As per reports, in 2023, Tamil Nadu will have the 3rd highest vehicle population in the country, standing at 338.22 Lakhs. Thus, to ensure efficient traffic management, the authorities impose strict traffic regulations, like DL and pollution paper checks, at every major roadway and intersection.    

The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 mandates every motorist to carry a valid driving licence (DL) while driving. An expired licence attracts a penalty, and therefore, one should renew it at the earliest. Continue reading to get a clear idea of the DL renewal process in Tamil Nadu.

The validity of a non-transport (private vehicle) driving licence in Tamil Nadu is 20 years or till the holder attains the age of 40. After this, the DL is renewable for 10 years and periods of 5 years thereafter.    

In the case of transport category (commercial vehicles) licences, the validity period is 5 years from the date of issue. Furthermore, for vehicles carrying dangerous goods, the DL validity period is 3 years. 

All driving licence holders in Tamil Nadu get a grace period of 30 days after the date of expiry to apply for DL renewal. For applications filed within this time period, there are no additional charges.

If you file your DL renewal after the 30-day grace period, a ₹300 fine is applicable. This penalty will increase to ₹1,000 per year after the grace period expiry date. 

In case you fail to renew your driving licence within 5 years of expiry, you need to apply for a new one by retaking the driving test and paying the requisite fees.

Before you know how to renew driving licence in Tamil Nadu, it is important to keep in mind that you have to renew it within the grace period of 30 days, failing which you have to pay higher fees.

Follow the simple steps given below to apply for online driving licence renewal Tamil Nadu:

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website and select ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’ on the navigation bar.

• Step 2: Select your state as ‘Tamil Nadu’ from the drop-down box.

• Step 3: When the screen loads, click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.

• Step 4: An instruction page will appear. After reading it, click on ‘Continue’ and proceed with driving licence renewal online Tamil Nadu.

• Step 5: A form will appear on your screen, which you have to fill out with relevant data like DL number, date of birth, etc.

• Step 6: Now, select ‘Proceed’. Then, confirm details and click on ‘Renewal’.
• Step 7: An acknowledgement slip will appear. Print it for future reference.

After completing Tamil Nadu driving licence renewal online steps, you have to visit the nearest RTO office with the necessary documents and fees.

Follow the simple steps given below to apply for Tamil Nadu driving licence renewal in offline mode:

• Download the application Form 9 for renewal or collect it from the RTO office.
• Fill up all details and attach relevant documents with it.
• Deposit all documents at the counter of RTO along with deposit fees and collect an acknowledgement slip.

For driving licence renewal Tamil Nadu following documents are necessary:

• Identity proof like Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.
• Address proof like utility bills, ration card, telephone bill, etc.

• Duly filled out application through Form 9

• Proof for date of birth
• Original DL
• Form 1 (for those aged between 17-40 years)
• Form 1A (for individuals above 40 years of age)
• 3 passport-sized photographs.

To check the status, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the Transport Commissionerate and State Transport Authority of Tamil Nadu.

• Step 2: Click on ‘Driving Licence’, scroll down and click on the given link.

• Step 3: When the page loads, select “Tamil Nadu” as the state.

• Step 4: Click on “Application Status”.

• Step 5: Enter the required details and click “Submit”.

The platform will show you information like:

• Application number
• Licence number
• Date of printing the card
• Date of dispatch

Following are some important guidelines which you must keep in mind when applying for driving licence renewal in Tamil Nadu:

• Apply for DL renewal 30 days before or prior to its expiry date to avoid paying penalties. 

• If you do not renew your driving licence within a year of the grace period’s expiry date, you need to reappear for a driving test for licence renewal. 

• If you do not renew your DL for more than 5 years after expiry, you will be ineligible for driving licence renewal. You need to apply for a new one by clearing the driving test and paying the requisite fees. 

• If you are above 40 or have any ongoing medical condition, you need to submit a Medical Certificate (Form 1A) when applying for DL renewal.