🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

Driving Licence Renewal Online: Sarathi Portal Guide 2026

Renew your driving licence online through the Sarathi portal before or after expiry. Covers eligibility windows, medical certificate requirements, document checklist, fees, and the complete renewal process for 2026.

🔗Sarathi — Renew Driving Licence — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

A driving licence in India is typically valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 50 years old, whichever is earlier. After age 50, licences are renewed for 5-year terms. A non-transport (private) LMV licence is valid until age 50 for younger applicants; beyond 50, renewal is in 5-year cycles. You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before the expiry date, so you do not need to wait until it expires. If your DL has already expired, there is a grace period: you can renew it within 5 years of the expiry date. Beyond 5 years, the transport department may require a fresh driving test before renewal is granted. All renewal applications are processed through the Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in). In most cases, you will not need to visit the RTO for a straightforward non-transport DL renewal — the entire process can be completed online, and the renewed DL is dispatched to your address by post. Note: Driving with an expired licence is a traffic offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Renew your DL before it expires to avoid fines.

✅ Eligibility

✓Must be an Indian resident holding a valid or recently expired driving licence (within 5-year grace period)
✓Licence must be for non-transport vehicles (LMV-NT, MCWG, MCWOG) — transport/commercial DLs may require additional fitness and medical checks
✓If the DL expired more than 5 years ago, a fresh driving test may be required by the RTO before renewal is approved
✓Applicants aged 40 years or above must submit a medical fitness certificate (Form 1A signed by an authorised medical officer)
✓Must not have a currently suspended or revoked licence under the Motor Vehicles Act
✓Aadhaar must be linked to your mobile number for OTP-based online application

📁 Documents Required

▸Existing Driving Licence — original DL (or self-attested photocopy if original is submitted)

▸Aadhaar Card — for identity and address verification

▸Address Proof — if current address differs from DL or Aadhaar (electricity bill, bank passbook, Voter ID, or Passport)

▸Passport-size photographs — 2 recent photos with white background

▸Form 1 — Medical self-declaration of fitness (available on Sarathi portal; required for all applicants)

▸Form 1A — Medical certificate from an authorised/registered medical officer (mandatory for applicants aged 40 years and above)

▸NOC from the financing bank (if DL is linked to a vehicle under hypothecation) — not usually required for DL-only renewal

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee

Non-transport DL renewal: ₹200–₹400 (varies by state and vehicle class count). Smart card fee (if DL is being converted to smart card format): ₹200. Late renewal fee (for DL expired up to 5 years ago): ₹1,000 (as per Central Motor Vehicles Rules — verify with your state RTO, as penalties vary). For expired DLs over 1 year but under 5 years, most states impose the standard renewal fee plus a penalty charge. All fees are paid online during the Sarathi portal application process.

Processing Time

7–14 working days after successful online application and fee payment. In most cases, no physical visit to the RTO is required for non-transport DL renewal. The renewed DL is printed and dispatched by India Post to your registered address. Track delivery status on the Sarathi portal under 'Application Status'.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

1Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state. Click 'Driving Licence' → 'Apply Online' → 'Renewal of Driving Licence'.
2Log in with your existing credentials or register using your mobile number and Aadhaar OTP. If you have a Sarathi account from your original DL application, use the same login.
3Enter your current DL number and date of birth. The portal will fetch your existing licence details. Verify that all details — name, address, vehicle class, and validity — are correct.
4Select the vehicle classes for which you wish to renew the DL. If you hold both LMV and motorcycle classes, you can renew both in one application.
5Fill in Form 1 (medical self-declaration). If you are aged 40 years or above, also upload a scanned copy of Form 1A — the medical certificate from an authorised doctor. Upload your photograph and address proof if required.
6Pay the renewal fee online using UPI, net banking, or debit card. Save the payment confirmation and application reference number.
7Submit the application. You will receive an acknowledgement via SMS and email. The application is reviewed by the RTO. For straightforward non-transport renewals, no physical visit is required. Your renewed DL will be dispatched by post within 7–14 working days.

