Who Needs This Service?
Driving licence renewal can be done one year before or after the expiry date, as per the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 Parivahan SewaParivahanssewa. If your licence has expired for more than five years, you must undergo all formalities to obtain a fresh licence. A permanent driving licence is generally valid for 20 years or until the licence holder reaches 50 years of age, whichever comes first 1stheadline. After 50, the licence is valid for five-year periods. Commercial driving licences typically have three-year validity.
Required Documents
For renewing your driving licence online, you need the following documents ready in scanned format (JPEG or PDF, under 1 MB):
- Application Form 9: Available for download from Parivahan Sewa portal
- Form 1: Self-declaration of physical fitness (for non-transport vehicles)
- Form 1A: Medical certificate from registered medical practitioner (mandatory if you are 40 years or older, or hold a commercial driving licence)
- Proof of Age: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Birth Certificate, or 10th marksheet
- Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, utility bills (electricity/water/gas), rent agreement, or bank statement
- Recent Passport-sized Photographs: 2-3 colour photographs with white background
- Original Driving Licence: Your existing driving licence details
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): Only if you are renewing in a different state from where your original licence was issued
For Address Change: You additionally need valid address proof documents showing your new address.
Online Application Process for DL Renewal
Step 1: Visit the Official Sarathi Parivahan Portal
Go to the official website: https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
This is the only authentic government portal for driving licence services under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Step 2: Select Your State
On the homepage, you will see a dropdown menu or map of India. Click on your state to proceed. Each state has its own regional portal integrated with the national system.
Step 3: Access Driving Licence Services
Click on “Services on Drivers License(Renewal/Duplicate/AEDL/Others)” from the “Driving License” menu Parivahan Sewa. You will see instructions for application submission and a list of available services.
Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details
Fill up the application form by entering your Driving Licence Number and Date of Birth, then click on “Get DL Details” Parivahan Sewa. The system will fetch your licence information from the database, including your name, father’s name, address, photograph, signature, class of vehicles, and validity details.
Step 5: Verify Details and Select Service
Carefully verify all displayed information. From the list of services, select “Renewal of Driving Licence”. Ensure your name, date of birth, and other details match exactly with your official documents.
Step 6: Fill the Application Form
Complete Form 9 with accurate information. Enter your mobile number and email address for receiving OTP verification and updates. The mobile number is crucial for SMS notifications about your application status.
Step 7: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents:
- Form 1 (self-declaration) or Form 1A (medical certificate)
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Passport-sized photographs
Ensure all documents are clear, properly scanned, and in the specified format (JPEG/PDF) with file size under 1 MB.
Step 8: Pay the Renewal Fee
The standard base fee for timely driving licence renewal typically starts around ₹200 1stheadline. If the application is made more than 30 days after the date of expiry, a fee of Rs. 30 will be charged Parivahan Sewa. Late renewal may attract additional penalties, with some states charging around ₹300 plus ₹1,000 per year delay penalty 1stheadline.
Payment options include:
- Net Banking
- Debit/Credit Card
- UPI
- Mobile Wallets
After successful payment, save and download the payment receipt. You will need this for your RTO visit.
Step 9: Book RTO Appointment (if required)
Some states require you to visit the RTO for biometric verification or document verification. If your state requires this, book an appointment slot through the portal. Select a convenient date and time.
Step 10: Print Application Forms
Download and print:
- Pre-filled Application Form
- Form 1 or Form 1A
- Payment receipt
- Fee slip
Step 11: Visit RTO (if required)
Visit RTO on scheduled date with original documents and fee slip Parivahan Sewa. Carry all original documents for verification. The RTO official will verify your documents and may conduct biometric verification. In case the Driving License is expired for more than one year, you may need to undergo a driving test or may be required to obtain a learner’s license Parivahan Sewa.
Step 12: Receive Renewed Driving Licence
After successful verification, your renewed driving licence will be printed and dispatched to your registered address via Speed Post. This typically takes 7-15 days. You can track the delivery using the Speed Post tracking number provided in your application status.
How to Change Address on Driving Licence Online
Process for Address Change:
Step 1: Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/ and select your state.
Step 2: Click on “Driving License” then “Services on Driving License”. Enter the Driving License Number and Date of Birth, click on “Get Drivers License Details” button, then select “Change of Address” from the list of services provided Parivahan SewaParivahan Sewa.
Step 3: After your DL details are displayed, select whether you want to change your Permanent address, Present address, or Both.
