Driving License Renewal

Who needs this?

• Anyone whose smart driving licence has expired or is about to expire
• Drivers who want to keep their licence valid before the printed expiry date
• People who let their licence lapse and now need to renew it (with a late fine)
• Drivers turning 60 or already above 60, whose validity period is shorter
• Anyone who needs an active licence to drive legally and avoid police fines

What documents do you need?

• Your existing (old) smart driving licence — original, plus a photocopy
• Citizenship certificate — original, plus a photocopy
• A recent passport-size photo (some offices capture your photo on-site, so carry spares)
• Your blood group report / medical details (an eye and basic health check is done as part of renewal)
• A mobile number registered in your own name (needed for the online portal and MPIN)
• An email address for portal registration and notifications

How do you do it, step by step?

1. Check the expiry date printed on the front of your smart licence and note whether you are still within validity, within the 90-day grace window, or already late
2. Create an account or log in at the DoTM online driving licence portal (applydlnew.dotm.gov.np) using your own mobile number and the MPIN sent to your phone
3. Link your licence by entering your licence number, date of birth, and email, then choose the renewal option
4. Choose whether to do the medical examination inside the transport office or outside (if outside, pick an approved doctor and date)
5. Select the Transport Management Office where you want to apply and pick an available appointment date
6. Pay the renewal fee online through the portal, or pay at the bank desk inside the office on your visit day
7. Visit the chosen Transport Management Office on your appointment date with your original documents
8. Complete the medical/eye check and biometric capture (photo, fingerprint, and digital signature) at the office
9. Collect your renewed smart licence once it is printed, or wait for it to be delivered/ready for pickup

How much does it cost?

Approximate and subject to change. Renewal fee is roughly NPR 1,500 for two-wheelers, around NPR 2,000 for light vehicles, and higher (about NPR 2,500-3,000) for medium and heavy categories. A small medical check fee may apply separately. If you renew late, a penalty is added on top of the renewal fee: roughly 100% extra if renewed within one year of expiry, increasing further the longer you wait (current rules allow penalties up to several times the base fee). Always confirm exact amounts at the office or on the official portal.

How long does it take?

Approximate and subject to change. The online booking and office visit can often be completed in a single appointment day. The printed smart card itself usually takes around 7-15 working days, though printing and delivery backlogs can make it longer.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting past the 90-day grace period after expiry, which adds a late-renewal penalty
• Letting the licence stay expired for over five years, after which it can be cancelled and you may have to apply fresh
• Registering the portal with a mobile number that is not in your own name, which blocks verification
• Going to the office without the original citizenship and original old licence (photocopies alone are not enough)
• Forgetting that drivers aged 60 and above get a shorter validity period, so the next renewal comes sooner
• Booking an appointment but not paying the fee or skipping the medical step, leaving the renewal incomplete
• Assuming the smart card is ready the same day — printing and delivery take additional time

Official sources

Before you go — your checklist

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