Renew Driving Licence Online (2026): Steps, Fees & Validity

Last updated: September 2026 – rules and fees checked against the Motor Vehicles Act (as amended) and the current Sarathi Parivahan portal.

A driving licence doesn’t last forever, and driving on an expired licence can get you fined. The good news is that renewing it is simple: you apply online on Sarathi Parivahan, pay a small fee, and in many states you don’t even need to visit the RTO. This guide explains when to renew, the documents and fees, and the step-by-step process.

When Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?

Up to 1 year before expiry: you can apply early, and it’s the easiest time to do it.
Within 30 days after expiry (grace period): your licence is still treated as valid and you pay the normal renewal fee.
After the grace period: you can still renew, but you pay a late fee, and you cannot legally drive until it is renewed.
More than 1 year after expiry: the RTO can ask you to pass the driving test again before renewing.

Not sure when your licence expires? Check your driving licence details online or look at the digital copy in DigiLocker or mParivahan.

How Long Is a Renewed Licence Valid?

Your age at renewal (private / non-transport licence)	New validity
Under 30	Until you turn 40
30 to 50	10 years
50 to 55	Until you turn 60
Over 55	5 years

Transport (commercial) vehicle licences are renewed for 5 years at a time, and for 3 years if you drive vehicles carrying hazardous goods.

Documents Required for Renewal

Your existing driving licence (number and date of birth)
Form 9 (renewal application), generated online when you apply
Form 1 self-declaration of physical fitness, or a Form 1A medical certificate from a registered doctor if you are 40 or older, or hold a transport licence
Recent passport-size photo and signature (if asked)
Aadhaar, for the online contactless option in states that offer it
For heavy transport vehicles: a refresher training certificate, where your state requires it

How To Renew Your Driving Licence Online

Step 1: Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select the state that issued your licence.
Step 2: Under Driving Licence, open Services on DL (Renewal / Duplicate / AEDL / IDP / Others).
Step 3: Enter your driving licence number and date of birth, and confirm the licence details shown.
Step 4: Choose Renewal of DL from the list of services. If your address has changed, you can select change of address at the same time.
Step 5: Fill in the form and upload the medical certificate (if needed), photo and signature. Note your application number.
Step 6: Pay the fee online and save the receipt.
Step 7: If your state asks for it, book a slot and visit the RTO for biometrics or document checks. With Aadhaar-based contactless renewal, no visit is needed.
Step 8: Once approved, the renewed licence appears in DigiLocker and mParivahan, and the new smart card is sent by post.

Track your renewal any time on Sarathi under Application Status, using your application number and date of birth. See our guide on Parivahan application status.

Driving Licence Renewal Fees

Service	Fee
Renewal (before expiry or within the 30-day grace period)	Rs 200
Renewal after the grace period	Rs 300 + Rs 1,000 for each year (or part of a year) of delay

These are central fees under Rule 32 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. States may add smart card, service or postal charges, and a driving test fee applies if a retest is required.

Understanding Your Driving Licence Number

You need your licence number to renew online. Newer licences use a 15-character format, for example GJ12 20190000001:

GJ – state code (Gujarat)
12 – code of the issuing RTO
2019 – year of issue
0000001 – 7-digit serial number

If you have an older licence in a different format, such as RJ-13/DLC/12/123456, enter it on Sarathi as state code + RTO code, then the 4-digit year, then the serial number padded with zeros to 7 digits: RJ1320120123456. If the portal still can’t find it, contact your RTO to get it added to the national database.

Download Driving Licence PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driving licence completely online?

Yes, in most states. With Aadhaar-based contactless service, you apply, upload documents and pay online without visiting the RTO. Some states still ask for a short RTO visit for biometrics.

Can I drive with an expired licence?

Only during the 30-day grace period after expiry. After that, driving is treated as driving without a valid licence and you can be fined. See the traffic fines list.

Can I renew my licence in a different state?

Yes. You can apply to the RTO where you now live and update your address at the same time. Select the new state on Sarathi and choose renewal along with change of address.

My licence expired years ago. What now?

You can still apply for renewal, but you will pay the late fee, and if more than a year has passed you may have to take the driving test again. Contact your RTO if the online system does not accept your licence.

How long does renewal take?

Approval usually takes a few days to two weeks. The digital licence updates first; the new smart card normally arrives within a few weeks, depending on your state. To correct your name during renewal, see how to change the name on a driving licence.

How To Renew Driving Licence Online (2026): Steps, Fees & Validity