How to Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu in 2025?

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.

Team Digit

Validity of a Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu
Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu
What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your Driving Licence on Time?
Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Online
Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Offline
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Tamil Nadu
Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu
Check Driving Licence Renewal Status Online in Tamil Nadu
Important Guidelines to Follow During Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu
FAQs about Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu

How Long is the Validity of a Driving Licence 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.

Grace Period for Renewal of Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu

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.

What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your Driving Licence on Time?

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.

How to Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Online?

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.

How to Renew Driving Licence in Tamil Nadu Offline?

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.

What is the Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Tamil Nadu?

Now that you know how to renew driving licence online in Tamil Nadu, let’s take a look at its applicable charges:

Renewal Types	Fees Applicable
Renewal of driving license for transport vehicle	₹ 450
Renewal of driving license for non-transport vehicle	₹ 500
Additional fees for renewal of driving license (applying after the grace period)	₹ 300
Additional fees for the renewal of driving license (applying after one year of grace period)	₹ 1,000

Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu

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.

How to Check the Driving Licence Renewal Status Online in Tamil Nadu?

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.

You will be redirected to a different website.

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

Important Guidelines to Follow During Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu

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.

FAQs About Driving Licence Renewal in Tamil Nadu

All

My DL expired 5 years back; shall I apply for renewal or fresh DL?

If the DL is not renewed for 5 years, then you have to apply for a fresh DL.

A new DL is valid for how many years?

A new DL is valid for 20 years.

Can I use my DL as an official document?

Yes, you can use your driver's licence as an official document that can serve as proof of your identity and address.

Can I renew my driving licence online in Tamil Nadu?

You can renew your driving licence online in Tamil Nadu by visiting the Praivahan official website, selecting ‘Driving Licence Related Services’ under ‘Online Services’, choosing the state and clicking on ‘Apply for DL Renewal’.

How early can I apply for DL renewal in Tamil Nadu?

The earliest you can apply for DL renewal in Tamil Nadu is not more than 30 days before the date of expiry.

What documents do I need for driving licence renewal in Tamil Nadu?

For DL renewal in Tamil Nadu, you need documents like identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, etc.), address proof (utility bills, ration card, telephone bill, etc.), Form 9, Form 1, Form 1A (if the applicant is above 40), proof for date of birth, original driving licence and 3 passport-sized photographs.

What are the driving licence renewal fees in Tamil Nadu?

The driving licence renewal fees in Tamil Nadu are ₹450 for transport vehicles and ₹500 for non-transport vehicles.

Do I need to take a driving test to renew my DL in Tamil Nadu?

If you renew your driving licence within one year of expiry, there is no need to retake the driving test. However, post that period, you need to clear the driving test in order to renew your licence and also pay the requisite fees.

Do I need to submit a medical certificate for DL renewal in Tamil Nadu?

You only need to submit a Medical Certificate (Form 1A) during licence renewal if you are above 40 or have any ongoing medical condition.

Can I update my address when renewing my driving licence?

Yes, you can update your address when submitting your driving licence renewal application. However, you need to submit the required documents and pay additional fees.

What application form do I need for DL renewal in Tamil Nadu?

You need to download Form 9 from the official website of the Tamil Nadu RTO for a driving licence renewal. Also, you can collect this form offline by visiting your nearest RTO office.

Can I drive with my expired licence while waiting for DL renewal?

No, it is a legal offence to drive on public roads without a valid driving licence. It can attract a ₹5,000 penalty, and the authorities can also impound your vehicle.