How to Renew an Expired Driving License DL in India

Why Timely Driving License Renewal is Important?

Regardless of the reason why you couldn’t renew your driving license on time, you should do it at the earliest possible. Once your driving license expires, you lose the legal right to drive your car on Indian roads.

If you’re caught driving without a valid/expired driving license, you may have to pay a monetary penalty. Repeated offences can also lead to imprisonment.

Insurance companies can also reject a claim request if they find that you were driving the vehicle on an invalid/expired driving license when the road accident happened. However, it doesn’t apply when you still have a grace period left for driving license renewal. You can avoid all these challenges by renewing your driving license on time.
 

Rules and Eligibility for Driving License Renewal

The application for online DL renewal can be filed one year before and one year after the expiry date. If your license remains expired for more than a year, you will have to take a driving retest to obtain your license.

You may have to apply for a fresh driving license instead of renewing the old license if it remains expired for longer, say 5 years or more. Anyone with a previously valid driving license is eligible to renew it online after its expiry. However, ensure you have all the supporting documents needed for a smooth renewal.
 

Documents Required for Expired Driving License (DL) Renewal

To renew a driving license for a private car, you’ll need the following documents –

• Self-attested copies of valid age and residence proof
• Duly filled Form No. 9 (official application form for license renewal)
• Form No. 1A for people aged 40+ (valid medical certificate)
• Form No. 1 (self-declaration of physical fitness)
• Two passport-size photographs

When you apply for expired DL renewal, you’ll have to submit the original driving license to the authorities. The referred document requirements may vary depending on state laws.

How to Renew DL Online: Step-by-Step Process

People exploring how to renew DL online should follow the steps listed below.

• Visit the Sarathi Parivahan portal and choose the state of license registration.
• Click on the option to apply for driving license renewal and enter the relevant details.
• Choose the right license category and your local RTO.
• Fill the application form as it appears on the screen.
• Upload all the relevant documents and pay the driving license fee.

In some cases, you will need to visit the local RTO (if instructed during the application) for verification. Once the verification is finished, you will receive a renewed driving license. You can check the DL renewal status using the reference/application number mentioned in the acknowledgement slip.

Common Challenges During Driving License Renewal

Although digitisation has made it easier to renew an expired driving license online, people still face some challenges. We’ve covered some of the common challenges that applicants face during the license renewal application process.

Confusion About Medical Certificate Requirements

Some people are confused about whether they need to submit Form 1A when renewing their application. This form is usually required if the applicant is above 40 years of age or they’re renewing a commercial driving license. If you don’t fall into either of these two categories, then this form isn’t compulsory for you.

Hassle for Driving Retest

If your driving license has remained expired for more than a year, you may have to retake the driving test at the nearest RTO to obtain a driving license. License(s) that have remained expired for 5 years or longer are treated as fresh applications, so you will have to follow the new driving license application process, not the renewal steps. It can be inconvenient to some people.

Mismatch in Records Can Cause Unwanted Delays

This challenge is common if you’ve changed your address or other key details after getting a driving license. If the new changes haven’t been updated and synced with the government records, then you may face delays in renewal due to information mismatch.

Technical Issues on the Government Website

Although the Sarathi Parivahan portal is well-designed and highly secure, there can be occasional instances of technical challenges. Issues such as payment transaction errors, slow website performance during peak hours, or slow document uploads can make the renewal process challenging.
 

Conclusion

A driving license is a must-have for every car owner in India. It’s a legal requirement for anyone who wants to drive a vehicle on Indian roads. If your driving license has expired recently or long ago, you can renew it by following the steps outlined in this blog.

The process to renew a driving license online is straightforward, and the process can be completed within a few minutes if you’re ready with all the key documents.

If your car insurance has also expired or is nearing expiry, you can consider switching to a better plan that provides enhanced coverage. Consider exploring the Comprehensive Car Insurance plan if you’re prioritising generous coverage with ample personalisation options.

FAQs

1. Is it compulsory to give a driving test for driving license renewal?

You won’t have to give a retest if you’re applying for license renewal within 1 year of the expiry date.

2. Do I have to pay a fee to renew my driving license?

Yes, you’ll have to pay a nominal fee, depending on the application timeline. People applying for renewal within the grace period will have to pay within ₹400. As the grace period ends, you’ll have to pay ₹300 as the nominal fee + ₹200 for the smart card + ₹1000/year or part thereof for each delayed year. The referred fees amount may vary depending on state laws.

3. Is a medical certificate necessary for driving license renewal?

Yes, it’s necessary but only if you’re 40+ years of age or applying for a commercial driving license renewal.

4. What is the validity of a driving license?

A driving license remains valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the individual turns 50, whichever comes first. After crossing this mark, a license renewal becomes necessary.

5. Can I apply for a driving license renewal online?

Yes, you can apply for a driving license renewal online at the Sarathi Parivahan portal.