How to Renew Your Driving License in Nepal – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Learn the complete process of renewing an expired driving license in Nepal with this step-by-step guide covering fees, penalties, medical tests, and required documents.
Renewing an expired driving license in Nepal can feel confusing, especially if you're doing it for the first time. This comprehensive guide walks you through the complete renewal process based on my recent experience at the Birtamod Transportation Office, Jhapa in April 2025.
If you're searching for information on how to renew your expired driving license in Nepal, this step-by-step guide covers everything from required documents to fees, medical tests, and what to expect at each stage of the process.
Even though there's an online application option on the Department of Transport Management website, in reality, you must physically visit the transportation office or a designated medical facility. This guide focuses on the offline process, which is often the simplest and fastest route for most Nepali citizens.
📋 What You'll Need
Make sure to bring the following original documents:
- Your expired driving license (or original revenue bill if smart license hasn't arrived)
- Citizenship certificate
- A pen (to fill in forms)
- Cash for medical and renewal fees
✅ Photocopies are NOT required unless explicitly requested.
🛣️ Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Your License
✅ Step 1: Visit the Nearest Transportation Office
Go to your nearest Department of Transport Management (DOTM) office. In my case, I went to Birtamod, Jhapa.
Ask any staff or guards where the license renewal process begins — they're usually helpful.
🧑⚕️ Step 2: Complete the Medical Checkup
- Go to the medical stall/booth inside the DOTM premises.
- Show your expired license or original revenue bill.
- Pay the medical test fee (I paid Rs. 150, but it might vary).
- Get your medical slip stamped after the checkup.
📝 Keep this stamped medical slip safe — you'll need it for biometrics and verification.
🖐️ Step 3: Do the Biometric Process
After your medical checkup, head to the biometric desk.
You must bring
- The stamped medical slip
- Your citizenship
- Your expired license
There, they will:
- Take your thumbprint scan
- Click a photo
- Log your biometric data
⚠️ If you applied online, you may not need to do biometrics again, but you must still do the medical checkup within 3 days of submitting the form.
📄 Step 4: Verify Your Medical Slip
After biometrics, go to the medical verification counter.
- Submit your stamped medical slip.
- Staff will verify your health clearance.
❓ Not sure where the verification counter is? Ask the guard or people in line.
💰 Step 5: Calculate and Confirm Renewal Fees
Go to the license billing/payment desk.
- Show your expired license.
- They'll check how long your license has been expired.
- Based on this, they'll tell you how much you need to pay.
💸 Standard Renewal Fees for Nepal Driving License
The Department of Transport Management (DOTM) has set the following renewal fees based on vehicle categories:
| Vehicle Type | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle/Scooter | Rs. 1,500 |
| Small Vehicle | Rs. 2,000 |
| Medium Vehicle | Rs. 2,500 |
| Large Vehicle | Rs. 3,000 |
🛑 Important Note: If your license includes multiple categories (e.g., both motorcycle and car), you pay only the highest category fee.
⚠️ Late Renewal Penalty Rates for Expired Licenses
The Nepal government imposes penalties if you renew your license after 90 days from the expiry date. These penalties increase based on how long your license has been expired:
| Time After Expiry | Penalty Rate |
|---|---|
| Within 90 days | No fine |
| 90 days – 1 year | +100% fine |
| 1 – 2 years | +200% fine |
| 2 – 3 years | +300% fine |
| 3 – 4 years | +400% fine |
| 4 – 5 years | +500% fine |
✅ Real Example: In my case, since more than 90 days had passed, I was fined Rs. 3,000 (100% penalty on the base fee of Rs. 1,500 for a motorcycle license).
🧾 Step 6: Fill in the Payment Voucher
You'll receive a payment voucher form.
Information to Fill in the Form
- Your name
- License number
- Phone number
- Address
- The correct amount to be paid
Then, pay at the designated payment counter.
🖊️ Bring a pen — you'll need it to fill the form.
🧾 Step 7: Collect the Payment Receipt
After payment:
- Wait about 2–3 hours.
- You'll be given a payment slip (receipt) for your renewed license.
Important Information About the Receipt
- It acts as your temporary license.
- Use it until your smart license card is printed and ready for pickup.
✅ Final Checklist
- Visit transportation office
- Complete medical test
- Do biometrics
- Verify medical
- Get billing info and pay
- Collect payment slip
- Wait for your smart license to arrive
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions About License Renewal in Nepal
1. Do I need to go to the transportation office even if I apply for license renewal online?
👉 Yes, at least for the medical test. Even with online applications, you must visit a DOTM office or authorized medical facility within 3 days. Biometrics may be optional for online renewals.
2. How long does the whole license renewal process take in Nepal?
👉 If you arrive early (before 10 AM), the entire process can be completed in one day (2–4 hours max). The busiest times are typically mid-month, so try to avoid those days if possible.
3. Can I drive with the payment slip after renewing my license?
👉 Yes, the payment slip acts as your temporary renewed license until you receive the smart card. Keep it with you while driving as traffic police will accept it as proof of renewal.
4. What happens if my license has been expired for more than 5 years?
👉 If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to retake the driving test. Contact your local DOTM office for specific requirements in such cases.
✍️ Final Thoughts on Renewing Your Driving License in Nepal
Renewing your expired driving license in Nepal is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. The offline renewal process at your local Department of Transport Management office is often the most efficient way to get your license renewed quickly.
Key points to remember:
- Bring all required original documents (expired license, citizenship certificate)
- Complete the medical test at the DOTM premises
- Be prepared to pay both the renewal fee and any applicable penalties
- Keep your payment slip safe as it serves as your temporary license
Don't hesitate to ask staff or other people in line for help — most are friendly and willing to assist you through the process.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you renew your driving license in Nepal smoothly and without confusion! If you found it helpful, please share it with friends and family who might need to renew their licenses soon.