Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Online in Karnataka
Renewing your driving licence online is an easy and time-saving option. The Karnataka State Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), has made it possible to complete most of the DL renewal process online. Here's a step-by-step guide for online DL renewal:
- Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Portal: The first step is to visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at https://parivahan.gov.in. This website handles online services related to driving licences across the country.
- Step 2: Select Karnataka as Your State: Once on the Parivahan website, look for the drop-down menu to select your state. Choose Karnataka from the list. This will direct you to the Karnataka Transport Department’s page.
- Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’: This will lead you to the page where you can initiate the renewal process.
- Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details: You will be asked to enter your driving licence number, date of birth, and other personal details. Ensure you enter the details as they appear on your current driving licence to avoid discrepancies, and then move forward to continue.
- Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
- Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee: You can pay the renewal fee using online payment methods such as debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Step 7: Book an Appointment (If Applicable): If you must undergo biometric verification (fingerprints and photos), you must schedule an appointment for biometric data collection. The system will prompt you to select a time slot for this verification at a nearby RTO office.
- Step 8: Receive the Acknowledgment: After completing the above steps, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number. You can track the status of your DL renewal application using this reference number.
- Step 9: Receive Your Renewed Licence: Once your application is processed and verified, your renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address. This can take a few weeks, depending on the workload at the RTO.
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Offline in Karnataka
While the online method is more convenient, you can also renew your driving licence in person at the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Karnataka. Here are the steps involved:
- Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO: You must visit your area's nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). You can find a list of RTOs in Karnataka on the official transport department website. Ensure to go during working hours and take all necessary documents with you.
- Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form: At the RTO, you must fill out Form 9, the application form for DL renewal. The form is available at the RTO office and can also be downloaded from the official website of the Karnataka Transport Department.
- Step 3: Submit Required Documents
- Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fees: The renewal fee will depend on the renewal duration and the vehicle category. You can pay the fee at the RTO counter through cash, cheque, or demand draft.
- Step 5: Biometric Verification: After submitting the documents and paying the fees, you may need to undergo biometric verification (photo and fingerprints) if required.
- Step 6: Acknowledgment Receipt: Once the documents are verified, you will be given an acknowledgement receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of your application.
- Step 7: Collection of Renewed DL: After processing the renewal, you will receive your renewed driving licence at your registered address within a few weeks. Alternatively, you may be asked to collect it from the RTO.
Documents Required for DL Renewal in Karnataka
You must upload several documents for verification when applying to renew your driving licence in Karnataka. The following documents are required as part of the online application process:
Upload a scanned copy of your current driving licence. The authorities must verify your existing licence details and ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for renewal.
You must fill out Form 2, the formal application for the renewal of a driving licence. This form can be downloaded from the official transport website or completed at the RTO during offline renewal.
You will need to upload a valid government-issued ID as proof of identity. Acceptable documents include:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- PAN card or any other government-recognized identification.
- Proof of Address
- A recent document showing your current address is required. This can be:
- A recent electricity bill
- A water bill
- A bank statement
- Aadhaar card (if it shows the current address)
- Passport-Sized Photographs
Generally, you must upload 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs as part of the renewal process. Ensure the photos meet the required standards (white background, clear facial image).
- Medical Certificate (If Applicable)
If you are above the age of 50, you will need to provide a Medical Certificate from a registered medical practitioner. For Non-Transport Vehicles, Form No. 1 (Self-declaration of physical fitness) is required. A Form 1A (Medical Certificate) is mandatory for Transport Vehicles to ensure you are medically fit to drive. This certificate should not be older than one month from the date of application.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Karnataka
The fees for renewing a driving licence (DL) in Karnataka depend on various factors, such as the type of vehicle, the class of licence, and whether the renewal is done within the stipulated time or after the grace period. Below is a detailed breakdown of the renewal fees and additional charges:
| S.No. | Purpose | Base Fee | Total Fee |
| 1 | Standard Renewal Fee | ₹200 | ₹200 |
| 2 | Late Renewal Fee (within 1 year) | ₹200 | ₹500 |
| 3 | Late Renewal Fee (after 1 year) | ₹200 | ₹500 - ₹800 (depending on delay) |
| 4 | Renewal of DL after Grace Period | ₹200 | ₹500 - ₹800 (depending on delay) |
| 5 | Renewal of Licence for Schools/Establishments (Driving Instruction) | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 |
| 6 | Endorsement or Renewal of Hazardous Goods Authorisation | ₹100 | ₹100 |
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Karnataka
- You can apply for renewal up to one month before the expiry date of your licence.
- If you apply for renewal after expiry, the renewal will be processed from when your application is received.
- A late fee of ₹300 will be charged if you renew after the expiry date.
If the renewal application is more than 5 years late, you must go through all the formalities for obtaining a new licence, which includes:
- Passing the driving test.
- Submitting additional documents.
- Completing other formal procedures.
DL Renewal in Karnataka: How to Schedule an Appointment Online?
While online DL renewal is straightforward, some applicants might need to visit the RTO for biometric verification or other services. To schedule an appointment online for such services:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
- Choose ‘Karnataka’ as your State.
- Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’
- Fill in Your DL Number and Date of Birth.
- Select ‘Book Appointment’ for biometric data collection or any other required services.
- Choose a Convenient Time Slot: Pick a time that suits you for the appointment at the designated RTO office.
Checking Driving Licence Renewal Status in Karnataka
After applying for your DL renewal, you can easily check the status of your application through the Parivahan portal:
- Visit the official Parivahan website at https://parivahan.gov.in.
- Click on Driving Licence Related Services.
- Select Track Application Status.
- Enter your application number or DL number.
- You will be able to view the current status of your DL renewal.
Validity of a Driving Licence in Karnataka
In Karnataka, the validity of a driving licence depends on the type of vehicle:
- For private vehicle owners (cars, motorcycles), the licence is valid for 20 years.
- For commercial vehicle drivers (buses, trucks), the licence is valid for 3 to 5 years.
After the licence expires, commercial drivers must:
- Apply for renewal.
- Sometimes, they may need to retake the driving test or undergo additional health checks.
It is crucial to renew the licence before it expires to avoid:
- Fines or legal issues related to driving with an expired licence.
Learner’s Licence Renewal in Karnataka
A learner’s licence in Karnataka is valid for 6 months from the issue date.
During this period, the licence holder must:
- Practice driving under supervision.
- Pass the driving test to obtain a full driving licence.
If the learner is unable to pass the test within 6 months, they must:
- Apply for a new learner’s licence.
In some cases, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may grant an extension to the learner’s licence validity under exceptional circumstances, such as:
- Medical reasons.
- However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the discretion of the RTO.
It’s advisable to complete the driving test within the 6-month validity to avoid the need to reapply for a learner’s licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
