You need to renew your driving license in Nepal every 5 years and it can be done through any Transport Management office.
Even though there are only a few steps to license renewal in Nepal, it almost takes 2 to 3 hours.
As offices are closed on weekends and so is the DOTM Nepal most of us need to take half a day or take leave from work just to renew our license.
This is also one of the main reasons why people get fined and have to pay late renewal fees.
| Service | Driving License Renewal in Nepal |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Department of Transport Management |
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Renewal Fee | Rs 1500 |
| Fine After | 90 days or more |
| Payment Methods | Cash |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official website | https://www.dotm.gov.np/ |
To renew your driving license in Nepal you will need to visit the Department of Transport Management office and follow the process below.
- Receive token and EDL print
- Provide Biometrics
- Pass medical checkup
- Calculate your fees
- Payment
- Receive receipt (Wait for license print)
As you already know Nepal has started implementing smart driving licenses including an option to upgrade for existing license holders.
This has hugely impacted DOTM’s printing and distribution timing, some are still waiting for their license after a year, so you might have to wait a little longer to receive your driver’s license.
But you will receive a receipt that can be used as a replacement until you receive your original renewed license.
Documents required to renew a driving license are
- Citizenship original and photocopy
- License original and photocopy
Step-by-Step Guide process to renew License in Nepal 2023
1. Receive token and EDL print
The first step is to take a token number for your license renewal, this is the waiting list. And receive your EDL print (license information) from room 101.
The room number might be different for different cities and offices.
2. Provide Biometrics
The second step is to give or verify your digital biometrics, if you have given your biometrics to DOTM then they will verify your digital fingerprint and if your information matches. You will be sent to the next step.
3. Medical checkup
The third step is to pass your medical, which is usually an eyesight and color blindness test. They will check if you can see properly or not.
If you fail this test then you might need to wear glasses and come back later.
4. Calculate your license fees
The fourth step is to calculate how much you need to pay to renew your license. This depends on your license type and if you are paying on time or not.
If you have to pay for renewal before 90 days of expiry then you do not have to pay a fine but if this exceeds then you will be fined. Check the table below for fines and fees.
5. Payment
The fifth step is to pay your fees, you need to fill out a bank voucher and deposit it.
6. Receive a receipt
After paying you need to wait for the receipt. After it is ready they will call you by name and give it to you.
You will receive two receipts. One is payment and the other (Pink) can be used as a license.
After this, you can go home, and to check your license print status you can check their official website.
About License Renewal fees in Nepal
The Department of Transport Management charges renewal fees to all Nepalese license holders after the expiry date.
As of 2023 Driving license renewal charges in Nepal start from Rs 1500 for two-wheelers, 2000 for small vehicles such as Cars and Jeeps, 2500 for heavy vehicles, and the highest will be Rs 3000.
These renewal fees are divided into categories of vehicles see the image below for more information.
How much is the fine for an expired license in Nepal?
The validity of your license in Nepal is of 5 years only and if you want to keep using it then you need to renew it accordingly.
If you fail to renew your license on time then you will have to pay a fine as high as 500% plus your actual renewal fees.
If you fail to renew your license within 90 days of expiry, you will be charged 100% until the first year and will keep on adding 100% as the year passes by.
How much is the fine for an expired license in Nepal?
You need to pay a fine of 100% to 500% in Nepal if you fail to renew your license on time.
After how many months will I have to pay fines for an expired license in Nepal?
The Department of Transport Management starts charging fines for driver’s licenses after 3 months or 90 days of their expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions on License Renewal
How much does it cost to renew a license in Nepal in 2023?
The entry fee for renewing a license in Nepal is Rs 1500, excluding other charges such as photocopies, photos, stamps, and application charges.
The cost of renewal depends on what type of license you own such as Bike, Car, and Big vehicle.
What happens if a driving license is expired?
If your license is expired, then you cannot drive in public spaces. Unless you renew your license and pay the government the renewal fee. Also if you are caught driving without a license then you will be fined and might get other punishments as well.
How to renew a driving license in Nepal?
Visit DOTM and follow the steps below to renew a license in Nepal.
1. Receive token and EDL print
2. Provide Biometrics
3. Pass medical checkup
4. Calculate your fees
5. Payment
6. Receive receipt (Wait for license print)
Can I renew my driving license online in Nepal?
Yes, you can renew your driving license online, visit the DOTM’s official website dotm.gov.np for more information and the application process.
Where can I renew my license in Kathmandu?
You can renew your license from The Department of Transport Management office in Kathmandu.
Where can I renew my license in Pokhara?
You can renew your Driving license from DOTM which is located in the Transport Management Office: Driving License, Prithivi Chowk, Pokhara
Do I need to pay fines for an expired license in Nepal?
You have 3 months or 90 days after your license expires, after this period you will be fined 100% for the first year.
What is the maximum validity of a license in Nepal?
In Nepal, the maximum validity of a Driving License in Nepal is of 5 years.
What document do I need to renew my license in Nepal?
Documents you need to renew your license in Nepal are a citizenship certificate, an expired driving license, and photographs.
Can I renew my license early in Nepal?
Yes, you can renew your driving license early in Nepal.
How to check the status of driving license renewal in Nepal
It is easy to check the status of your license, you can check it on your driver’s license. It has all the information including the expiry date.
How to renew a driving license that has expired more than 90 days in Nepal
You can renew your driving license as usual but as it has exceeded more than 90 days, you will be charged a 100% fine for it.