How to Renew Your Driving Licence
Renew an Indian driving licence online through Parivahan Sarathi — when to apply, the medical certificate rule, and how to renew an expired DL after the grace period.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- parivahan.gov.in ↗
A renewed driving licence is essentially a fresh issue with the same DL number and the same vehicle classes you already hold. The process runs on Parivahan Sarathi and is largely online — most states no longer require a renewal visit to the RTO unless biometrics or signature need a refresh.
The grace window is 1 year after expiry. Apply within that window, ideally within 30 days of expiry, to avoid late fees and the risk of being asked to take a fresh DL test.
If you're aged 40 or above, a Form 1A medical self-declaration signed by a registered doctor is mandatory at renewal — don't skip this step.
Eligibility
- You hold an Indian Driving Licence that has expired, is about to expire, or has expired within the past 1 year (the standard grace window).
- You are medically fit. Applicants aged 40 and above must submit a Form 1A medical certificate at renewal.
- You are not under any DL suspension or disqualification.
Required documents
Existing DL
Original DL or DL number. The Sarathi system fetches details automatically.
Form 1A medical self-declaration
Required for renewals where the applicant is 40 or above.
Form 9 renewal application
Generated by Sarathi during the online application.
Photograph and signature
Soft copies for upload.
Address proof
If your address has changed since the DL was issued.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Open Parivahan Sarathi
Go to parivahan.gov.in and choose 'Driving Licence Related Services' for your state.
sarathi.parivahan.gov.in ↗ - 2
Click 'Apply for Renewal of DL'
Enter your DL number, date of birth, and confirm details fetched from the RTO database.
- 3
Fill the renewal form (Form 9)
Update any details that have changed — address, vehicle class — and tick the renewal type.
- 4
Upload medical certificate (if 40+)
Upload Form 1A signed by a registered medical practitioner.
- 5
Upload photo and signature
If your photo and signature in the RTO system are outdated, upload fresh copies.
- 6
Pay the renewal fee + smart card fee
Pay online via card / UPI / net banking.
- 7
Schedule a slot at the RTO (only if required)
Some states require a brief RTO visit for biometric refresh or signature; many allow fully online renewal.
- 8
Download the renewed DL
Renewed DL PDF is available on Sarathi and DigiLocker once processed. The smart card is dispatched by post.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
parivahan.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Renewing after the 1-year grace window without filing a fresh application — DL must be renewed within 1 year of expiry; beyond that, a fresh DL test may be required.
- Forgetting Form 1A medical certificate for applicants aged 40 and above — application is held until uploaded.
- Driving on an expired DL during the gap — even within the grace window, driving on an expired DL is an offence.
- Updating address through the renewal form when the address proof in Aadhaar isn't yet updated.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for renewal?▾
You can apply up to 1 year before expiry or up to 1 year after expiry (grace window). Apply within 30 days of expiry to avoid late fees in many states.
What if my DL has been expired for more than 1 year?▾
Beyond the 1-year grace window, you may need to apply for a fresh LL + DL — depending on state policy.
Is renewal possible without a medical certificate if I'm 40+?▾
No. Form 1A medical certificate is mandatory for renewal applicants 40 years and above.
Can I drive while waiting for the renewed DL?▾
If you applied for renewal during the grace window, most states allow driving on the basis of the receipt + expired DL. Carry both.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.