Driving without a valid licence is illegal and may result in fines, vehicle confiscation and in some cases, suspension or cancellation of licence. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, it is clearly stated that you must have a valid driving licence to drive on the Indian roads.
If you reside in Punjab and your licence has expired or is about to expire, you are required to renew it. The government of Punjab has simplified the process to make it less daunting.
This article provides details on how to renew a driving licence in Punjab, including the required documents, fees and other relevant information.
How you can renew driving licence online in Punjab?
The online process is efficient and quick. For those wondering how can I renew my driving licence online in Punjab, you can use the following steps:
- Visit the official website of the RTO (Parivahan).
- Click on ‘Online services’ from the menu bar.
- Select ‘DL services’ from the drop-down menu.
- Select your state, i.e. Punjab and click on ‘Apply for a DL Renewal’ from the options available on the screen.
- Download ‘Form 1A’ and click ‘Continue’.
- You will be taken to a new page. Enter your details, such as your DL number and date of birth. Enter the captcha and click on ‘Proceed’.
- After your details are confirmed, select ‘DL Renewal’ to get your acknowledgement.
- Get a print of this acknowledgement slip for your reference.
Steps to renew driving licence offline in Punjab
You can also renew your driving licence offline at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) office. Here is a quick step-by-step process if you’re wondering how can I renew my driving licence in Punjab offline:
- Visit your nearest RTO office. Collect Form 9 from the office or you can download it from their online portal.
- Carefully fill out the form - Your name, address, DL detail and other information.
- To complete the process offline, you should carry the necessary documents. For instance - copies of original DL, form 1A or form 1, 2 passport-sized photos, age proofs and address proofs.
- Submit all the documents and the form 9 to the authorised personnel at the centre.
- Pay the applicable charges, i.e. 50 INR as renewal charges and 200 INR for your new DL at the cash counter.
- Collect the acknowledgement receipt.
Once your details are verified, the RTO will issue you a new driving licence. You will receive it by post at the address you have mentioned.
Documents required and appointment process for DL renewal in Punjab
Here are all the essential documents you must keep handy before applying for DL renewal in Punjab:
- Copies of your original driving licence
- Filled form 1A (Medical certificate for candidates in DL category or those aged above 40 years)
- Filled form 1 (Certificate for fitness)
- Form 9 (Application form for DL renewal)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of age and residence (e.g., birth certificate, voter ID card, Aadhaar card, electricity bill, etc.)
Driving licence renewal fee in Punjab
To complete your renewal process, you can refer to the estimated fee structure below for your reference.
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Services
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Charges in INR
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DL Renewal
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200
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DL renewal after a grace period
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300
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Additional fee after the grace period ends
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1,000 per year
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What is the grace period for renewing your DL in the state of Punjab?
Candidates receive a 30-day grace period to renew their driving licence. You will not be charged any additional fees during this period when applying for a driver's licence renewal. However, once this grace period ends, you may be required to pay additional charges to renew your driver's licence.
How do you check the status of renewing your DL in Punjab?
Once your DL application process is completed, you can check your application status through the following steps:
- Head to the RTO official website or the official Parivahan Sewa portal.
- Click on ‘Online services’ from the menu bar and click on ‘Driving related services’ from the drop-down menu.
- Select your state, i.e. Punjab in this case.
- Select ‘Application status’ from the top bar.
- Now, enter your application number and date of birth.
- After confirming your details, enter the captcha and click ‘Submit’.
- The portal will display updates on your driving licence and its renewal status.
FAQs
- Can I edit the driving licence renewal application post-submission?
No, you can not edit your DL application after submission. So, ensure that you enter the details carefully.
- Can I renew my driving licence from a different state or city?
If you've moved to another state or city, you can renew your DL there by submitting:
- Your original DL,
- Address proof of the new location,
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original issuing RTO (in some cases).
- What happens if I drive with an expired licence in Punjab?
Driving with an expired licence is a traffic offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. You may be fined up to ₹5,000 or more and repeated violations can lead to further legal action.
Conclusion
You can easily renew your licence in Punjab by following the steps and providing the required documents. Another important aspect is obtaining reliable car insurance, allowing you to drive your car with peace of mind.
An excellent plan, a comprehensive car insurance plan or third-party car insurance will also protect your vehicle from theft, disasters and damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.