A driving licence in Punjab is usually issued for five years. Once it expires, you are legally not allowed to drive until it is renewed, and traffic police can fine you for driving on an expired licence. The good news is that renewal is much easier than getting a licence for the first time. In most cases there is no driving test for renewal, and much of the process can now be started online through Punjab’s digital services, including the DLIMS system, the e-Khidmat platform and City Traffic Police facilitation centres.
This guide explains the complete renewal process: who can renew, which documents you need, the step-by-step method, the expected fees, what happens if your licence expired long ago, and the special medical rule for older drivers. Fee amounts and procedures are revised by the authorities from time to time, so always confirm current details on the official portal before paying.
Who Needs to Renew and When
Every Punjab driving licence carries an expiry date printed on the card. You can apply for renewal shortly before the expiry date or any time after it. If you keep driving on an expired licence, you risk a challan, and in case of an accident your insurance claim may also be questioned. As a general practice:
- Renew within the first few months after expiry to keep the process simple.
- If your licence has been expired for several years, you may be asked to pay a late renewal fine for each year of delay.
- Drivers aged 50 and above, and professional (HTV/PSV) licence holders, usually need a medical fitness certificate at renewal.
Not sure about your licence status or expiry date? Verify it first with our guide on driving licence check online in Pakistan, then proceed with renewal.
Documents Required for Licence Renewal in Punjab
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original expired driving licence | The physical card, or a copy/FIR if the card is lost |
| CNIC | Original and one photocopy of your valid CNIC |
| Photographs | Recent passport-size photographs (usually 2–3, as required by the centre) |
| Medical fitness certificate | Required for applicants aged 50+, and for professional categories; issued by an authorised government hospital or medical officer |
| Renewal fee + ticket | Government fee paid through the prescribed bank, post office, or mobile payment channel, plus the TCS/courier ticket where applicable |
| Application form | Filled renewal form, available at the licensing centre or generated online through DLIMS |
Step-by-Step: Renewing Through e-Khidmat / City Traffic Police
Step 1: Start your application online (DLIMS)
Punjab’s Driving Licence Issuance Management System (DLIMS) lets you create an account, enter your CNIC and licence details, and book or prepare your renewal application before visiting a centre. Starting online reduces your waiting time because your data is already in the system when you arrive. Some services, including learner permits and certain renewals in Lahore, are also supported through the City Traffic Police “Rasta” app and e-Khidmat channels — check the official portal for which renewal services are fully online in your city.
Step 2: Get a medical certificate (if required)
If you are 50 or older, or you hold a commercial/professional licence, visit an authorised government hospital or designated medical officer for a fitness test, including eyesight. The medical certificate is usually valid for a limited period, so get it done close to your renewal date.
Step 3: Pay the renewal fee
Pay the prescribed renewal fee through the channels announced by City Traffic Police — typically designated banks, post offices, or mobile wallets linked to the government payment system (such as e-Pay Punjab where available). Keep the paid challan/receipt safe; you will submit it with your documents. If your licence expired years ago, the late fine is calculated at the centre, so confirm the total payable amount before paying.
Step 4: Visit the licensing centre or e-Khidmat Markaz
Take your documents to the nearest City Traffic Police licensing centre, e-Khidmat Markaz, or Khidmat centre in your district. Your photograph and biometrics are captured, documents are verified, and your application is entered into DLIMS. In most cities, licence centres also operate mobile and 24/7 facilitation services in Lahore; check the official City Traffic Police page for current locations and timings.
Step 5: Receive your renewed licence
The renewed licence is printed centrally and delivered to your postal address through courier, or collected from the centre, depending on the service you chose. Delivery typically takes from a few days to a few weeks. You will receive an SMS update in most cases. Until the card arrives, keep the official receipt/slip with you while driving.
Renewal Fees and Late Fines (Indicative)
Fees depend on your licence category (motorcycle, car/jeep, LTV, HTV) and the length of delay. The table below gives a general idea of how the charges are structured. These figures are indicative only — the Punjab government revises the fee schedule periodically, so confirm current details on the official portal or at the licensing centre before paying.
| Charge Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee (5 years) | Fixed fee per licence category; car/jeep is higher than motorcycle |
| Late renewal fine | Charged per year (or part of a year) of expiry, increasing with the delay |
| Medical certificate fee | Small fee at the government hospital/medical board, where applicable |
| Courier / TCS ticket | Delivery charges for sending the printed card to your address |
| Duplicate licence fee | Applies instead of renewal fee if the original card is lost, along with an FIR/report |
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Wrong address on record: your card is couriered to the address in DLIMS. Update your address during the visit if you have moved.
- Name or CNIC mismatch: if your CNIC details changed (for example, after marriage), carry the supporting documents so the record can be corrected first.
- Very old expiry: licences expired for a long period may need extra verification, and in some cases the authority can require a fresh test. Ask the centre staff before paying fees.
- Unpaid e-challans: outstanding challans against your vehicle do not usually block renewal of a personal licence, but it is smart to clear them. You can check Lahore fines through PSCA e-challan verification online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Punjab driving licence completely online?
Many steps can be started online through DLIMS, e-Khidmat and (in Lahore) the Rasta app, including application entry and fee payment. However, photograph, biometrics and medical checks usually require one visit to a licensing centre or e-Khidmat Markaz. Confirm current details on the official portal, as fully-online renewal options are being expanded.
Is there a driving test for licence renewal?
Normally, no. Renewal of an ordinary car or motorcycle licence does not require a fresh driving test if the licence has not been expired for an exceptionally long period. Professional categories may have additional medical requirements.
What if my licence expired three years ago?
You can still renew it, but a late fine is charged for each year of delay, and the centre will calculate the total. Carry your CNIC, old licence and medical certificate (if applicable). For very long delays, the licensing authority may ask for re-verification, so visit the centre for exact guidance.
How long does it take to get the renewed licence card?
After your application is processed, the printed card is usually delivered by courier within a few days to a few weeks, depending on printing load and your city. Keep the official receipt until the card arrives, and track updates through the SMS alerts and DLIMS where available.
Do I need a medical certificate for renewal?
Yes, if you are 50 years of age or older, or if you hold a professional/commercial licence (such as HTV or PSV). Younger private-licence holders normally do not need one. The certificate must come from an authorised government medical facility.