Driving Licence Renewal in West Bengal
Driving Licence Renewal in West Bengal
West Bengal is a diverse tapestry of culture and progress. This progress can be actively witnessed in the state’s investment in developing its road infrastructure to enhance connectivity and interstate commute. After all, better roads mean more road safety!
To further emphasise this, the state’s traffic authorities demand that all motorists hold a valid driver’s licence. This way, only drivers who have passed a qualifying test can drive on public roads.
If you own a car or bike in West Bengal and find that your driver’s licence is about to expire, it is time you get it renewed. Thankfully, driving license renewals in West Bengal can be done online or offline. Read on to learn how!
Driving Licence Validity In West Bengal
A private driving licence in West Bengal (and across India) will be valid for 20 years or till the driver reaches the age of 40 – whichever is earlier, on its first issue. After the driver attains 40 years, it can be renewed/will be issued for another 10 years and then 5 years.
In other words, the validity for WB driving licence renewals for private vehicle owners will be:
If you are less than 30 years the licence will be valid till you reach 40 years
If you a 30 or above but under 50 years, the renewed licence will be valid for 10 years.
If you are 50 or over but under 55, the licence will be valid until you are 60 years old.
If you are over 55 years the renewed licence will be valid for 5 years.
The driving licence validity in West Bengal for commercial vehicles is 3 years and can be renewed every 3 years
Step-By-Step Process for Renewal of Driving Licence in West Bengal
Driving Licence Renewal Online in West Bengal
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal.
Step 2: Hover over the Online Services option on the top tab and click Driving Licence Related Services.
Step 3: Select your resident state, i.e., West Bengal, from the drop-down.
Step 4: Click Apply for DL renewal.
Step 5: If you drive a commercial vehicle or are over 40 years old, download Form 1-A and have it filled and signed by a medical practioner. The link is available at the bottom of the page.
Step 6: Click Continue.
Step 7: Enter your DL number, DOB, captcha code and check the terms and conditions box. Click Proceed.
Step 8: Fill out the application form and upload any necessary documents like Form 1-A.
Step 9: Submit your application form and pay the fees.
Step 10: Once your payment has been processed, download and print out your acknowledgement receipt. You will need this later.
Step 11: Next, book an appointment and visit your nearest RTO on the designated date and time with your acknowledgement receipt and your driver’s licence.
Step 12: You will receive your renewed driver’s licence via post in a few days after verification of your application.
Useful Links:
West Bengal Transport Department Portal
Offline WB Driving Licence Renewal Process
Step 1: Download and fill out the renewal application form, Form 2. This can be downloaded from the Parivahan website, or you can also ask for it when visiting the RTO.
Step 2: if you are over 40 or drive a transport vehicle, you will need to download Form 1A and get it filled and signed by an authorised medical practitioner.
Step 3: Gather the originals and copies of the necessary documents like your driver’s licence and valid ID proof.
Step 4: Visit your nearest RTO and enquire about the DL renewal process.
Step 5: Submit the duly filled and signed forms and pay the DL renewal fees.
Step 6: Collect and maintain the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Step 7: You will receive your renewed driver’s licence in a few days via post after your application has been verified.
Useful Links:
Parivahan Form Download Page
Renewal Application Form 2
Form 1A (Medical Fitness Certificate for transport vehicles and those over 40)
Documents Required for Driving Licence Renewal in West Bengal
Duly filled and signed application Form 2.
Form 1A (if you are over 40 or drive a transport vehicle)
Form 5A (for heavy goods vehicle)
Identity proof (Aadhar Card or Passport)
Age Proof (Voter ID or Aadhar Card)
Address Proof (Utility bills or IDs that also state your address)
Nationality Proof (Voter ID card or Aadhar card)
Passport sized photographs
Original Driver’s Licence
Useful Links:
Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989 (See Rule 18, Page 19)
Parivahan Form Download Page
How to Schedule an Online Appointment for Driving License Renewal in West Bengal?
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal.
Step 2: Hover over the Online Services option on the top tab and click Driving Licence Related Services.
Step 3: Select your resident state, i.e., West Bengal, from the drop-down.
Step 4: Hover over Appointments and select DL Services Slot Booking.
Step 5: Enter your Application number, DOB and captcha code. The application number can be found on your acknowledgement receipt.
Step 6: Click Submit.
Step 7: Check for available time slots and book your appointment at the nearest RTO address.
Also Read: RTO West Bengal
How to Check Your Driving Licence Renewal Status in West Bengal?
Step 1: Visit West Bengal’s Parivahan website.
Step 2: Click on Application Status on the top tab.
Step 3: Enter your Application number, DOB and captcha code. The application number can be found on your acknowledgement receipt.
Step 4: Click Submit. You will be displayed your driving licence renewal status in West Bengal.
Driving Licence Renewal Fees in West Bengal
Renewal Services | DL Renewal Fees in West Bengal |
---|---|
Driving Licence (DL) renewal | ₹200 |
Driving Licence (DL) renewal after grace period | ₹300 |
Additional fee for delays (for each year after expiry) | ₹1,000 per year |
Renewal of authorisation for vehicles carrying hazardous goods | ₹100 |
*The grace period is 30 days from the expiry date. If you are unable to perform your WB driving licence renewal within 30 days, an additional fee will be charged on renewal.
Useful Links:
Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989 (See Rule 32 for Fees - Page 52)
Why is it Important to Renew Your Driving Licence?
Your driver’s licence acts as ID proof. A driver’s licence acts as a valid address and identity proof since it is a government-issued document.
Hence, all motorists must have it on their person for accurate identification by traffic authorities if they are ever pulled over.
A valid driver’s licence is legally mandatory. A driver’s licence is an essential document for all motorists in West Bengal.
If you are caught driving without one or if you drive your vehicle with an expired licence, you will be subject to a traffic fine of ₹5,000.
Renewals after 5-year lapses require and brand new licence. You will not be able to renew your driver’s licence if it has been expired for 5 years or more. In these cases, the only option is to apply for a brand new licence on the Parivahan website.
Also Read:
Traffic Fines In West Bengal
Traffic Rules In West Bengal
WB Driving Licence Renewal Helpline
For any issues regarding the renewal of your driving licence in West Bengal, you can always visit the Parivahan website and file a complaint through their grievance redressal service. You can contact them via phone or email:
Email ID: helpdesk-sarathi@gov.in
Contact Number: 0120-4925505 (from 6 am to 10 pm all days)
Importance of Having Motor Insurance
Like a driver’s licence, valid motor insurance is also needed if you want to legally drive on public roads in West Bengal. According to the MV Act, all motorists must have at least valid third-party motor insurance.
For example, if you own a bike, you will need insurance for a two-wheeler to ensure legal compliance. You can buy two-wheeler insurance either online or offline from any insurer of your choice – like us at Tata AIG!
We recommend buying a two-wheeler insurance policy online as it is cheaper. If you use our website, you can have a valid bike insurance policy in just a few clicks with minimal paperwork! To ensure you get the best rates, use a bike insurance calculator.
Final Words
A driver’s licence is a vital document all motorists must have to ensure legal compliance. They are valid for 20 years or until you reach 40 years of age on the first issue and must be renewed after this period. Thankfully, West Bengal offers a flexible renewal process.
WB driving licence renewals can be done online through the Parivahan portal or offline at RTOs. The only thing to watch out for here is to get your renewals done on time as renewals after the grace period will incur additional fees with each subsequent year, after expiry.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.