You must renew your driving licence (DL) to gain the legal right to drive in Bihar. It can be done online and offline, and the work process is relatively simple. However, various measures and the demanding process may differ depending on the type of the licence, for instance, private or commercial one, the expiry status, and the applicant's age.
This article will provide information about the process and procedure to renew the driving licence in Bihar, including the documents needed, fee structure, grace period, and much more.
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Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Online in Bihar
Renewing your driving licence online in Bihar is convenient and time-efficient. The Bihar State Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), offers a seamless online renewal process. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Portal: Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) website at Parivahan Portal. This platform provides online services for driving licences across India.
Step 2: Select Bihar as Your State: From the state selection menu on the homepage, choose Bihar. This will redirect you to the Bihar Transport Department’s section.
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’: Select the option to apply for the renewal of your driving licence.
Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details: Fill in your driving licence number, date of birth, and other required details. Ensure all details match your existing driving licence to avoid delays.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee: Complete the renewal fee using online payment methods like debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
Step 7: Book an Appointment (If Applicable): If biometric verification (fingerprints and photographs) is required, schedule an appointment at your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Step 8: Receive the Acknowledgement: Once the process is complete, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number, which can be used to track the application status.
Step 9: Receive Your Renewed Licence: On verification, the renewed licence will be sent to your registered address. This typically takes a few weeks, depending on the RTO's workload.
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Offline in Bihar
If you prefer to renew your driving licence in person, you can visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bihar. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to the nearest RTO during working hours. Carry all the necessary documents with you.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form: Obtain and fill out Form 9, the application form for DL renewal. This form can be collected from the RTO or downloaded from the Bihar Transport Department website.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable renewal fee at the RTO counter. Payment can be made via cash, cheque, or demand draft.
Step 5: Biometric Verification: If required, complete biometric verification, including fingerprints and photographs, at the RTO.
Step 6: Acknowledgment Receipt: You’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt that can be used to track your application status.
Step 7: Collection of Renewed DL: Once your application is processed, your renewed driving licence will be issued. It will be delivered to your registered address.
Documents Required for DL Renewal in Bihar
When applying for renewal of your driving licence in Bihar, you must provide several essential documents for verification. Below is a list of the documents required for online or offline applications:
Driving Licence
A scanned copy of your current driving licence is required. The authorities will use this to verify your existing licence details and ensure eligibility for renewal.
Application Form 2
You must fill out Form 2, the official application form for driving licence renewal. This form can be downloaded from the official Bihar Transport Department website or obtained at the RTO for offline applications.
Proof of Identity
You need to submit a valid government-issued ID as proof of identity. Acceptable documents include:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID
PAN card or other government-recognised identification.
Proof of Address
A document verifying your current address is mandatory. Examples of acceptable address proofs include:
Aadhaar card with the current address
Recent electricity or water bill
Bank statement
Rent agreement (if applicable).
You must submit 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs. Ensure photographs meet standard requirements, such as a white background and a clear, full-face image.
Medical Certificate (If Applicable)
If you are over 50, you must provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. A self-declaration of physical fitness using Form No. 1 is required for non-transport vehicles. Transport vehicle drivers must submit Form 1A (Medical Certificate), which must not be older than one month from the date of application.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Bihar
The fees for renewing a driving licence in Bihar vary based on the vehicle type, licence class, and whether the renewal occurs within the stipulated timeframe or after the grace period. Below is a breakdown of the applicable fees:
S.No.
Purpose
Base Fee
Total Fee
Notes
1
Standard Renewal Fee
₹200
₹200
This applies to both private and commercial vehicles if renewed on time.
2
Late Renewal Fee (within 1 year)
₹200
₹500
If renewed after expiry but within one year.
3
Late Renewal Fee (after 1 year)
₹200
₹500 - ₹800 (depending on delay)
Example: 2 years late = ₹200 + ₹600 = ₹800.
