How to Renew Driving Licence in Chennai

A comprehensive guide to renewing your driving licence in Chennai.
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3 min
11-April-2024

While driving or riding your vehicle in Chennai, it is extremely important to avoid carrying an expired driving licence. Only valid DL holders are allowed drive or ride their vehicles as per the Motor Vehicles Act. As such, you must renew your DL when applicable to avoid traffic violations. This article will help you understand how to renew your driving licence in detail.

Steps to renew a driving licence in Chennai

Individuals seeking to renew their driving licence in Chennai can do so within 30 days from the expiration date of its validity. Holders of heavy transport vehicle licences are required to undergo a one-day refresher course at approved driving schools, as mandated by the Government Notification.

The renewed driving licence will be valid for a period of 5 years for non-transport vehicles and 3 years for transport vehicles. However, if the driving licence has been expired for more than 5 years, a fresh driving test will be conducted for its renewal. Here’s how you can renew your driving licence in Chennai:

Offline process

Here are the steps to renew the DL in Chennai offline:

  • Visit the nearest RTO. 
  • Carry the duly filled forms as mentioned above. You can download them on the Parivahan portal. 
  • Submit the forms along with the required documents.
  • Pay the fees and retain the receipt. 
  • After verification, the driving licence will be sent to the registered address.

Online process

Here are the steps to renew driving licence in Chennai online:

  • Visit the Parivahan website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage. 
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered. 
  • Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.
  • Enter details such as the date of birth, driving licence number, and captcha code.
  • Select ‘Get DL Details’ and choose the licence category, RTO, and state.
  • Select ‘Proceed’ and choose the ‘DL Renewal’ option.
  • Submit the online form along with the relevant documents and download the receipt. 
  • Visit your nearest RTO and submit the relevant documents. After verification, the DL will be sent to the registered address.

Documents required to renew your driving licence in Chennai

You will need the following documents to renew your DL in Chennai:

  • Application in Form-2 generated online.
  • Medical Certificate in Form 1-A (applicable in case the non-transport vehicle DL holder has completed the age of 40 years old, or the holder has DL for transport vehicle).
  • Form 5 and Form 15 (only for those who have undergone training in a driving school).

Fees for driving licence renewal in Chennai

  • For renewal of transport vehicle DL - Rs.450.
  • For renewal of non-transport vehicle DL - Rs.500.

How to schedule an appointment online for driving licence renewal in Chennai

Follow these steps to schedule an appointment for DL renewal in Chennai:

  • Visit the Parivahan portal and select ‘Tamil Nadu’ from the list of states in the dropdown menu.
  • Choose ‘Slot Booking’ under the ‘Appointments’ section.
  • Select ‘LL/DL Service Slot Booking’.
  • Enter your date of birth, application number, and other details as mentioned.
  • Enter the captcha code as provided on your screen and click on ‘Submit’
  • Choose an appointment slot. You need to visit the RTO as per the chosen slot.

Driving licence renewal fees in Chennai

Particulars Fees (in Rs.)
Renewal of transport vehicle licence 450
Renewal of non-transport vehicle licence 500


Grace period for renewal of driving licence in Chennai

A grace period of 30 days is granted for renewal of driving licence. Within this period, the applicant won’t have to pay any additional fee while applying for renewal. After the grace period, the applicant will have to pay an additional fee (mentioned above) while renewing their DL.

Driving licence and motor insurance – essential documents for vehicle owners

Your driving licence and motor insurance are closely interlinked. While your licence shows you're legally allowed to drive, your car or two-wheeler insurance covers you financially in case of unforeseen damages on the road. So, similar to driving licence, you could face penalties or legal implications while driving without a valid motor insurance, since it is a mandatory requirement for all vehicle owners in India.

Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall offers a convenient platform for you to buy or renew car insurance plans online. Compare plans and premiums offered by leading insurance partners and buy your preferred motor insurance policy in just a few clicks.

How to check driving licence renewal status in Chennai

You can check the status of your driving licence renewal conveniently on the Parivahan portal. Here’s how:

  • Visit the Parivahan website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under the ‘Online Services’ menu on the homepage.
  • Enter the state from the drop-down menu where the licence is registered.
  • Click on the ‘Application Status’ tab.
  • Add details such as your Application Number, Date of Birth, and the captcha code.
  • Click ‘Submit’ button to check the status of your application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for DL renewal in Chennai via the Parivahan portal?
Indeed, you have the option to apply for driving licence renewal in Chennai through the Parivahan portal. This online platform provides a convenient and efficient method to initiate the renewal process, eliminating the necessity for multiple visits to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). By simply visiting the Parivahan website, you can fill out the renewal form, upload the necessary documents, and complete the payment process, thereby renewing your driving licence from the comfort of your home.
Do I need to pay additional fees for a change of address in DL during the renewal process?
Yes, if you require a change of address on your driving licence during the renewal process in Chennai, you may need to pay additional fees. The exact amount of the fee may vary depending on the regulations set by the transport authorities. It's advisable to check the fee structure on the Parivahan portal or contact the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for clarification on any additional charges for address change during DL renewal.
Which application form do I need for self-declaration of physical fitness?
For self-declaration of physical fitness in Chennai, you will be required to complete Form 1A. This form is specifically tailored for individuals seeking to declare their physical fitness when applying for a driving licence. It is imperative to meticulously fill out the form, ensuring all pertinent details regarding your health condition are provided. Once Form 1A is duly completed, submit it along with the requisite documents to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as part of the driving licence application process.
What are the categories of driving licence in Chennai?

The categories of driving licences (DLs) in Chennai include:

  • Motorcycle without gear (MCWG)
  • Motorcycle with gear (MCWOG)
  • Light Motor Vehicle (LMV)
  • Medium Goods Vehicle (MGV)
  • Medium Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
  • Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)
  • Heavy Passenger Vehicle (HPV)
  • Invalid carriage (IVC)
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