🏢 How to Apply Offline

1Visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in person. Carry all original documents and self-attested photocopies.
2Collect the DL renewal form (equivalent to the Sarathi online form) from the RTO counter. Fill it out completely with your DL number, personal details, and vehicle classes.
3If aged 40 or above, obtain Form 1A (medical certificate) from an authorised medical officer before visiting the RTO. Attach it to your application.
4Submit the completed application set with all documents and photographs at the DL renewal counter. Pay the renewal fee at the RTO cashier and collect the acknowledgement receipt.
5In most cases, you will not need to give a driving test for a straightforward non-transport renewal. However, if your DL has been expired for more than 5 years, the RTO may require a fresh driving test.
6Collect your renewed DL from the RTO or wait for postal delivery at your registered address (7–14 working days).

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Portal shows 'DL not found' when entering DL number

→Ensure you are entering the DL number in the correct format for your state (e.g., MH-12-2010-012345). Some older DLs issued before 2010 may not be digitised; in such cases, visit the RTO in person for renewal.

✗Medical certificate (Form 1A) rejected by RTO — wrong format or doctor not authorised

→Form 1A must be signed and stamped by a doctor registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI). Self-declaration is not sufficient for applicants aged 40+. Obtain the certificate from a government hospital, registered private clinic, or any MCI-registered medical officer.

✗DL expired more than 1 year ago — heavy penalty being levied

→Renewal after 1 year of expiry attracts a penalty under Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Pay the penalty along with the renewal fee as specified by your state RTO. Do not delay further, as driving with an expired DL is a traffic offence with compoundable fine of ₹1,000–₹5,000 under the MV Act (2019 amendment).

✗Address on DL is old and needs to be updated at the time of renewal

→You can update your address simultaneously during the renewal process on the Sarathi portal. Upload a new address proof document showing your current address. The renewed DL will be issued with the updated address.

✗Renewed DL not received even after 20 working days

→Log in to the Sarathi portal and check the 'Application Status' section. If the DL has been dispatched, use the India Post consignment number to track delivery. If not dispatched, contact your RTO or raise a grievance on the CPGRAMS portal (pgportal.gov.in).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.How early can I apply for DL renewal before it expires?

You can apply for renewal up to 1 year before the expiry date of your driving licence. There is no need to wait until the DL expires.

Q.What is the grace period after DL expiry for renewal without a fresh driving test?

You can renew your driving licence within 5 years of the expiry date without requiring a fresh driving test. Beyond 5 years, the RTO may require you to pass a new driving test before renewing.

Q.Is a medical certificate mandatory for DL renewal?

For all applicants, a self-declaration of fitness (Form 1) is required. Additionally, a medical certificate signed by an authorised medical officer (Form 1A) is mandatory for applicants aged 40 years and above.

Q.Can I renew my DL online without visiting the RTO?

Yes, for non-transport (private) driving licences, the entire renewal process can be completed online through the Sarathi portal. You do not need to visit the RTO. The renewed DL is dispatched by post to your address.

Q.What happens to my vehicle insurance if I drive with an expired DL?

Driving with an expired DL is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Additionally, if you meet with an accident while driving on an expired DL, your vehicle insurance claim may be rejected. Always renew your DL before the expiry date.

Q.My DL was issued in another state — can I renew it online from my current state?

Yes. You can apply for renewal on the Sarathi portal under the state where your DL was originally issued, regardless of where you currently live. Alternatively, you can transfer your DL to your current state's RTO and then renew it.

Q.How long is the renewed DL valid?

A renewed non-transport DL is typically valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50 years old, whichever is earlier. For applicants over 50, renewal is granted in 5-year cycles, subject to medical fitness.

📞Helpline & Support

▸MoRTH Helpline: 1800-110-099 (toll-free, for Sarathi and Vahan portal issues)
▸Sarathi Support Email: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
▸Official portal: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in
▸Check DL validity and status: parivahan.gov.in → Informational Services → Know Your Licence Details
▸State Transport Commissioner contacts are listed on each state's official transport website for escalations

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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.