How to Change Your Address on Driving Licence?

Your driving licence is not just a permit to drive on the roads but also a widely accepted form of identification. Hence, it becomes imperative to keep the information on it accurate and up-to-date. If you’ve recently relocated, updating your address on your driving licence is crucial and legally required. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the importance of updating this information and guide you on how to go about it.

Why is it Important to Update Your Address on Your Driving Licence?

1. Legal Compliance:

In India, the Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988 mandates that all information on your driving licence should be current and accurate. Failure to update your address could result in fines or penalties if the discrepancy is found during traffic checks.

2. Smooth Communication:

Your address is a crucial piece of information used by the RTO and traffic authorities for official communication. An updated address ensures that you receive timely notifications, renewal reminders, and any other essential communication without any hiccups.

3. Ease in Vehicle Transactions:

Whether you’re purchasing a new vehicle, selling your old one, or involved in any vehicle-related transactions, having a driving licence with the correct address can significantly smoothen the process.

4. Accurate ID Proof:

Your driving licence doubles up as a valid proof of identity and address. An updated address on your licence is necessary when you're opening a bank account, applying for loans, or conducting any significant financial transactions.

5. Emergency Situations:

In case of emergencies or accidents, the address on your driving licence can play a pivotal role in reaching out to your family or sending critical information to your residence swiftly.

6. Convenience in Claim Settlements:

If you’re involved in an accident and need to claim insurance, having the correct address on your driving licence expedites the claim settlement process, preventing unnecessary delays and hassle.

As you can see, keeping the address updated on your driving licence is not just a legal requirement but also a responsibility every driver should undertake for smooth and efficient handling of various life transactions and emergencies. As you move homes or cities, make it a priority to update this piece of information to avoid potential issues in the future. Now that you understand the importance of an updated DL, let’s move on to how to change the address on your driving licence and the documents you need. 

Documents required to change address on a driving licence

Before initiating the process of changing your address on the driving licence, it’s essential to have the necessary documents handy. Below is the list of documents required for a hassle-free address update in a driver's licence: 

1. Application Form:

Form LLD: It’s the legal application form required for the change of address on your driving licence.

2. Address Proof:

You need to submit proof of your new address. Any of the following documents can be used:

1. Passport.
2. Aadhar Card.
3. Voter ID.
4. Recent utility bills (electricity, water, or gas).
5. House rental agreement.

3. Driving Licence:

Submit your original driving licence.

4. Photographs:

Passport-sized photographs are required for identification purposes.

5. Age Proof:

Submit any one of the following documents as proof of age:

1. PAN Card.
2. Birth Certificate.
3. Passport.
4. 10th Class mark sheet.

How to Change Your Address in DL Online?

Wondering “can we change the address on the driving licence” online? The answer is yes! In the digital age, the process of updating your address on the driving licence has been streamlined and can be completed online with ease. Follow the steps below:

1. Visit the Official Website:

Go to the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways - Parivahan.

2. Select Your State:

Choose the state where you wish to make the change on your driving licence.

3. Navigate to DL Services:

Under the 'Online Services' tab, select 'Driving Licence Related Services'.

4. Enter DL Information:

Input your driving licence number and date of birth to access the services related to your licence.

5. Select Address Change Service:

Find and select the option for changing the address on your driving licence.

6. Upload Documents:

Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Ensure the documents are clear and legible.

7. Pay the Fees:

There will be a nominal fee for updating the address. Make the payment online through the available payment gateway.

8. Confirmation:

After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation message and receipt. Save these for your records.

9. Review Process:

Your application will be reviewed by the RTO officials, and upon verification, the updated driving licence will be dispatched to your new address.

How to Change Your Address in DL Offline?

While the online method is efficient, you can also change your address on your driving licence through the offline route. This is particularly useful for individuals who may not have ready access to internet services. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Visit the RTO:

Go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your driving licence was issued or the nearest RTO in your current location.

2. Obtain Form LLD:

Collect Form LLD (Application for Duplicate Driving Licence) from the RTO. You can also download it from the official website and take a printout.

3. Fill Out the Form:

Complete Form LLD with accurate details, including your new address.

4. Attach Necessary Documents:

Submit the form along with the required documents (mentioned in the previous section). Ensure that the documents are self-attested.

5. Pay the Applicable Fee:

Pay the nominal fee for address change at the RTO. The fee structure may vary slightly from state to state.

6. Verification Process:

RTO officials might verify the documents and may ask you to present the original documents for verification.

7. Collect Acknowledgment Slip:

Once the application is submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgement slip with a unique reference number.

How to Check the Status of DL Address Change Online?

After you’ve applied for the address change, you can track the status of your application online. Following are the steps to do so:

1. Access the Parivahan Portal:

Visit the official Parivahan website.

2. Select Your State:

Choose the Indian state where the address change application was submitted.

3. Go to DL Services:

Navigate to 'Driving Licence Related Services'.

4. Input DL Details:

Enter your driving licence number and your date of birth.

5. Track Application Status:

Select the 'Application Status' option. Input your application number (you’ll find this on the acknowledgement slip).

6. View Status:

The system will display the current status of your application. It will indicate whether the application is still under review, or approved, or if the new driving licence has been dispatched.

Final Thoughts

In a country where the rules of the road are strictly regulated, keeping your driving licence updated isn’t merely advisable, it’s a legal imperative. A driving licence with the current address ensures smoother transactions in all vehicle-related matters and ensures you remain on the right side of the law. Whether you opt to update your address online or offline, each process is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, accommodating the varied needs of the driving population.

FAQs

1. How soon after moving should I change my address on my driver's licence?

After moving, it's best to update your address as soon as you can—ideally within 30 days.

2. Can my driver's licence be sent to a post office box?

No, the address you provide must be your verified residential location.

3. Is there a penalty if my driver's licence address is out of date?

Yes, failing to update your address may result in fines or penalties for breaking the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 during traffic checks.

4. Can I change my address online from any state in India on my driver's licence?

Yes, you can update your address online from any state by following the procedure. But make sure you choose the right state on the Parivahan page.

5. What is the turnaround time for the amended driver's licence?

Typically, it takes a few weeks starting on the application date. Depending on the location and workload of that particular RTO, the actual time may change.

6. When I update my address, do I have to give up my old driver's licence?

It is possible that you will need to provide your previous driver's licence when applying offline. You may need to exchange it after you obtain the new version, but you usually don't have to give it up right away for online applications.

7. What should I do in the event that my updated driver's licence contains errors?

As soon as possible, get in touch with the RTO that issued the revised licence and let them know about the errors so they can make the required adjustments.

8. Can I drive while I'm awaiting a new driver's licence?

You may drive while awaiting your updated licence, but you must always carry a copy of your acknowledgement slip or any other supporting documentation when you do so.

9. Is there a grace period for changing my driver's license's address?

Although there isn't a set grace period, it's advisable to update your address as soon as you can to steer clear of any potential legal issues.

10. Will changing the address result in a change to my driver's licence number?

No, the number on your driver's licence won't change even if you move.