Step 4: Enter the new address details carefully. Ensure the PIN code is correct as this determines the RTO jurisdiction.
Step 5: Upload address proof documents for the new address (Aadhaar Card, utility bill, rent agreement, etc.).
Step 6: Pay the address change fee, which typically ranges between ₹200-₹500 depending on your state.
Step 7: Book an RTO appointment if required by your state and visit with original documents.
Step 8: Your updated driving licence with the new address will be dispatched to your new address within 15-30 days.
Important Note: The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 requires you to apply for recording the change in residence within 14 days of address change Parivahansewa.
Offline Process for DL Renewal
If you prefer the offline method or face technical issues with the online portal:
Step 1: Visit Your Local RTO
Go to the Regional Transport Office where your driving licence was issued or your nearest RTO. Check the RTO working hours (typically 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays).
Step 2: Obtain Application Forms
Download Form 9, Form 1, and Form 1A from Parivahan Sewa or collect them from the RTO counter Parivahan.
Step 3: Fill the Forms
Complete all forms with accurate information. Ensure your handwriting is legible. Attach passport-sized photographs as required.
Step 4: Submit Documents
Submit the completed forms along with photocopies and originals of:
- Existing driving licence
- Proof of age
- Proof of address
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
Step 5: Pay Fees
Pay the renewal fee at the designated counter. Collect the payment receipt.
Step 6: Verification
The RTO verifies your documents and may conduct a medical or driving test if the license has expired for over a year Parivahan.
Step 7: Collect Renewed Licence
Receive your renewed DL within 15 days, typically via post or in-person Parivahan.
How to Check Application Status and Track Delivery
Method 1: Through Parivahan Portal
Step 1: Visit https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Select your state from the dropdown menu
Step 3: Click on “Application Status” under “Apply Online” menu
Step 4: Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth, and Captcha code
Step 5: Click “Submit” to view your current application status
The status will show one of these: Application Submitted, Under Process, Approved, Dispatched, or Rejected.
Method 2: Track Speed Post Delivery
Once your application status shows “Dispatched,” you will receive a Speed Post tracking number. Visit https://www.indiapost.gov.in/ and enter the tracking number to check delivery status and estimated delivery date.
Method 3: Through State RTO Website
Many states have their own transport department websites where you can check application status. Visit your state’s transport department website and look for “DL Application Status” or similar option.
Method 4: SMS and Email Updates
2025 Update: New mobile verification ensures delivery alerts Parivahansewaportal. You will receive SMS notifications on your registered mobile number at various stages: application received, under verification, approved, and dispatched.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: “DL Details Not Found” Error
Cause: Your driving licence data may not be migrated to the Sarathi portal yet, or there may be a mismatch in the details you entered.
Solution:
- Double-check your DL number and date of birth for typos
- Ensure you’re selecting the correct state where your licence was issued
- If the Driving License details are not found, consult your RTO/Department, as DL details need to be migrated from RTO to Sarathi portal Parivahan Sewa
- Visit your RTO with original licence for data migration if the problem persists
Problem 2: Document Upload Errors or Rejection
Cause: File size too large, wrong format, unclear scan, or document mismatch.
Solution:
- Ensure scans are clear, under 1MB, in JPEG/PDF format Parivahansewaportal
- Use a scanner or good quality camera for documents
- Ensure the entire document is visible without shadows or glare
- Verify that the name and address on all documents match exactly
- Check document orientation before uploading
- Use DigiLocker integration for direct document upload
Problem 3: Payment Pending or Payment Failure
Cause: Network issues, bank server downtime, or session timeout during payment.
Solution:
- Wait for 24-48 hours as payment status updates may be delayed
- Check your bank statement to confirm if amount was debited
- Visit the portal and go to “Check Payment Status” under Others menu
- Enter your application number to verify payment status
- If payment was debited but status not updated, visit RTO with payment proof
- For refund issues, contact your bank and RTO helpdesk with transaction details
Problem 4: Application Status Stuck at “Pending” for Days
Cause: Document verification delays, police verification pending, incomplete information, or high RTO workload.
Solution:
- Check application status regularly for any action required notification
- Ensure all documents were uploaded correctly
- Contact your RTO on the phone or visit in person after 15 days
- If police verification is pending, contact your local police station
- Some states require physical verification which may cause delays
- Keep checking your registered email and mobile for any communication from RTO
Problem 5: OTP Not Received for Mobile Verification
Cause: Network issues, incorrect mobile number, or delayed SMS delivery.
