How to Renew Driving Licence Online in Karnataka
04 May, 2026
Karnataka has one of the more streamlined DL renewal systems in the country, particularly in Bengaluru, where the integration between the Sarathi portal and state RTO networks means most renewals are processed quickly and dispatched without requiring an in-person visit. If your Karnataka driving licence is approaching expiry or has recently lapsed, this guide walks you through the complete DL renewal Karnataka process, what it costs, and who to contact if something goes wrong.
DL Renewal in Karnataka
Karnataka DL renewals are processed through the national Sarathi portal (parivahan.gov.in), managed by the Karnataka Transport Department in coordination with MoRTH. The state's digital infrastructure for licence management is among the more advanced in India, with most district RTOs providing online-first processing. Key renewal eligibility rules in Karnataka:
- Earliest renewal: Up to 1 year before the DL expiry date
- Grace period: Up to 1 year after expiry, with a late renewal penalty
- Beyond 1 year expired: Mandatory in-person RTO visit; fresh driving test may be required
- Post-50 renewal: Every 5 years, with a medical fitness certificate (Form 1A) mandatory
For standard personal vehicle (LMV) renewals within the eligibility window the Karnataka DL renewal online process is typically end-to-end with no RTO visit required. Most applicants prefer to renew DL in Karnataka through the Sarathi portal because it allows document uploads fee payment and status tracking digitally.
Online Process via Parivahan
Step 1: Log In to the Sarathi Portal The Karnataka renewal system follows the same centralized DL application process India framework used across all states under the Parivahan and Sarathi platforms.
Step 2: Click DL Renewal Under DL Services Select Apply for DL Renewal. Enter your Karnataka DL number and date of birth to retrieve your existing record.
Step 3: Confirm Record Details Review your name, address, vehicle classes, and expiry date. Confirm that all details are accurate before proceeding.
Step 4: Update Address if Required Upload fresh address proof if your current address differs from what is on record. Karnataka RTOs accept Aadhaar, Voter ID, or utility bills not older than 3 months.
Step 5: Complete Medical Declaration Fill in Form 1 online for personal vehicle renewals. Transport and HMV licence holders must upload Form 1A from a registered medical practitioner. This is also required for renewals after age 40 in the HMV category.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents Upload your address proof, recent photograph, and existing DL card image (if available).
Step 7: Pay Karnataka DL Renewal Fees Pay the applicable fees (detailed below) via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
Step 8: Track Your Application Monitor your Karnataka DL renewal process status at parivahan.gov.in under Application Status. The tracking system works similarly to the Tamil Nadu DL status check process available through the same Sarathi infrastructure. Dispatch typically occurs within 7 to 14 working days for Bengaluru RTOs and 14 to 21 days for other districts.
Karnataka-Specific DL Renewal Fees
| Renewal Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| LMV (Car/Two-Wheeler) Renewal | ₹250 to ₹450 |
| HMV / Transport Renewal | ₹400 to ₹700 |
| Renewal with class addition | ₹450 to ₹750 |
| Late renewal penalty | ₹300 to ₹600 additional |
| Smart card fee | ₹200 (typically included) |
The exact Karnataka driving licence renewal fees are calculated by the Sarathi portal based on your vehicle class, state, and renewal timing. The fee breakdown is displayed transparently before payment. Payment is accepted online only for the digital application route.
Late renewal penalty in Karnataka: Karnataka applies a late fee when a DL is renewed after expiry. The penalty increases with the length of the lapse. Renewing before expiry or within 30 days of expiry avoids any late charges.
Karnataka RTO Contacts for DL Renewal
The information for Karnataka requires several significant corrections. There are inaccuracies in both the mapping of RTO codes to areas and the contact numbers, many of which have changed due to the centralization of transport services.
| City / Area | RTO Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru Central (Koramangala) | KA-01 | 080-25533525 |
| Bengaluru West (Rajajinagar) | KA-02 | 080-23324388 |
| Bengaluru East (Indiranagar) | KA-03 | 080-25253726 |
| Bengaluru North (Yeshwanthpur) | KA-04 | 080-23376039 |
| Bengaluru South (Jayanagar) | KA-05 | 080-26630989 |
| Mysuru (West) | KA-09 | 0821-2340243 |
| Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada) | KA-19 | 0824-2220577 |
| Hubballi (Dharwad) | KA-25 | 0836-2223840 |
| Belagavi | KA-22 | 0831-2407777 |
Karnataka Transport Department Helpline: 080-22210994 / 080-23994223
Parivahan National Helpline: +91-120-4925505
Email: [email protected]
For Bengaluru RTOs, a dedicated grievance officer handles delayed renewals and dispatch issues. If your renewal smart card has not been dispatched within 21 working days, contact the grievance officer at your specific Bengaluru RTO.
Troubleshooting: Common Karnataka DL Renewal Issues
DL not eligible for renewal error on portal: Your DL is either too early for renewal (more than 1 year before expiry) or too lapsed for the online route (more than 1 year expired). For the latter, visit your Karnataka RTO in person with original documents.
Renewed DL not dispatched within expected time: Bengaluru RTOs typically dispatch within 14 working days. For other districts, allow up to 21 working days. Like the Maharashtra DL status check system Karnataka also updates dispatch and smart card movement details directly within the Parivahan tracking workflow. If shown as returned to sender, visit the RTO to update your address and request re-dispatch.
DigiLocker still showing old DL expiry date after renewal: Delete the existing DL entry in DigiLocker and re-fetch it after your renewal is processed. This is also the easiest way to download DL in Karnataka digitally once the updated licence becomes active in the Sarathi database. Allow 3 to 7 working days after the portal shows "Dispatched" before re-fetching.
Karnataka RTO helpline not reachable for DL renewal: Bengaluru RTOs receive high call volumes, especially on Mondays and Fridays. The transport department email is more reliable for written queries. Alternatively, visit the RTO in person on a weekday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Form 1A rejected during Karnataka DL renewal: Ensure the doctor signing Form 1A is registered under NMC/MCI and that the certificate is on the current prescribed format from the Sarathi portal. Outdated formats are rejected by the system.
FAQs
1. How to renew driving licence in Karnataka 2026 if it expired recently?
Ans: If expired within 1 year, renew online at parivahan.gov.in with a late fee. Beyond 1 year of expiry, visit your Karnataka RTO directly. In most cases, you will need to sit for a fresh driving test.
2. Is a medical certificate mandatory for Karnataka DL renewal?
Ans: Form 1 (self-declaration) is required for all renewals. Form 1A (from a registered doctor) is required for transport and HMV renewals, and for standard renewals after age 40. For LMV renewals before age 40, Form 1 is sufficient.
3. Can I renew my Karnataka DL from a different district?
Ans: Yes, within Karnataka. Select your current district during the renewal application and upload address proof reflecting your current location. The renewed DL will be dispatched to your updated address.
4. How long does Karnataka DL renewal take?
Ans: Bengaluru RTOs process renewals faster than most states, typically 7 to 14 working days for dispatch. Other Karnataka districts average 14 to 21 working days. Your digital DL (DigiLocker or mParivahan) can be set up as soon as the renewed record appears in the Sarathi database.
5. Can I drive in Karnataka while my DL renewal is being processed?
Ans: Yes. Carry your renewal application acknowledgement alongside your expired DL during the processing period. Traffic police typically accept this combination as proof of a pending renewal. Using your DigiLocker DL (once updated) is an even cleaner solution.
