Renewal of Driving License

Last updated on May 28, 2024

A Driving License (DL) is valid for a limited time period, based on which you have to renew it. Given below are the time limits for validity of a Driving License (DL), with respect to its issue or renewal:

  • If you have not turned 30 years old, it will be effective till you turn 40 years old
  • If you are between the ages of 30 and 50, it will be effective for 10 more years
  • If you are between the ages of 50 and 55 , it will be effective for until you turn 60 years old
  • If you are 55 years old or above, it will be effective for 5 more years

However, this varies across states. For example, in Delhi, a DL is valid for 20 years, or until you attain 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.1

You must renew your DL 1 month2 before this period has passed, if you wish to keep driving. You may do so in any state, through any appropriate authority.3 In some states like Delhi, you must do so within 1 year of the expiry of your DL, otherwise you will have to take a driving test.4 If the application is late for more than five years after the date of expiry of the licence, the applicant should undergo all the formalities to obtain a fresh licence.2

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training5 is located

Follow the steps given below to renew your DL:

Step 1 – You should visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state and fill in and submit the application form

Step 2 – You should submit the following:6

  • 3 recent Passport size photographs.
  • Driving License (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)7
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)7
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.  Alternatively, you must submit a medical certificate, which you can download here, if you are over 40 years of age.8
  • The prescribed fee. This varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to the state you live in.

Step 3 – You can then collect your renewed DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

  1. Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Frequently Asked Questions, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions []
  2. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal [] []
  3. Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. []
  4. Section 15(4), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. []
  5. Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. []
  6. Rule 18(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. []
  7. Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [] []
  8. Section 15(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. []

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Please share your feedback about this post!

Sharing feedback will help us improve our content. Tell us how!

If you want to keep your feedback confidential, please mention it in your feedback. If you have a question, please ask us in the comments or Ask Nyaaya sections.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Related Resources

Driving License for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State.

Learner’s License for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Learner's License is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months, which legally allows you to practice driving on Indian roads, as long as you are accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Driving License

Learner’s License

A Learner’s License is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months, which legally allows you to practice driving on Indian roads.

Applying for new Driving License

For applying for a new driving license you should apply it in the state you live or ordinarily conduct business.

Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by each State's Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Getting Identification Proof (ID Proof)

An ID proof contains your personal details, which are useful for authorities to determine and verify your identity