Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, and serene valleys, relies on efficient transportation to connect its diverse and often remote regions. In Himachal Pradesh, having a driving licence is essential for daily commuting, tourism, and transportation, contributing significantly to the local economy. 

Renewing a driving licence is critical, ensuring drivers remain qualified and current with current road safety regulations and maintaining high safety standards. 

While the online renewal of a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh might sound tiresome, this article will give you a detailed guide on making it easier and faster!

After creating a driving licence for the first time, validity remains for about 20 years or until the holder reaches 50 years. Once it expires, the holder will have to renew their driving licence every five years if it is a non-commercial vehicle and three years in case of commercial vehicles.

After your driving licence expires, the government provides a 30-day grace period during which you can renew it without facing any penalties. If you fail to renew your licence within this time frame, the renewal fees will increase by ₹1,000.

A driver's licence is valid for 20 years or until the holder turns 50, whichever comes first. The holder can apply for renewal as soon as this occurs. If the application is submitted more than 30 days after the licence expiry, renewal will be processed from the date of submission. In such cases, a fee of ₹30 will be charged.

Once the holder is over 50, the licence must be renewed every 3-5 years, and additional requirements such as a medical certificate and a driving test may be necessary.  The remaining renewal process is similar to the standard application for a driver's licence.

Here are a few easy steps to renew DL in Himachal Pradesh online:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal and select “Driving Licence related services” from the drop-down list under “Online Services” on the homepage.

• Step 2: Select Himachal Pradesh from the list of states. On the redirected page, select "Apply for DL renewal".

• Step 3: Click on “Continue” on the next page. It will ask you to enter your DL number and date of birth on the redirected page. After entering details, click on "Proceed".

• Step 4: The portal will search and check your current DL status. If the status says "Expired" beside your name, you will have to fill in the remaining options, choose your nearest RTO, and click on “Proceed”.
• Step 5: Complete the procedure by uploading your documents, paying the fees, and booking an LL/DL Services slot.

Follow these steps to renew DL in Himachal Pradesh offline:

• Step 1: Download Form no. 9 and fill it with all your details.

• Step 2: Download Form 1A and fill it with your medical details.

• Step 3: Visit your nearest RTO with your documents, including your Form 9, medical declaration with Form 1A, Permanent Driving Licence, three copies of photographs and specified fees.

As the process of renewal of a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh can be a legal procedure, it is advisable to keep the following documents handy.

• Identification and age proof (Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Birth Certificate)

• Form no 9 for application

• Form no 1A for Medical Certificate for those aged 40 years or more

• 3 copies of passport-sized photographs

• Fees as specified under rule-32

If you have applied to renew your driving licence online in Himachal Pradesh, checking the status can be helpful.

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website and click on “Online Services”. Next, click on “Driving Licence Related Services” from the drop-down list.

• Step 2: After choosing your residential state, you will find the option “Application status” on the top-right corner. Click on it.

• Step 3: Enter your application number and date of birth, and then click on "Submit". It will give you an outline of your renewal application status.

Individuals can therefore avail online renewal of a driving licence in Himachal Pradesh without any hassle by following the steps mentioned in this article. If you own a DL that is nearing its expiry date, you can follow the above guide to keep it functional.

• If you don’t apply for DL renewal within the grace period, then you have to take the driving test again.

• If you have any health conditions, you must provide a certificate for them. If you are over 40, a medical certificate (form 1A) is mandatory.

• If you don’t renew your DL for five years from its expiry, you will have to apply for a new one.