Renewing your driving licence (DL) in West Bengal is essential to continue driving legally. The renewal process in West Bengal is straightforward and can be completed online or offline. However, the steps may vary slightly based on specific circumstances, such as the type of licence (private or commercial), whether the licence has expired, and the applicant's age.
In this guide, we will explain all the necessary steps, required documents, fees, grace periods, and other important details to help you renew your driving licence smoothly in West Bengal.
Contents
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Online in West Bengal
Renewing your driving licence online in West Bengal is a convenient and time-saving process. The West Bengal Transport Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), provides an online platform for DL renewal. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the Official Parivahan Portal: Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website at https://parivahan.gov.in, which handles online driving licence services across India.
Step 2: Select West Bengal as Your State: On the Parivahan portal, choose West Bengal from the state selection menu to proceed to the West Bengal Transport Department’s page.
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’: Click on the appropriate option to begin the renewal process.
Step 4: Enter Your Driving Licence Details: Provide your driving licence number, date of birth, and other personal details exactly as they appear on your current licence to avoid errors.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Step 6: Pay the Renewal Fee: Complete the payment using online methods like debit/credit cards, net banking, or UPI.
Step 7: Book an Appointment (If Applicable): If biometric verification (fingerprints and photos) is needed, schedule an appointment at a nearby RTO. Select a convenient time slot for the biometric data collection.
Step 8: Receive the Acknowledgement: You will get a receipt of acknowledgement along with a reference number after completing the above procedures. Use this number to track the status of your renewal application.
Step 9: Receive Your Renewed Licence: After your application is processed and verified, your renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address. This process may take a few weeks, depending on the workload at the RTO.
Steps for Driving Licence Renewal Offline in West Bengal
While renewing your driving licence online is convenient, you can complete the process offline by visiting the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) in West Bengal. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Visit the Nearest RTO: Go to the nearest RTO in your area during working hours. Ensure you carry all the required documents. You can find a list of RTOs in West Bengal on the official transport department website.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form: At the RTO, complete Form 9, the application form for DL renewal. The form can be obtained at the RTO or downloaded from the official West Bengal Transport Department website.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fees: The renewal fee will depend on the renewal duration and the vehicle category. You can pay the fee at the RTO counter through cash, cheque, or demand draft.
Step 5: Biometric Verification: After submitting the documents and paying the fees, you may need to undergo biometric verification (photo and fingerprints) if required.
Step 6: Acknowledgement Receipt: You will get a receipt for acknowledgement once your papers have been verified. Keep this as proof of your application.
Step 7: Collection of Renewed DL: Within a few weeks, your registered address will get your renewed driver's license. Alternatively, you might have to pick it up from the RTO.
Documents Required for DL Renewal in West Bengal
When applying to renew your driving licence in West Bengal, the following documents are required for verification:
Driving Licence
Provide a scanned copy of your current driving licence to verify your existing details and ensure eligibility for renewal.
Application Form 2
Complete Form 2, the application form for DL renewal. You can download it from the official transport website or fill it out at the RTO during offline renewal.
Identity Verification
A legitimate government-issued ID must be uploaded as identification. Acceptable documents include:
Aadhaar card
Passport
Voter ID
PAN card or any other government-recognised 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-Sized Photographs
Submit 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs that meet the required standards, such as a white background and clear facial image.
Medical Certificate (If Applicable)
If you are over 40 years, you must provide a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner as part of the renewal process. Form 1, a self-declaration of physical fitness, is required for non-transport vehicles. For transport vehicles, Form 1A, a medical certificate, is mandatory. Ensuring the medical certificate is issued within one month of the application date is important.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in West Bengal
The fees for renewing a driving licence (DL) in West Bengal vary based on factors such as the type of vehicle, the class of licence, and whether the renewal is completed within the stipulated time or after the grace period. Below is a detailed breakdown of the renewal fees and applicable charges:
S.No.
Purpose
Base Fee
Total Fee
1
Renewal of driving licence
₹200
₹200
2
Renewal of a driving licence for which application is made after 1 year from the date of expiry
₹300 + ₹1,000 per year (or part thereof)
₹300 + ₹1,000 per year (or part thereof)
3
Renewal of Licence for Schools/Establishments (Driving Instruction)
₹10,000
₹10,000
4
Endorsement or Renewal of Authorisation for Vehicle Carrying Hazardous Goods
₹100
₹100
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in West Bengal
You can apply for driving licence renewal up to one month before expiration. If you apply after expiry, the renewal will be processed from when your application is received.
A late fee of ₹300 will be charged for applications submitted after expiry.
If your renewal application is delayed by more than five years, you will need to complete the entire process for obtaining a new licence, which includes:
Passing the driving test.
Submitting additional required documents.
Completing all other necessary formalities.
DL Renewal in West Bengal: How to Schedule an Appointment Online?
While the online DL renewal is simple, some applicants may need to visit the RTO for biometric verification or other services. Follow these steps to schedule an appointment online in West Bengal:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
Select West Bengal as Your State: Choose 'West Bengal' from the drop-down menu.
Click on ‘Driving Licence-Related Services’: This will take you to the relevant section for licence-related services.
Enter Your Details: Provide your driving licence number and date of birth.
Book an Appointment: Select the option for biometric verification or any other required services.
Choose a Convenient Time Slot: Pick a time slot that suits your visit to the designated RTO office.
How to Check Driving Licence Renewal Status in West Bengal?
Once you have applied for DL renewal, you can easily track the status of your application through the Parivahan portal. Here’s how:
Visit the Parivahan Portal: Go to https://parivahan.gov.in.
Select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’: Navigate to the relevant section.
Track Application Status: Click on the option to track your application status.
Enter Your Details: Provide 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 West Bengal
In West Bengal, the validity of a driving licence varies based on the type of vehicle:
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.
Once the licence expires, commercial drivers are required to:
Apply for renewal.
In some cases, retake the driving test or complete additional health checks.
It is crucial to renew the licence before it expires to avoid:
Fines or legal complications associated with driving on an expired licence.
Learner’s Licence Renewal in West Bengal
In West Bengal, a learner’s licence 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.
In some exceptional cases, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) may consider extending the learner’s licence validity for reasons such as:
Medical issues.
However, such extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of the RTO.
To avoid reapplying for a learner’s licence completing the driving test within the 6-month validity period is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Renew Driving Licence in West Bengal
When can I renew my driving licence in West Bengal?
You can apply for renewal up to one month before the expiry date of your licence. If your licence has already expired, you can renew it, but a late fee will be charged.
What if I fail to renew my licence for over five years?
If your renewal application is delayed by more than five years, you must apply for a new licence. This involves passing the driving test and completing all formalities required for a fresh application.
How long does it take to get a renewed driving licence?
Once your application is processed, the renewed driving licence will be sent to your registered address. This may take a few weeks, depending on the workload at the RTO.
Do I need to retake the driving test for licence renewal?
Generally, retaking the driving test is not required for licence renewal. However, if your licence has expired for over five years, you may need to pass the driving test again.
Can I renew my driving licence at any RTO in West Bengal?
You can renew your driving licence at any Regional Transport Office (RTO) in West Bengal. However, applying at the RTO where your licence was initially issued is generally more convenient.
What is the validity of a renewed driving licence in West Bengal?
For private vehicles, a renewed driving licence is valid for 20 years or until the licence holder reaches the age of 50, whichever comes first. For commercial vehicles, the licence is valid for 3 to 5 years.
