Edit: An updated version of this article can be read on Citizen Matters here.
Driving licences that expired over the past year are still valid – upto 31st March 2021. If you need to get your licence renewed and are wondering how to go about it, here is a recent guide that I hope will help.
Go to the Sarathi Parivahan website page for “driving license related services”. https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do
Select state – Karnataka. This is what you will see.
Choose DL services. Click “Continue” on the next screen.
You will be taken to the page for “Application for Services on Driving Licence”. Enter your DL number and date of birth. With this your details should get retrieved from the database.
If your DL information is not in the database or if there is duplication of DL number you will get a message something like “De-duplication error” or the one below.
If you see such a message and click OK, you will be redirected to a backlog data entry page. However for KA, you will not be able to do anything online. You will need to visit the RTO where the licence was issued and get it resolved.
When you go to the RTO, take the original DL along with 2 photocopies of the DL. Write an application to the RTO stating that your DL is showing de-duplication error and/or not appearing online and that you need it to be entered by them. The DL supervisor at the RTO will attend to it. He will check on the system and either de-duplicate by issuing a new DL number or do the data entry. This happened to me and it was resolved immediately. Have it checked online by someone who has access to a computer or check on your phone, then and there, to ensure it is done and you don’t need another trip.
If you are among the lucky ones whose DL details get retrieved, then all your current DL details will show. You will see the validity of your licence, issuing RTO, etc. You will find the following at the bottom of the screen.
Confirmed that the above Driving Licence details are mine – choose Yes
Submit request to – State – choose Karnataka ; RTO – choose the RTO you want to go to. If you aren’t sure, enter your pincode.
In Bangalore, one can go to any RTO. It does not have to be the same RTO as the one at which you were last serviced. You will see this message.
If you choose an RTO that is different from the one where you were last serviced, you will get a message telling you so. You can decide if you want to continue with a different RTO or revert to the last issued RTO.
Do note that if you choose a different RTO, you will need to include “change of address” as a service at a later point in the process. This whether or not your address has changed. It involves a fee of about Rs 200.
You will be able to update your mobile number and possibly Aadhaar number on the DL details page. (I could not put Aadhaar number.)
Once you confirm your DL details, you will be taken to a screen where you can choose the DL service you require.
Choose Renewal of DL. If address or RTO has changed, choose Change of Address in DL also.
Proceed with each screen, and you will finally get a message that your application is accepted. It will be given an Application Number. Download the acknowledgement and print it.
You will see a link to the populated application form (Form 2), medical self declaration (CMV Form 1) and Medical Certificate (Form 1a). Download and save these. They are pre-filled and have your signature / photo. You may choose to keep the same photo, or put a recent photo. From experience, the RTO requires only the acknowledgement, Medical Certificate (Form 1a) and medical self declaration (CMV Form 1). The application form (Form 2) they did not want even though I had printed it.
You will also see a list of the documents you need to upload. For renewal of DL it will be soft copy of DL and Medical Certificate (Form 1a). If you have opted for address change, you need to upload the document for Proof of Address.
It will not be possible to do the document upload at the same sitting because you will need to visit an MBBS doctor for the Medical Certificate. It needs to be signed and sealed by the doctor across the photo. Medical registration number needs to be clearly mentioned.
Once you get the Medical Certificate you can upload it, along with the other documents. For this, you will need to login again at the Sarathi Parivahan page. This time, choose Upload Document and proceed. You will need your application number and date of birth. On this same page, you can pay the fee (Fee Payments link) and book an appointment slot (Appointments link) later.
Once you have uploaded your documents, you will get a tick mark against that, saying you have completed the action.
Next, you will need to pay the fee and book an appointment. Note that the payment site currently accepts payment against an application number only once. So if you, for example, first apply for renewal and pay, and subsequently apply for change of address, you will have to pay for change of address manually at the RTO counter. After you pay, download the receipt and print it. Then book your appointment slot and print it. Note that payment may not reflect immediately. It takes a while. You can check Payment Status on the Sarathi Parivahan page.
When you go to the RTO, you need to have:
- acknowledgement (keep 2 copies as one will be returned to you to keep)
- appointment time slot
- original DL in a plastic pouch
- payment receipt#
- Medical Certificate (Form 1a)
- medical self declaration (CMV Form 1)
- copy of DL
- original address proof (if change applied for) – I used Aadhaar card
- copy of address proof (if change applied for)
- self addressed long green envelope affixed with postage stamps for speedpost (currently Rs 18)
- the application form (Form 2) they did not want – but I had it
- Aadhaar card also they were not asking for unless it was used as proof, but makes sense to carry it if you have it.
# You have the option of paying at the RTO manual counter but note that it has fixed timings, currently 10:00-13:00 on weekdays, and it could have a long queue.
That’s it. Go to the RTO so that you are there at the appointed time. The DL supervisor will check your docs and then the inspector will meet you and sign on it. Then you will need to go for a photo and sign (biometrics they did not take). Though the application fee includes smart card, there is a differential fee that you will be asked to pay.
Then you take the docs to the superintendent who will note it in the register and give you an acknowledgement. Your licence is supposed to reach you within 21 days.
Other points to note:
* One can apply for renewal of licence one year before expiry to one year after expiry.
* If the renewal application is filed after a year of expiry of the licence, one needs to take the learner’s driving test again (you are treated as the new applicant).
* Fine for driving with an expired licence or driving without licence is Rs 5,000.
arathimy 