Driving License Renewal
Renewal of an expired or soon-to-expire driving license.
Who needs this
Any driving license holder within one year of their license's expiry date, or within the grace period after expiry (subject to a late fee). Holders whose license has lapsed for more than five years typically must reapply as a fresh applicant, including a learner's license and driving test.
Documents required
| Document |
|---|
| Original driving license |
| Completed Form 9 (application for DL renewal) |
| Form 1/1A medical certificate (mandatory for transport license holders and applicants above 40) |
| Recent passport-size photographs |
| Address and identity proof |
| Eye test report |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | approximately ₹200 |
| Late fee | applicable if renewed after the grace period following expiry |
| Medical certificate fee | charged separately by the certifying doctor |
How long does it take
Instant to 15 working days -- many states allow Aadhaar-based online renewal via Sarathi/Parivahan, though an RTO visit for photo and signature capture is still required in most states
A driving license (DL) must be renewed before it expires to remain legally valid -- an expired DL cannot be used to drive, and beyond a state-defined grace period, the holder may need to appear for a fresh driving test rather than a simple renewal. Renewal is processed through the Sarathi portal alongside the concerned RTO, and typically requires an updated photo, signature, and (for some applicants) a medical fitness certificate.
Transport (commercial) license holders and applicants above a certain age face additional medical certification requirements, since these renewals also serve as a periodic fitness check.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- License has lapsed beyond the state's permitted renewal window, requiring a fresh learner's license and test instead
- Missing medical certificate for a transport license or an applicant above 40
- Mismatch between Aadhaar details and DL records
- Pending traffic violations linked to the license, in states that check this at renewal
Frequently asked questions
Can I legally drive with an expired license?
No -- an expired license is not valid for driving, even within the grace period some states allow for renewal without a fresh test.
How long is the grace period after expiry?
It varies by state, but is commonly up to one year after expiry before a fresh test is required instead of a simple renewal.
Is a driving test required for renewal?
Not for a standard renewal within the permitted window. A fresh test is generally only required if the license has lapsed well beyond the grace period.
Can I renew my DL online without visiting the RTO?
Several states support Aadhaar-based online renewal, but most still require an in-person RTO visit at least once for photo, signature, or biometric capture.
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
In most states, this is treated as a fresh application -- you would need to reapply for a learner's license and clear the driving test again.
Last updated: 2026-09-12