How to renew your driving license in India
What's the story
Renewing a driving license in India can often turn into a time-consuming affair.
However, with the right approach and preparation, you can speed up this task by a great deal.
Here are some practical tips to help you streamline your driving license renewal process in India.
Following these tips, you can save time and avoid the hassle of unnecessary visits to the RTO.
Preparation
Gather necessary documents early
Before you head to the RTO, make sure you have all the required documents in place.
Generally, you'll need your existing driving license, identity proof (Aadhaar card or passport), residence proof (utility bill or rental agreement), and passport-sized photographs.
Having these documents in order would save time during the submission and verification processes at the RTO.
Digital approach
Utilize online services
Many states in India provide online services for driving license renewal applications.
Using these digital platforms, you can fill out forms and upload required documents, all from the comfort of your home.
This not only saves time but also cuts down on how many times you have to go to the RTO office.
Make sure you check if your state offers this service and use it if it does.
Planning ahead
Schedule an appointment
To prevent long queues at the RTO office, try to schedule an appointment online, if the option is available in your area.
Booking a slot in advance ensures you are attended to as soon as you arrive at the office.
This step helps you manage your schedule better and reduces waiting times by a large margin.
Financial efficiency
Pay fees online
Most RTOs now also accept online payments for renewal fees via their official websites or mobile apps.
Paying fees online is convenient as you don't have to carry cash or wait in line at payment counters within RTO premises.
Just ensure that you keep the digital receipts as proof of payment when visiting the office.
Follow-up
Verify application status regularly
After submitting your application (online or offline), do check its status regularly on official portals of state transport departments.
Keeping a tab on progress helps spot any issues at an early stage, so they can be rectified immediately, without further delaying the receipt of your renewed license.