Renewing a driving licence no longer requires repeated visits to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In Kerala, the entire driving licence renewal process can be completed online through the official Parivahan portal, saving time, effort, and unnecessary delays. We provide a complete, accurate, and step-by-step guide to help applicants renew their driving licence online in Kerala smoothly and legally.
This guide is designed for private vehicle holders, commercial licence holders, senior citizens, and anyone whose licence is nearing expiry or already expired within the permissible period.
Overview of Driving Licence Renewal in Kerala
A driving licence in India is generally valid for 20 years from the date of issue or until the holder attains the age of 40 years, whichever is earlier. After that, renewal is required every 5 years. In Kerala, the renewal process is governed by the Motor Vehicles Act and executed digitally through the Parivahan Sewa platform.
We strongly recommend initiating renewal before the expiry date to avoid late fees, re-testing, or legal complications.
Official Website for Driving Licence Renewal
All online applications must be submitted only through the Government of India’s authorized transport portal:
This portal is applicable across Kerala and connected to all RTOs and Sub RTOs in the state.
Eligibility Criteria for Online Driving Licence Renewal
Before applying, ensure the following eligibility conditions are met:
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Licence issued in Kerala or any Indian state
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Licence not expired beyond 5 years
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Valid Aadhaar number (recommended for eKYC)
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Medical certificate required if age is above 40 years or for commercial licences
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Active mobile number linked to Aadhaar
If the licence has expired for more than 5 years, applicants may be required to appear for a driving test again.
Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal Online
We advise keeping the following documents ready in digital format:
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Original Driving Licence
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Proof of Address (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Utility Bill)
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Proof of Age (if not already verified)
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Passport size photograph
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Signature (scanned)
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Form 1 (Self-declaration of physical fitness)
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Form 1A (Medical Certificate) – mandatory for applicants above 40 years or commercial licence holders
Uploading clear and accurate documents significantly reduces rejection chances.
Step by Step Guide to Renew Driving Licence Online in Kerala
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Portal
Open the official website https://parivahan.gov.in/ and select “Driving Licence Related Services”.
Step 2: Select State as Kerala
Choose Kerala from the dropdown list to proceed to the state-specific services page.
Step 3: Click on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’
From the list of services, select “Renewal of Driving Licence”.
Step 4: Enter Driving Licence Details
Provide your Driving Licence Number and Date of Birth exactly as printed on the licence. Click Submit to fetch your details.
Step 5: Verify Applicant Information
We recommend carefully reviewing personal details, address, and licence validity. Any discrepancy must be corrected before proceeding.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the prescribed format and size. Ensure clarity and legibility.
Step 7: Book Slot for Biometric (If Required)
In some cases, applicants may need to visit the RTO for biometrics, photo, or signature capture. Select a convenient date and time slot.
Step 8: Pay Driving Licence Renewal Fees
Complete the online payment using UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. After successful payment, download the receipt.
Step 9: Application Submission and Acknowledgment
Submit the application and download the acknowledgment slip for future reference.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Kerala
The standard government fees are as follows:
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Driving Licence Renewal Fee: ₹200
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Late Fee: ₹300 (if applied after expiry)
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Additional Fee: Applicable for smart card issuance or services beyond standard renewal
Fees may vary slightly depending on licence category and duration of delay.
Medical Certificate Requirement Explained
Applicants aged above 40 years must submit Form 1A, certified by a registered medical practitioner. Commercial licence holders must submit this form regardless of age.
We advise ensuring the medical certificate is recent and valid at the time of submission.
Processing Time for Driving Licence Renewal in Kerala
Under normal circumstances, the renewed driving licence is processed within 7 to 15 working days. Delays may occur due to document verification, biometric appointments, or regional workload.
Applicants can legally drive using the acknowledgment slip until the new licence is delivered.
How to Track Driving Licence Renewal Application Status
To track application status:
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Click on “Application Status”
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Enter Application Number and Date of Birth
Real-time updates help applicants stay informed without visiting the RTO.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
We recommend avoiding these common mistakes:
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Uploading blurred or incorrect documents
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Mismatch in name or date of birth
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Invalid or expired medical certificate
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Incorrect licence number entry
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Payment failure or incomplete submission
Careful attention at each step ensures smooth approval.
Offline vs Online Driving Licence Renewal in Kerala
While offline renewal is still available at RTOs, the online method is faster, transparent, and highly recommended. Online renewal reduces physical visits, queues, and paperwork while providing digital records and acknowledgments.
Important Tips for Hassle-Free Renewal
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Apply at least 30 days before expiry
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Double-check personal details before submission
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Keep payment receipts safely
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Attend biometric appointments on time
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Use the same mobile number throughout the process
Conclusion
Renewing a driving licence online in Kerala through the Parivahan portal is a simple, secure, and efficient process when done correctly. By following this step-by-step guide, applicants can complete the renewal process confidently without relying on agents or middlemen. Accurate documentation, timely application, and proper verification ensure quick approval and uninterrupted legal driving privileges.
