Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Online in Ladakh
Online driving license renewal is a quick and straightforward process. In partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ladakh State Government has enabled the completion of the majority of the DL renewal procedure online. This is a detailed how-to for renewing your DL online:
- Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in, the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), as the first step. This website handles online services for driver's licenses nationwide.
- Step 2: Select Ladakh as Your State: Look for the drop-down menu to choose your state once you're on the Parivahan website. From the list, pick Ladakh. This will take you to the Ladakh Transport Department page.
- Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’: This will guide you to the page where you can initiate the renewal process.
- Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details: You will be prompted to input your date of birth, driver's license number, and further personal information. Make sure you enter the information exactly as it appears on your existing driver's license to prevent inconsistencies, and then go to the next step.
- Step 5: Upload the Required Documents.
- Step 6: Pay the Renewal price: Online payment options, including UPI, debit/credit cards, and net banking, can be used to pay the renewal price.
- Step 7: Make an Appointment (If Applicable): You must make an appointment for the collection of biometric data if you need to put yourself through biometric verification (pictures and fingerprints). The system will ask you to choose a time slot at a local RTO office for this verification.
- Step 8: Get the Certificate of Recognition: You will be given a reference number and an acknowledgement receipt once you have finished the aforementioned procedures. Using this reference number, you can monitor the progress of your application's DL renewal.
- Step 9: Receive Your Renewed Licence: Following processing and verification of your application, your registered address will get your updated driver's license. Several weeks may pass, depending on the RTO's workload.
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Offline in Ladakh
You can also renew your driver's license in person at the closest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Ladakh, although the online option is more practical. Here are the steps that are involved:
- Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO: You need to go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that is closest to you. A list of Ladakh's RTOs is available on the official transport department website. Make sure you arrive during business hours and bring all required paperwork.
- Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form: You have to complete Form 9, the DL renewal application, at the RTO. You can obtain the form from the Ladakh Transport Department's official website or pick it up at the RTO office.
- Step 3: Submit Required Documents.
- Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fees: The cost of the renewal will be determined by the kind of vehicle and the length of the renewal. Cash, check, or demand draft can be used to pay the fee at the RTO counter.
- Step 5: Biometric Verification: You might have to submit your fingerprints and photo for biometric verification if necessary after submitting your paperwork and paying the expenses.
- Step 6: Receipt of Acknowledgment: An acknowledgement receipt will be provided to you after the papers have been validated. This receipt should be kept as evidence of your application.
- Step 7: Renewed DL Collection: Your renewed driver's license will be delivered to your registered address in a few weeks following the completion of the renewal process. As an alternative, you can be asked to pick it up from the RTO.
Documents Required for DL Renewal in Ladakh
Applying to renew your driver's license in Ladakh requires you to upload multiple documents for verification. To apply online, you must have the following documents:
Send in a scanned copy of your most recent driver's license. The authorities need to confirm the information of your current license and make sure you are eligible for renewal.
To renew your driver's license, you must complete Form 2, the official application. During an offline renewal, this form can be filled out at the RTO or obtained from the official transport website.
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-Size 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)
A medical certificate from a licensed professional is required if you are above 50. Form No. 1 (Self-Declaration of Physical Fitness) is necessary for non-transport vehicles. To make sure you are medically fit to drive, Transport Vehicles require a Form 1A (Medical Certificate). The certificate must be issued within a month after the application date.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Ladakh
In Ladakh, the cost of renewing a driver's license (DL) varies depending on several criteria, including the kind of vehicle, the license class, and whether the renewal is completed within the allotted time or after the grace period. A thorough explanation of the renewal fees and other costs can be found below:
| 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 | Smart Card Licence Fee | ₹200 | ₹400 |
| 5 | Renewal of DL after Grace Period | ₹200 | ₹500 - ₹800 (depending on delay) |
| 6 | Learner’s Licence (per class of vehicle) | ₹150 | ₹150 |
| 7 | Learner’s Licence Test Fee (or Repeat Test Fee) | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| 8 | Test of Competence to Drive (each class of vehicle) | ₹300 | ₹300 |
| 9 | Issue of Driving Licence | ₹200 | ₹200 |
| 10 | International Driving Permit | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
| 11 | Addition of another class of vehicle to the existing DL | ₹500 | ₹500 |
| 12 | Endorsement or Renewal of Hazardous Goods Authorisation | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| 13 | Duplicate Licence for Schools or Establishments | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 |
| 14 | Renewal of Licence for Schools/Establishments (Driving Instruction) | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 |
| 15 | Address Change or Update in DL | ₹200 | ₹200 |
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Ladakh
- A renewal application may be submitted up to one month before the license's expiration date.
- The renewal will be processed from the moment your application is received if you apply for it after it has expired.
You must follow all the procedures for getting a new license if your renewal application is submitted more than five years after the original date. These procedures include:
- Passing the driving test.
- Submitting additional documents.
- Completing other formal procedures.
DL Renewal in Ladakh: How to Schedule an Appointment Online?
Although renewing a driver's license online is simple, some applicants may need to visit the RTO for extra services, such as biometric verification. For these services, to make an online appointment:
- Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
- Choose ‘Ladakh’ 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.
How to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status in Ladakh?
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 Ladakh
In Ladakh, the validity of a driving licence depends on the type of vehicle you have:
- 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 Driving Licence Renewal in Ladakh
A learner’s licence in Ladakh 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.
Under certain extraordinary situations, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may extend the learner's license validity, including:
- 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