Solution:
- Check if your mobile number is entered correctly
- Ensure you have good network coverage
- Wait for 2-3 minutes before requesting OTP again
- Try using the “Resend OTP” option (limited to 3 attempts)
- Check if your phone’s message inbox is full
- Contact your mobile service provider if issue persists
- Update your mobile number at RTO if the registered number is old or incorrect
District RTO Offices and Contact Details
Each state has multiple Regional Transport Offices. To find your nearest RTO:
Step 1: Visit https://parivahan.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on “Informational Services” and select “Contact Details”
Step 3: Select your state to view list of all RTOs with addresses and phone numbers
Alternatively, you can search online for “[Your City] RTO contact number” to find specific details for your local office.
Major City RTO Examples (visit official portal for complete list):
- Delhi: Multiple RTOs including Sarai Kale Khan, Loni Road, Dwarka, etc.
- Mumbai: Multiple RTOs including Tardeo, Borivali, Andheri, etc.
- Bangalore: Multiple RTOs including Yeshwanthpur, Koramangala, Indiranagar, etc.
- Chennai: Multiple RTOs including Alandur, Tambaram, Anna Nagar, etc.
Official Helpline Numbers and Contact Information
For technical assistance and support related to driving licence services:
Sarathi Helpdesk (Driving Licence Services)
- Phone: 0120-2459169 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, all days)
- Email: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
Vahan Helpdesk (Vehicle Registration Services)
- Email: helpdesk-vahan@gov.in
eChallan Helpdesk
- Phone: 0120-2459171 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Email: helpdesk-echallan@gov.in
mParivahan App Support
- Phone: 0120-2459171 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
- Email: helpdesk-mparivahan@gov.in
General Parivahan Sewa Contact
- Phone: 0120-4925505
Important: Always contact official government helplines only. Do not trust third-party agents promising quick renewals for extra fees.
State-Wise Variations
While the online process remains largely similar across India, some states may have specific requirements:
- Medical Certificate: Some states require medical certificates for all applicants over 40, while others may require it only for commercial licence holders
- RTO Visit: Some states allow completely online renewal without RTO visit, while others mandate biometric verification
- Fees: State-specific service charges may apply in addition to base renewal fees
- Processing Time: Varies from 7 to 30 days depending on state RTO efficiency
Always check your state transport department website or Sarathi portal for state-specific guidelines before starting the application.
Important Timelines and Validity
Grace Period: You can apply for renewal 1 year before or after the expiry date. A 30-day grace period post-expiry allows renewal without penalties Parivahanssewa.
Late Fee: Beyond 30 days, a late fee of ₹30 applies, and renewal will be effective from the application date instead of the original expiry date Parivahan Sewa.
Expired for 1+ Year: If your licence has been expired for more than one year, you may need to take a driving test again or obtain a learner’s licence first.
Expired for 5+ Years: If expired for more than five years, you must apply for a completely fresh driving licence Parivahan Sewa.
Validity After Renewal:
- Non-transport vehicles: 20 years or until age 50, whichever is earlier
- After age 50: 5-year validity
- Commercial vehicles: 3-5 year validity depending on vehicle category
Digital Driving Licence
After your driving licence is renewed, you can access a digital copy through:
mParivahan App: Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Your digital DL is legally valid and can be shown during traffic checks.
DigiLocker: Link your driving licence to DigiLocker account for secure digital storage and access.
Additional Tips for Hassle-Free Renewal
- Renew Early: Don’t wait for the last day. Start the process at least one month before expiry.
- Keep Documents Ready: Prepare all documents in advance to avoid last-minute rush.
- Valid Address: Ensure your current address is updated before renewal to receive the physical licence.
- Clear Photos: Use professional photo studio for passport-sized photographs meeting specifications.
- Original Documents: Always carry originals for RTO verification even though you upload copies online.
- Save Receipts: Keep all payment receipts and acknowledgement slips until you receive the renewed licence.
- Check Spam: RTO emails may land in spam folder. Check regularly.
- Update Mobile Number: Ensure your mobile number is updated in the Sarathi system for receiving important notifications.
This information is from official sources as of February 2026. Always verify on the official Parivahan portal (https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/) for the latest updates, as rules, fees, and procedures may change. For specific queries related to your state or RTO, contact your local Regional Transport Office or call the Sarathi helpdesk at 0120-2459169.
