Full guide
Renew a Driving Licence: the complete guide
Every driving licence in India has an end date, and renewing it on time saves you late fees and, after a long gap, a fresh driving test. This guide covers renewal through the Sarathi portal for private and commercial licences, including the medical certificate rule for people aged 40 and above.
Who needs this
Check the “valid till” date on your licence card or in DigiLocker. Under the Motor Vehicles Act as amended in 2019, a private (non-transport) licence lasts:
| Your age when the licence is issued or renewed | Validity |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | Until you turn 40 |
| 30 to 49 | 10 years |
| 50 to 54 | Until you turn 60 |
| 55 and above | 5 years |
Transport licences have much shorter validity and must be renewed more often. You can apply for renewal up to one year before the expiry date. Renewal is handled by your state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) through Sarathi.
Documents explained
Form 9 is the renewal application, filled online.
Your current licence. You need the licence number and date of birth for the online form. Keep the original card in case you are asked to visit the RTO.
Form 1 is a self-declaration of physical fitness, completed as part of the form.
Form 1A medical certificate is needed if you are 40 or older, and for every transport licence renewal. A registered medical practitioner checks your eyesight and general fitness and signs it. In some states the doctor uploads it straight into Sarathi.
Address proof is needed only if your address has changed. Your state RTO may ask for extra documents.
Refresher training certificate may be needed for commercial licences in some states.
Step-by-step process
- If you are 40 or older, get Form 1A from a registered doctor first.
- Go to Sarathi, choose your state and open “Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/IDP/Others)”.
- Enter your licence number and date of birth, then select “Renewal of DL”.
- Upload the documents asked for and pay. The portal adds any late fee automatically.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication if offered. Many states renew private licences without any RTO visit this way.
- If your state needs a visit, book a slot for biometrics and document checks.
- If you applied more than one year after expiry, be ready for a driving test.
- Track your application on Sarathi. The new card is posted to you and the renewed licence shows up in DigiLocker.
Fees and timelines
Central fees under rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules:
| Situation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Renewal on time | ₹200 |
| Renewal after the grace period | ₹300 plus ₹1,000 for each year or part year of delay |
| Driving test, if required | ₹300 |
States usually add a smart card charge and service fees. Online renewals without an RTO visit are often approved within a few days, and the card arrives in one to three weeks.
An important change: before 2019, an expired licence stayed valid for 30 days. That automatic grace has been removed, so you should not drive on an expired licence at all. How states calculate the late fee window can still vary, so check the amount shown on Sarathi before paying.
Common problems and fixes
Medical certificate rejected. Make sure the doctor fills every field, adds their registration number and signs and stamps the form. Use a recent certificate.
Licence number not found. Older handwritten or booklet licences may not be in the national database. Visit the issuing RTO to get your licence backlogged into Sarathi first.
Licence issued in another state. You can renew from the state where you now live. Select your current state on Sarathi and upload current address proof.
Large late fee. The ₹1,000 per year penalty adds up quickly. Renew as soon as you notice the expiry.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I renew my driving licence?
Up to one year before the expiry date. The new validity starts from the old expiry date, so renewing early does not cost you time.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Only if your licence has not yet expired. Once it has expired, wait for the renewal to be approved before driving.
Do I need a medical certificate if I am under 40?
Not for a private licence. You only fill the Form 1 self-declaration. Transport licence holders need Form 1A at every renewal.
What if my licence expired several years ago?
You can still apply, but you will pay the late fee for each year and the RTO can ask you to pass the driving test again.