from here, the next page will list all the services you are eligible for. For example, if your driver’s license is not up for renewal in the next 365 days, it won’t show up on the list. However, if it is eligible for renewal, the next step is to:

• Select ‘Renewal of DL’ from the list of options.
• Fill the application form
• Choose a slot to visit the RTO office of your area
• Pay the fee online
• Visit the RTO with your original documents, fee slip, and medical form (if applicable), on the day of your appointment.

If you are more than 40 years old, you will also need to take a duly signed copy of Form 1A- a medical certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner.

Please note, given the COVID restrictions in the country, the in-person process may change without notice. It is best to contact the RTO before going, to confirm your appointment.

Updating address on driver’s license

If you are renewing your license after many years, there’s a good chance that your address may have changed as well. You can simply enter your current address on your license renewal form. However, if you need to change the address before you need to apply for your license renewal, or after you have already received your renewed license, there is a simple way to do it. Updating driver’s license address can be done online by following these steps

• Head to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
• Select ‘State’
• Select ‘Driving license’
• Select ‘Services on Driving License’
• Enter the Driving License Number and Date of Birth
• Select the 'Get Driver’s License Details’ option
• Select the 'Change of Address’ option from the list of services provided.

Validity of renewed driver’s license

So, how long before you need to renew your driver’s license again? According to the latest Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, here are the rules for the different age groups:

• If you are younger than 30, the license is valid till you are 40 years old.
• If you are between 30-50 years of age, the license expires 10 years from the date of issue.
• If you are between 50-55 years of age, your license expires on your 60th birthday.
• If you are over 55 years of age, then the validity of your driver’s license is 5 years.

Make the most of your ability and right to drive on Indian roads, and don’t let your driver’s license expire…and while you are driving legally, how about you also make sure you have valid car insurancefor your vehicle?

Disclaimer: For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. *The discount amount will vary subject to vehicle specification and place of registration