Driving Licence Renewal

It is generally overlooked by people owning a Driving Licence that a licence for driving comes with a validity. If you own a Driving Licence for a long time then its very important that you check the expiry date of the Driving Licence. The renewals ensure that an individual is reviewed on the basis of his/her ability to drive on public roads.

These renewals assure that your eligibility for driving isn't hindered by rising age or any other unexpected conditions. Just because someone was fit to obtain a licence 20 years ago, doesn't necessarily mean they are skilled enough to drive. And yes, driving around with an expired licence is as good as doing the same without one, as he/she is fit to drive even now. An unfit driver could be problematic for other drivers on the road as well as other pedestrians.

Why Should You Renew Your Driving Licence?

• According to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is compulsory for drivers of any vehicle to carry a valid driving licence while driving a car on the road. Driving licence is a formal document that is issued by the government, which authorizes a person to operate a class of vehicle for which he/she holds the licence. This document is also known as a valid identity proof. You must renew your Driving Licence after its expiry because according to the law nobody in India can drive a vehicle without owning a valid Driving Licence. According to Section 177 of the Motor Act, 1988, if a person is caught driving a vehicle without a legitimate Driving Licence or expired licence, then it is considered to be a punishable offense by law. Violators of this law are fined.

• An expired driving licence is valid for a month (i.e., 30 days) post-expiration and it needs to be renewed within that grace period. If your driving licence has expired for more than 30 days, you can renew the licence by paying the penalty.

• This remains true if the application demanding a renewed Driving Licence is made in a time span of five years from the expiry date. If the licence has been obtained initially from a different state, then the applicant must provide a No Objection Certificate (N.O.C.) and evidence of driving licence issued by the previous licensing authority.

Where Can I File an Application to Renew My Driving Licence?

Duly filled the application form with the set of necessary documents to renew your Driving Licence must be submitted to Assistant R.T.O. at the nearest branch which issues Driving Licence in your state. Your Driving Licence would be renewed for another five years if it is for a Non-Transport Vehicle, and for the next three years if it is renewed for transport vehicles. An individual can get the renewed driving licence in the same evening in which they apply given that the licence was procured from the same office. It requires 20 days after the application has been submitted if the situation is any different from the situation that is mentioned above. The latter situation requires a lengthier procedure since it includes the process of verification and correspondence.

Driving Licence Renewal Form

As the name suggests, a Driving Licence Renewal Form is utilized since the KYC document that the vehicle owner requires to update/renew his/her licence, and the Road Transport Office (RTO) needs to know the specifications of the existing licence. This document can be downloaded easily from the designated RTO website, or it can be picked up from the local RTO office by the applicant.

Form 9: Used for the Application for Renewal of Driving Licence

All the driving licences issued have validity. After the validity of the licence expires, they must be renewed. If you want to renew your driving licence, then you will be required to fill up Form 9 which is required to be submitted for the renewal of expired driving licence. The applicant is required to submit a passport size photograph along with the application form. The form requires the applicant to provide personal details, information linked with the expired driving licence and the date in which the licence was issued for the first time. The class of vehicle must be checked as well to renew an expired Driving Licence. In the last field, the applicant is required to provide the permanent address and a declaration that the authorities have not refused the renewal and the applicant hasn't been disqualified from holding or acquiring a Driving Licence. The applicant will also be required to attach the expired licence along with the form.

Documentation Required to Renew Driving Licence

Here is the list of documents that are required to renew the Driving Licence:

• Filled Driving Licencerenewal application form.

• You can download it from the state RTA/RTO official website.

• Medical Certificate of the applicant. The medical certificate can also be downloaded from the portal.

• Valid existing Driving Licence

• Age Proof

• Address Proof

• Passport-sized photographs of the applicant

• If the licence changes his/her address after acquiring a Driving Licence, he/she must register it within one month at the RTO/RTA office.

Fee

Since driving licence is a document which is issued by the RTO, the fee is likely to change from state to state. Though the variation in the amount is not much, there is a variation on a modest scale. You should refer to your designated state's RTO office or the online portal to get complete clarity about the fee charged in your state.