4
Renewal of DL after Grace Period
₹200
₹500 - ₹800 (depending on delay)
Includes a late fee of ₹300 per year or part thereof.
5
Smart Card Licence Fee
₹200
₹400
Additional fee for Smart Card format (Form 7) DL.
6
Address Change or Update in DL
₹200
₹200
This is for updating the address or personal details in the DL.
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Bihar
You can apply for the renewal of your driving licence in Bihar up to one month before its expiry.
The renewal will still be processed if you apply after the expiry date. However, a late fee of ₹300 will be charged per delayed application.
If your licence has expired for over 5 years, you must apply for a new licence. This includes retaking the driving test, submitting additional documents, and completing all required formalities.
DL Renewal in Bihar: How to Schedule an Appointment Online?
While online DL renewal is straightforward, you might need to visit the RTO for biometric verification or other services. Follow these steps to schedule an appointment online:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
Select Bihar: Choose Bihar as your state from the dropdown menu.
Driving Licence Services: Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’
Enter Your Details: Provide your DL number and date of birth.
Book Appointment: Select the ‘Book Appointment’ option for biometric verification or other necessary services.
Choose a Time Slot: Pick a convenient time for your appointment at the designated RTO office.
How to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status in Bihar?
After applying for a DL renewal in Bihar, you can easily check its status using the Parivahan portal:
Visit the Parivahan Website: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
Driving Licence Services: Click on ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’
Track Application Status: Select this option and enter your application number or DL number.
View Status: You will see the current status of your renewal application.
Validity of a Driving Licence in Bihar
The validity of a driving licence in Bihar varies based on the type of vehicle. Key details are as follows:
For private vehicle owners:
The licence remains valid for 20 years or until the holder reaches the age of 50, whichever comes first.
After this period, renewal is mandatory.
For commercial vehicle drivers:
The validity is typically 3 to 5 years, depending on the vehicle class (e.g., trucks, buses).
Renewal may involve completing a medical examination or, in some cases, retaking the driving test.
Key considerations:
Timely renewal is essential to avoid fines or legal complications.
Commercial drivers must ensure their medical fitness and carry the necessary documentation when applying for renewal.
Being aware of these timelines and requirements ensures uninterrupted driving privileges and compliance with the law in Bihar.
Learner’s Licence Renewal in Bihar
In Bihar, a learner’s licence is issued for a limited period, and adhering to its validity is crucial for a smooth transition to a permanent licence. Here are the details:
Validity period:
The learner’s licence is generally valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
Requirements during the validity period:
The licence holder must practice driving under supervision and pass the driving test to obtain a permanent licence.
Reapplication and extensions:
The holder must apply for a new learner’s licence if the driving test is not passed within the 6-month validity.
In exceptional cases, such as medical issues, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) may extend the licence’s validity at its discretion.
Recommendations:
Although the driving test can be taken up to one year after enrolment, it is strongly advised to take the test within the 6 months to avoid the inconvenience of reapplication.
By following these guidelines, you can efficiently move towards obtaining your permanent driving licence in Bihar without unnecessary delays or complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Renew Driving Licence in Bihar
What are the requirements for the renewal of DL in Bihar?
In general, Form 9 for renewal, medical certificate (Form 1A if necessary), two recent photos, age and address identification document, and the lost or expired licence.
Where is the offline renewal of DL available in Bihar?
Please visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) using the documents below.
Is a medical certificate required for renewal of a DL?
A medical certificate is necessary when applying for a new license, and the applicant is 50 years and above or when applying for a commercial vehicle license renewal.
How do I pay the renewal fee?
Fees, if any, can be deposited online through the portal or at the RTO office either in Cash, a Debit/Credit card, or any UPI ID.
How can I know the status of the renewal application?
You can also find the Parivahan portal to track the status using your application number or DL details.
Is it okay to drive with an expired DL while renewing it?
No, driving with an expired license is prohibited, and you may be shoved with the consequences that come with this act.
