In view of ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Union Transport Ministry has extended the validity of driving licence (DL), registration certificate (RC), fitness certificate, and other motor vehicle documents till 31 March 2021. With this, the govt has given a fresh deadline to people to renew papers like DL and RC. According to the advisory, ‘taking into consideration the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is further advised that the validity of all of the above-referred documents may be treated to be valid till 31st March 2021. This covers all documents whose validity has expired since 1st Feb 2020 or would expire by 31st March 2021.”
“Enforcement authorities are advised to treat such documents valid till 31st of March 2021. This will help out citizens in availing transport related services, while maintaining social distancing,” the advisory further added.
Centre asks states/UTs to implement advisory
The transport ministry has also issued a direction to the state and UT govts. “All the states and union territories have been requested to implement this advisory in letter and spirit so that the citizens, the transporters and various other organisations which are operating under this difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic may not get harassed or face difficulties,” the statement said.
Fourth extension this year to renew DL, RC
This is the fourth extension related to the extension of validity, earlier the ministry had issued advisories in March, June and August.
“MoRTH had earlier issued advisories dated 30th March, 2020, 9th June, 2020 and 24th Aug 2020 regarding extension of validity of documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), License, Registration or any other concerned document(s) may be treated to be valid till 31st December 2020,” a statement by the transport ministry read.
How to apply online to renew DL, RC
You can apply for renewal of DL online by visiting parivahan.gov.in.
Click on ‘driving licence-related services’.
Now, click on ‘DL services’.
Also Read: How to get HSRP and colour-coded stickers for vehicles: All about it
You need to type out your DL number, fill out the details, upload documents and make a payment so as to book a slot to visit the nearest RTO.
At the RTO, your biometric details will be checked and documents will be verified, post which the driving licence will be issued.
The process is similar to that of renewing RCs.
Flight cancelled or delayed? Guidelines you must know
Assembly elections 2023: Poll schedule for MP, Rajasthan, 3 other states out
RBI to lenders: Stop charging compound penal interest on loans