Bihar is a fast-growing state in India with a growing population and urban centres. Renewing a driving licence in Bihar is designed to be efficient and convenient for residents while emphasising the critical nature of possessing a valid licence. 

This underscores the state's dedication to promoting responsible driving practices and ensuring that all drivers have the requisite skills and meet health standards for safely navigating the roads. The renewal procedure fulfils a legal obligation and affirms the driver's capabilities, reflecting the state's proactive approach to enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. 

As Bihar progresses, the driving licence renewal process will play a pivotal role in fostering a disciplined traffic environment and contributing to its citizens' overall well-being and safety.

A private driving licence is valid for 20 years from the issue date or until the licensee reaches the age of 40, whichever comes first. Once the licensee turns 40, the driving licence is transitioned to a new validity period. It is initially issued for 10 years and then for 5 years subsequently.

For a non-transport driving licence, if the applicant is below 30 years old at the time of issue or renewal, the validity extends until they reach 40. The validity period is ten years if the applicant is between 30 and 50. The licence's validity extends to applicants aged between 50 and 55 until they reach 60.

Bihar has a strict 30-day grace period for renewing a driving licence from its expiration date. Failure to renew within this period will result in additional charges. You must pay an extra fee if you apply for renewal after the grace period.

Suppose the renewal application is submitted more than 30 days after the licence expiry. In that case, the renewal will only be effective from the date of receipt of the complete application, and an additional fee of ₹30 will be charged. 

If the application is more than five years late after the licence expiry date, all formalities for obtaining a fresh licence will be required.

• Step 1: Visit the official Sarathi website and choose your state ‘Bihar’.

• Step 2: Select “Apply for DL Renewal”. In case you are above the age of 40, download Form1-A from the same page and continue.    

• Step 3: Enter your driving licence number and date of birth and click “Get DL Details” to redirect you to a page containing information about your driving licence. Check the information carefully and confirm by clicking “proceed”.

• Step 4: Go to “Submit Request” and select a convenient RTO.

Note: To receive driving-licence related services from a different RTO than the previous one, you need to apply for a “change of address” at ₹200.

• Step 5: Choose “Renewal of Driving Licence” and fill in the online application form. Now attach the documents necessary for the application process.

• Step 6: Pay the necessary fee online to receive an online application number.

The officials will issue your renewed driving licence on successful verification of the documents.

You can opt for the offline process of driving licence renewal in Bihar if you do not have an internet connection following the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit your nearest RTO or Regional Transport Office in Bihar and collect the application form. Form 9, Form 1, and Form 1A.

• Step 2: Fill in the form by entering essential information. Submit it with all the necessary supporting documents.

• Step 3: Produce the original documents to the officer-in-charge for verification. Once the verification is successful, the official will issue your renewed licence within the least possible time.

Prepare the following document before applying for the renewal of your driving licence:

• Address and age proof (Aadhaar card or Birth Certificate).

• Form 1 (self-declaration form of physical condition for the applicants below 50 years of age), Form 1–A signed by an Authorised Registered Medical Practitioner (required for applicants over 40 years of age).

• Health certificate from a registered MBBs doctor.

• 2 passport size photos.

• A copy of your original driving licence, which is about to expire.

• Written consent from parents or guardians in case of age 16 to 18.

• A payment receipt of ₹200.

Here is how you can check your DL renewal status in Bihar:

• Step 1: Visit the official Sarathi website and select Bihar from the drop-down menu.

• Step 2: Click on the ‘Application Status’ option present in the top menu bar.

• Step 3: Enter your application number and date of birth to get your driving licence status in Bihar.

Applying for renewal of a Driving Licence in Bihar has become quite an easy process like the points mentioned above. Keep all necessary documents ready to avoid any kind of hindrance in the process.

Here are the reworded guidelines for renewing a driving licence in Bihar:

• You must apply for a new one to renew your driver's licence after more than five years of expiration.

• If you apply for your driver's licence renewal after more than 30 days of its expiration, you will be required to pay a penalty of ₹30.

•  When renewing your DL, bring documentation showing your residence and age.

It is important to understand the following instructions when seeking a renewal of a driver's licence in Bihar. 

This understanding will help mitigate the likelihood of any inconvenience. Equally significant is the need to remain apprised of the extended validity of the driver's licence, which circumvents unnecessary legal repercussions.