How to Renew Your Driving Licence Online
Published: November 12, 2026
Source: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in — official guidance
Renew your driving licence online on the Sarathi portal — fill the form, upload your documents and pay online, without repeated trips to the RTO.
Before you start
- Keep your current driving licence number and date of birth ready.
- Keep a clear scan or photo of your current licence and a recent passport-size photo ready to upload.
- Keep your Aadhaar handy if your state offers Aadhaar-based contactless renewal.
Open the Sarathi portal and pick your state
Open sarathi.parivahan.gov.in in your browser. This is the official Sarathi portal run by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for all driving licence services. Type the address yourself instead of following a link from a message or an agent's website.
On the first screen, pick the state that issued your licence. Each state runs its own page on the portal, so the renewal option for your licence appears only under the right state. You do not need to log in or create an account to apply.
Choose Renewal of DL and enter your licence details
On your state's page, open the driving licence services list and choose Renewal of DL. On some state pages this sits under Services on DL, which covers renewal, duplicate licences and other licence services. Enter your driving licence number and date of birth, fill in the captcha, and submit.
The portal will show the details of your licence as it has them on record. Check the name, address and vehicle classes carefully — if your address has changed, you can ask for an address change in the same application. Confirm the details before moving on.
Fill the form and upload your documents
Fill in the renewal form that the portal shows you. Form 9, the renewal application, is generated online as you fill it in. You will also fill in Form 1, a self-declaration that you are fit to drive. Upload a clear scan or photo of your current licence and a recent passport-size photo when the form asks for them.
If the portal asks for a medical certificate, upload Form 1A signed by a registered medical practitioner. If your photo does not have a plain background, you can change the background of your photo before uploading it. Check every uploaded file is clear and readable — a blurry scan can delay your approval.
Pay online and track your application
Pay the renewal fee on the portal itself, using UPI, net banking or a card. The portal shows the fee for your state and licence type before you pay — check the Parivahan portal for the current amount, as it can change. Save the payment receipt and note down the application number the portal gives you.
If your state asks for it, book a slot and visit the RTO with your originals for biometric or document checks. With Aadhaar-based contactless renewal, no visit is needed. Once approved, the renewed licence appears in DigiLocker and the mParivahan app, and the new smart card is sent by post. Track your application on the Sarathi portal with your application number.
Tips
- Apply before your licence expires — the portal lets you apply ahead of expiry, and renewing early avoids the extra steps that come with a long-expired licence.
- Use Aadhaar authentication if your state offers it — it can make the renewal contactless, with no RTO visit.
- Save your application number and payment receipt until the new licence reaches you.
Keep in mind
- Driving with an expired licence can lead to a fine — do not drive until your renewal is done if your licence has expired.
- Never pay through an agent or a link sent on SMS or WhatsApp — pay only on the official portal.
- Some states still ask for a visit to the RTO for biometric or document checks — the portal will tell you if yours does.
- If your licence expired long ago, the portal may ask for a driving test — check the Parivahan portal for the rule that applies to you.
FAQs
Can I renew my licence fully online, with no RTO visit?
In many states, yes. If your state offers Aadhaar-based contactless renewal, you can finish the whole process online with no RTO visit. Some states still ask you to visit the RTO for biometric or document checks — the portal will tell you if yours does, so check what it asks for after you submit.
What documents do I need to renew my licence?
You need your current driving licence, Form 1 (a self-declaration of fitness, filled in on the portal), and a recent photo. If the portal asks for a medical certificate, upload Form 1A signed by a registered medical practitioner. If your address has changed since the licence was issued, keep an address proof ready too.
What if my licence has already expired?
You can still renew it. The rules and extra steps depend on how long it has been expired, so check the Parivahan portal for the rule that applies to you. Renewing early, before the expiry date, is the smoothest path — the portal lets you apply ahead of expiry.
How will I get the renewed licence?
Once the RTO approves your renewal, the renewed licence appears in DigiLocker and the mParivahan app, and the new smart card is sent by post to the address on your application. You can track the progress on the Sarathi portal with your application number.
